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 Home > Top 10 green cars By Kelley Blue Book

Top 10 green cars By Kelley Blue Book

1. Toyota Prius
Toyota introduced the first generation of the Prius in the United States
in mid-2000, the second generation for model year 2004, and the newest
model, the third generation, last year as a 2010 model. Prices begin at
$22,800. This one, as expected, is the best one yet. It has EPA ratings of
51 mpg city/48 highway versus 48 city/45 highway for the previous
generation. My first-generation Prius, which I owned until about six months
ago, usually averaged about 42 mpg in everyday use, which was a mixture of
city and highway driving.The Prius continues to feature a full-hybrid
system, which allows the car to run on either the electric motor or the
gasoline engine, or a combination of the two. The nickel-metal-hydride
battery pack, under the rear seat, recharges while the gasoline engine is
running or the car is decelerating.
2. Honda Insight hybrid
The new Insight hatchback has a base price of $19,800, making it the
lowest-priced hybrid in the U.S. market. That price is for the entry-level
LX model. The uplevel EX model lists for $21,300, and the EX with a
satellite navigation system will sell for $23,100. Official EPA ratings are
40 city/43 highway, achieved using a combination of a four-cylinder gasoline
engine with intelligent variable valve timing and an electric motor.
3. Ford Fusion Hybrid
The Ford Fusion Hybrid sedan is new for 2010. It has a clone in the
Mercury brand, known as the Milan. EPA ratings are 41 city/36 highway for
both. A Lincoln version is on the way for model year 2011, using the same
technology and getting the same fuel economy. It's the MKZ Hybrid, and it
will have more standard amenities than the Ford and Mercury versions. The
Fusion Hybrid begins at $27,950, while the Milan Hybrid lists for $28,180.
4. Volkswagen Golf TDI
The 2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI (which stands for “turbo-diesel injection) is a
three- or five-door hatchback and has no electric motor, just a very-efficient
four-cylinder clean diesel that achieves EPA ratings of 30 city/42 highway.
Prices begin at $22,155 for the three-door version and $22,760 for the five-door
model.
5. Mini Cooper
The Mini Cooper has neither an electric motor nor a diesel engine — just a
gasoline engine that gives us 28 mpg city/37 highway. Besides the great fuel
economy, this is a cute and fun little car with a surprising amount of space for
the front-seat occupants. Even tall people fit easily into this car, which
begins at $18,800.
6. Ford Escape Hybrid
The Ford Escape Hybrid has a drive system quite similar to the one in the Fusion
Hybrid. In this instance, though, the vehicle is a compact crossover, rather
than a sedan. There is a Mercury version of this as well — the Mariner Hybrid.
EPA fuel economy for both is 34 city/31 highway. Prices for the Escape Hybrid
begin at $29,860 and for the Mariner Hybrid at $30,105.
7. Honda Fit
Honda Fit is a subcompact that is neither a hybrid nor a diesel. It has a small
gasoline engine that gives it EPA ratings of 28 city/35 highway with the
five-speed automatic transmission or 27/33 with the five-speed manual. It's
actually a fun little car to drive and has a starting price of $14,900.
8. BMW 335d sedan
The BMW 335d sedan comes with a six-cylinder diesel engine and EPA ratings of 23
city/36 highway. It's not cheap, though. As a BMW luxury car, it carries a base
price of $43,950. But it's a BMW, after all, so it will be loads of fun to
drive. And that highway fuel economy is a real plus.
9. Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Tthe Toyota Highlander Hybrid, a midsize crossover utility vehicle seats for up
to seven people and fuel economy ratings of 27 city/25 highway. Prices begin at
$34,900.
10. Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid is a a full-size American sport utility vehicle and
offers seating for up to eight people, great trailer-towing capacity and EPA
ratings of 21 city/22 highway.
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