If you like the focus, do what I did and get a Ford C-Max Hybrid. It's just a tall Focus with a hybrid powertrain. Nobody knows what this car is, but it's really great. Easily gets 40-50 mpg, nice and spacious inside. More comfortable and more fun to drive than a Prius (we compared to a Prius V, RAV4, and Escape). Lots of cool and convenient options to add on (everything from nav and leather to a power liftgate and automated parking). And compared to any other hybrid, it's stupid cheap. I leased ours (great incentives), because I figured our family might be bigger in three years and the depreciation will be butt, so definitely lease or go used.

I literally haven't found a downside beyond a befuddling lack of seat memory. We're expecting our first in a couple of months, and it was kind of an impulse buy based on gas mileage, safety, reliability (sold the 11 year old Acura), and novelty. My wife loves the thing. There's not a ton of space in the back (the battery takes up some room on the floor), but a three-person family doesn't need a suburban or a minivan for commuting and reasonable travels. Handles a Costco trip no problem. I've tested it out with a jogging stroller, a Chicco car seat, and luggage. It's fine. With the seats folded, I picked up three huge shelving units from Lowe's, which immediately quelled my regret in giving up the Volvo wagon.

I want to emphasize to people that it's not the same driving experience as a lot of hybrids you might be thinking of. Sure, it's not a Focus ST performance-wise. But it has no problem getting out of its own way, and I was surprised to find that I really enjoy driving it when we take trips to grandma's.

Anyway, I advocate for the C-Max a lot, because nobody ever seems to remember it exists. So that's my spiel.