The article quoted was written mainly to show that hybrids don't necessarily save the owners any money at current ( 2008 ) gas prices, compared to other cars.

Surprise, surprise: turns out purchase price is one of the biggest factors in total cost of ownership (TCO).

And... turns out the winner was a base Aveo hatchback, 1.6L, manual transmission.

the new Edmunds TCO study uses purchase price, depreciation and the average annual costs of fuel, financing, insurance, routine maintenance and repairs based on five years of ownership at 15,000 miles a year to compute the cost-per-mile of the hybrids and the least expensive conventional models in every manufacturer's lineup.
Lowest TCO over 5 years, 2008 data:

  1. $0.427/mi. - Chevrolet Aveo "Special Value" 4-door hatchback, 1.6, 5-speed manual
  2. $0.429/mi. - Hyundai Accent GS, 2-door hatchback, 1.6, 5 speed manual
  3. $0.442/mi. - Honda Fit, 4-door hatchback, 1.5, 5 speed manual
  4. $0.445/mi. - Toyota Yaris 2-door hatchback, 1.5, 5-speed manual
  5. $0.455/mi. - Honda Civic DX, 1.8, 5-speed manual
  6. $0.463/mi. - Mazda3 iSport, 2.0, 5-speed manual
  7. $0.464/mi. - Kia Rio sedan, 1.6, 5-speed manual
  8. $0.467/mi. - Scion XB wagon, 2.4, 5-speed manual
  9. $0.468/mi. - Toyota Corolla CE sedan, 1.8, 5-speed manual

34th place: Toyota Prius - 49.4 cents a mile

Source: "Hybrids Don't Shine in True Cost To Own Study" Green Car Advisor