Top Green Cars for 2008

With gas prices soaring through the roof, having a “green” automobile can save a lot more than just the environment.

There are plenty of vehicles to choose from to satisfy a variety of needs. But if you want a green car for your next big purchase, here are the top options:

Honda Civic Hybrid
Fuel Economy (measured in miles per gallon): 40 city/45 highway

With a 1.3L I4 hybrid engine, the Civic Hybrid performs much better than it’s non-hybrid counterpart (25 & 36 mpg). This vehicle has received a lot of attention in the industry over the past week as it’s claims were called out as being gimmicky. Nonetheless, Yahoo Autos gave it top spot in their Top 100 Green Cars list and until their claims are proven to be false, they should be assumed to be true.

At $24,350, this vehicle also comes with a navigation system so you don’t waste time (or gas) trying to get to your final destination.

Toyota Prius
Fuel Economy (mpg): 48 city/45 highway

Not only is it green, but it’s also an extremely enjoyable vehicle to own. So enjoyable, in fact, that it earned the top position in the J.D. Power and Associates “What Car? 2008 Customer Satisfaction Index”. At $21,100, the Prius quietly delivers the best fuel economy in the industry.

*Note: We are proud to use the Prius for our Digitech delivery vehicles.

Smart Car
Fuel Economy (mpg): 33 city/41 highway

Perhaps one of the trendier green machines, the Smart Car hasn’t caught on nearly as well in the United States as it has in Canada. Running on a 70 HP gasoline engine, the two Smart ForTwo doesn’t fair as well as the hybrid’s it competes with nor does it seem as safe or practical.

Nonetheless, it is very affordable at $14,990 and out-greens every non-hybrid vehicle on the road.

Toyota Camry
Fuel Economy (mpg): 34 city/33 highway

The Camry is a midsize sedan with mega-size savings in store. It offers an impressive 192 HP without sacrificing much when it comes to fuel. When compared to other vehicles in it’s class, J.D. Power & Associates stated that it has a “softer-riding suspension than m

any competing models.”

A smooth, green ride with the comfort of midsize…how can you go wrong?

Honda Accord Hybrid
Fuel Economy (mpg): 28 city, 35 highway

This cool vehicle pushes 235 HP through a V6 engine at peak performance, but can also shut off 3 cylinders for a more economical drive. This Accord is among the top of class for midsize cars and is a rare hybrid vehicle that actually outperforms it’s matching non-hybrid version, although it boasts a mere 1 mpg increase in efficiency.

Toyota Yaris
Fuel Economy (mpg): 29 city, 35 highway

The Toyota Yaris might not be a hybrid, but it provides the most green for your green. In other words, the most environmentally sustainable option at the most affordable price.

The base vehicle will cost you only $14,450 and it also touts the lowest “total cost to own over 5 years” price for the five vehicles on this list, at $33,309 (considering depreciation, fuel cost, financing, insurance, maintenance, taxes, and repairs).

Honorable Mention: MINI Cooper, Honda Fit Sport, Toyota Corolla, Kia Rio5 LX, Hyundai Accent, and Volkswagen Rabbit.

Further Reading:

• The Green Cars of the Future - “Top Green Cars” by MSN Green
• 2007 Automotive Environmental Index by J.D. Power & Associates
• Top 100 Green Cars - Yahoo Autos

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