Hybrid Times

Before gasoline prices took off, the premium paid for a hybrid vehicle wasn’t recouped in the fuel savings, so the cars attracted mostly buyers who felt the environmental benefits outweighed the extra cost. The situation is reversing, according to Consumer Reports, which reviewed 12 hybrids and determined that six of them could generate cost savings between $500 and $4,250. But as one sales rep. said, “… buy a hybrid for the right reasons … the ecological impact, not the savings.”

Of course, the Prius is still king in this arena; this stalwart continues to carry the banner for hybrids after 11 years, having racked up sales of more than one million units globally. In its third generation, the 2009 Prius continues to have the best fuel efficiency of any mid-size car: 48 mpg city and 45 mpg hwy. But that doesn’t mean it’s the only hybrid worth checking out…

For the driver who values economy and efficiency: 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid
The Civic helped Honda put roots in America in 1973, and has been a company staple since. Familiar to many in its sedan, coupe and hatchback iterations, the Civic Hybrid broadens the lineup for the customer who wants a smaller footprint.

Sporting a new stylin’ exterior, more bells and whistles (including XM satellite radio standard with the navigation system), heated front seats and side mirrors, and electronic stability control, the Civic Hybrid is as pretty as it performs. It’s designated an Advanced Technology Partial Zero-Emission Vehicle (AT-PZEV), meaning it meets the most stringent emissions standards of any U.S. gasoline-powered vehicles. It’s also listed in the top 10 models for best resale value, according to Kelley Blue Book.

By the Numbers
40 mpg city | 45 mpg hwy
Continuously Variable Transmission
Starting at $23,550
More bang for your green: Comparable interior space to the BMW, for $20,000 less.

Advanced technology in a sporty, cool package: 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
Nissan’s first U.S. hybrid came to market in the 2007 model year. In the sporty package of its already popular mid-size sedan, there’s no sacrifice in appearance or safety with this hybrid; it shares the same platform, suspension, steering and braking systems and interior and safety features as its non-hybrid brethren.

Certified to meet California emissions requirements, the Altima Hybrid also is sold in states that have adopted the same regulations — Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont. The Altima Hybrid is rated as an Advanced Technology-Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV), emits almost no evaporative emissions and has a projected driving range of up to 700 miles between fill-ups.

By the Numbers
35 mpg city | 33 mpg hwy
eCVT
Starting at $26,650
A Toyota Inside: Not an early adapter for hybrid thinking, at least Nissan knew to go to the source when they finally decided a hybrid made sense for their product lineup.

For the buyer committed to buying domestic: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
With the Mercury Milan Hybrid and the Fusion Hybrid hitting dealerships this spring, along with other hybrids in its lineup, Ford is now the largest domestic hybrid producer in North America. The Fusion Hybrid features a new instrument panel — SmartGauge with EcoGuide — designed to give drivers better feedback to make the most of their hybrids, effectively “coaching” them to drive for maximum fuel efficiency. And Ford boasts its city mpg is at least six mpg better than the Camry Hybrid.

By the Numbers
(EPA-certified mpg not yet available)
Ford est. 39 mpg city | 37 hwy
Electronically Controlled Continuously
Variable Transmission (eCVT)
Starting at $27,270
Extra eco-cred: Ambient lighting system will illuminate front and rear footwells, and front cup holders. The standard cloth seats are made from post-industrial material — stuff that otherwise would have ended up in a landfill, according to Ford.