USED CARS - Hybrid Cars

EPA fuel economy changes are on the way

Since fuel economy is of keen interest to most hybrid car, truck and SUV buyers, we've included EPA mileage estimates for each model as a comparative measure of economy. In real-world mixed driving, however, fuel economy falls short of these estimates. Still, the numbers are revealing when used to compare vehicles. To read more about how the EPA calculates its estimates, visit FuelEconomy.gov (http://www.fueleconomy.gov). This website also has reports from real car owners and drivers about their actual mileage, not just the EPA estimates.

Due to recent challenges from the Automobile Association of America (AAA) and other consumer groups, the EPA has evaluated how it calculates fuel economy. The AAA claims that EPA estimates don't accurately reflect what a consumer can expect from regular driving. This challenge has resulted in a new method to be used starting in 2008. EPA mileage estimates have always been calculated based on a mathematical formula, but now the new numbers are supposed to be closer to what drivers can expect in real world driving. For 2007, a calculator is included on the EPA website that approximates what mileage figures would be using the new technique. The available data is better than ever due to these changes. A number of reviewers, including Consumer Reports and Consumer Guide, list the actual mileage observed in tests, as well as the EPA figures. This provides another helpful tool in gauging expectations.

Available tax credits and special privileges (such as carpool lane access) have traditionally been a part of the hybrid buying decision, as legislation designed to encourage cleaner technologies was enacted as part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. For a full explanation of tax credits and to check availability, see: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/tax_hybrid.shtml

Compact hybrid cars

The Toyota Prius (*est. $22,175 to $23,070) is the best-selling gas-electric hybrid car in the world, and it continues to gain in popularity. Real-world fuel economy has a lot to do with its success. In addition, the Prius produces very low amounts of exhaust emissions and is considered tops among the ranks of environmentally-friendly vehicles. Compared to the average new car, pollution is cut by almost 90%, according to calculations by Toyota. It meets California SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) and PZEV (Partial Zero Emission Vehicle) standards.

Power is provided by Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive System, which consists of an electric motor assisted by a gasoline engine. The electric motor is used to power the vehicle at low speeds and to help with acceleration at higher speeds. The gasoline engine does not operate at all when the vehicle is stopped or is being driven at lower, city-driving speeds, but it kicks in as the primary power source at highway speeds. The Prius is available only in one trim level, but various option packages include goodies such as an alarm, GPS navigation system, vehicle skid-control system, special lights and more. Four-wheel antilock brakes and traction control are standard, but crash test results are only so-so.

Another plus in reviews is that the Toyota Prius has plentiful cargo space. There is comfortable seating for four adults. Edmunds.com likes the utility of the hatchback and praises the Prius's excellent build quality. They add that the Toyota Prius as a "full-featured midsize family sedan that just so happens to be the most fuel-efficient and earth-friendly sedan on the market as well." Several other reviewers also rank the Prius highly. They say it has a unique, recognizable design, a modern interior and handy hatchback; testers like the fact that the Prius doesn't look like every other car on the road. However, one reviewer does comment that the air conditioning had trouble during hot trips (tinting the windows could help).

Fuel economy for the Prius remains excellent; although the world now knows that the Prius does not come very close to the "old" EPA mileage estimates. Mileage calculated using the new test standards adopted for 2008 are 48 mpg/city, 45 mpg/highway or 46 mpg combined. Real user data supports these new figures as Prius owners reported their mileage to the EPA at an average of 45.3 mpg.

The competing Honda Civic Hybrid ( (*est. $22,600 to $24,350) , depending on options) is built on the standard Civic platform. Although other Civics are available as coupes or hatchbacks, the hybrid Civic is only available as a four-door sedan. The Civic lineup was redesigned for 2006, when the Civic won Motor Trend's Car of the Year award. The Honda Civic Hybrid also won an award at IntelliChoice for 2007 as the best value among compact cars.

Honda's hybrid system differs from Toyota's. Whereas Toyota's system is an electric motor assisted by a gasoline engine, Honda uses a gasoline engine assisted by an electric motor when extra power is needed. This system is called "Integrated Motor Assist" or IMA for short, and it’s also used in other Honda hybrid cars, like the Honda Accord Hybrid. The latest version of the Civic's IMA allows it to be powered by electric power alone under certain driving conditions, such as low speed cruising. However, the Civic Hybrid just about universally fails to impress reviewers with its performance, with CNet.com calling the Civic's acceleration "decidedly underwhelming."

The Honda Civic Hybrid car is only available with a constantly variable transmission (CVT). EPA estimated fuel economy is excellent, and owners reported an average mileage to the EPA of 43 mpg, which is about 30 percent better than other Civic sedans. The Civic Hybrid meets the EPA's Partial Zero Emissions standard.

In reviews that compare the Toyota Prius and Honda Civic Hybrid, the Prius usually gets the nod. However, experts still find a lot to like about the Honda Civic Hybrid. Honda Civics are a proven entity with traditionally high resale value, good fuel economy and low maintenance costs, adding to the Civic Hybrid's long-term appeal. Also, the Civic comes loaded with safety equipment and scores well in crash tests, earning praise in reviews. However, the Civic Hybrid has less trunk space than the non-hybrid Civic due to battery storage. Also, because of the position of the battery, the rear seats do not fold down.

Mid-sized hybrid sedans

The Prius hatchback and Civic hybrid sedan are compact cars -- although they each have a backseat, they won't be as comfortable for four adults as a larger car such as the Toyota Camry and some other mid-sized hybrid sedans. Since these are larger cars, fuel economy is not as impressive. The Toyota Camry Hybrid (*est. $26,860) is part of the completely redesigned Camry line for 2007. In terms of reviewer recommendations, it easily leads the field among hybrid cars. However, while reviewers all seem to like the Camry Hybrid, they do not necessarily like everything about it.

At Edmunds.com, they call the Camry Hybrid the most balanced hybrid yet. CNet.com's editors call it spectacular, although they add that it "splutters and judders" as it switches between gas and electric power sources. InsideLine.com reviewers, on the other hand, say that the Camry Hybrid has the most seamless transition between electric motor and gasoline engine that they have tested. InsideLine reviewers also revealed that their test driver described the Camry Hybrid as feeling like an "an ice cream truck" when testing it at the track. They add that trunk space is very limited and that the car has a hard time with steep uphill climbs.

The Camry comes with an impressive list of standard features, and the only options are a power moonroof, leather interior, heated front seats and a navigation system. Safety features include front airbags, front seat side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags for both front and rear seats, driver's knee airbag, a tire pressure monitoring system and antilock brakes (ABS). Also standard is a system that electronically controls braking force and the electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) system, as well as VSC (Vehicle Stability Control), which adjusts car handling to correct over-steer, under-steer, loss of traction, braking, etc. to result in better overall vehicle control. Crash test results are impressive overall.

The Toyota Camry uses the same Hybrid Synergy Drive System as the Prius. Fuel economy for the Camry Hybrid is 33 mpg/city, 34 mpg/highway or 34 combined, using the 2008 EPA test standards. Magazine reviewers have occasionally failed to attain even these figures.

The Saturn Aura is a new vehicle for 2007, and the Aura lineup includes the Saturn Aura Green Line Hybrid (*est. $22,370) . Reviewers generally like the Aura, which is built on the same GM Epsilon platform as several other GM offerings, arguably with the best suspension tuning and styling. At Autoweek, they call the Aura the "best sedan in the brand's history."

The Aura Green Line is called a "mild hybrid" as it does not use an electric motor to power the car. Instead, Saturn’s Belt Alternator Starter system (BAS) uses a special starter motor to turn the engine until a certain RPM is reached. The engine starts operating on gasoline at a higher speed than normal, which saves fuel, and is shut down when the vehicle is coasting, braking or stopped.

Although fuel economy is better than what was achieved in other vehicles using this technology, reviewers usually feel that the BAS system might not offer enough fuel conservation to satisfy environmentalists -- or enough sophistication to interest most techies. On the other hand, the opinion of many is that mainstream America, interested in a reasonable price and good fuel economy, will like it.

The Saturn Aura Green Line accelerates and cruises well, while delivering a 25 percent fuel economy improvement when compared to the Aura with the standard engine. It is also the least expensive hybrid in this class. Using the new test standards adopted for 2008, mileage estimates are 24 mpg/city, 32 mpg/highway or 27 mpg combined.

Reviewers generally like the experience of driving the Aura Green Line Hybrid, claiming that it has a European feel and is sportier than the Toyota Camry Hybrid. In a review at Autoweek, the tester claimed that engine starts and stops were no more noticeable than in other hybrids they have tested. They note that all Aura Hybrids come with GM's stability control system, StabiliTrak, as standard equipment. Crash test results are excellent.

The Honda Accord Hybrid (*est. $31,090 to $33,090) is built on the regular Accord platform, which was last updated in 2003. It uses the same hybrid system found in the Civic hybrid. The V6 Accord Hybrid also features Variable Cylinder Management (VCM). This system shuts down the three rear cylinders under a light load to save fuel. VCM is currently not available on non-hybrid cars in the Accord lineup.

In reviews, experts like the Accord's rigid chassis, claiming that the Accord is fun to drive due to its outstanding road manners. Handling is described as nimble, with responsive lane changes. Consumer Guide describes the automatic transmission as smooth, and they like the Accord's steering, handling and build quality. Motor Trend praises the Accord's quiet ride, roomy cabin and cushy seats. Five can be seated comfortably. However, the battery pack does consume some of the trunk space.

Fuel economy for the Honda Accord Hybrid -- using the "old" EPA mileage estimates -- are 28 mpg/city, 35 mpg/highway or 31 combined. However, the EPA website also has mileage calculated using the new test standards adopted for 2008. These numbers are more accurate at 24 mpg/city, 32 mpg/highway or 27 combined. That's lower than the estimates for the Saturn Aura and Toyota Camry hybrids. The Honda Accord also costs more than most hybrid cars, but reviews say this has nothing to do with its hybrid technology. Rather, the Accord Hybrid costs more because it includes as standard nearly every Honda option. With a zero-to-60 time of about 6.7 seconds, the performance-oriented Accord is also the faster hybrid car. Crash results are good, but not as good as the best in this category. Honda has said it will be discontinuing the Accord Hybrid after the current model year.

The Nissan Altima Hybrid (*est. $24,990) is only available at present in the eight states that have adopted California emissions regulations. The car uses drivetrain technology that’s licensed from Toyota and similar to that in the Toyota Camry. Reviewers generally like the experience of driving the Altima Hybrid, claiming that it’s sportier than the Toyota Camry Hybrid. At Car and Driver, the Altima Hybrid's zero-to-60 time was clocked at 7.4 seconds. The Altima Hybrid uses a detuned, 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that kicks in another 40 horsepower, as well as a CVT transmission. A review in the Sacramento Bee, however, noted disappointment with the "jolts" and "thunks" observed when the Altima's powertrain was switching between electric and gas power.

Fuel economy for the Altima Hybrid using the "old" EPA mileage estimates are 42 mpg/city, 36 mpg/highway or 39 mpg combined. However, the EPA website also has mileage calculated using the new test standards adopted for 2008. These numbers are more accurate at 35 mpg/city, 33 mpg/highway or 34 mpg combined. Car and Driver was not impressed with the real world fuel economy of the Altima Hybrid, claiming that in their tests they got only 23 or 24 mpg. Luggage capacity is cut in half from the gas-only version due to battery pack in the trunk. Crash test results are not bad, but drop to four stars for rear passengers in side-impact collisions.

The Lexus GS 450 Hybrid (*est. $54,900) is based on the Lexus' GS series of midsize luxury sport sedans. Lexus tuned this hybrid version to compete with European V8 sport sedans, leading some reviewers to call it a "performance hybrid." The car’s powerful, 450 horsepower engine is capable of propelling the car from zero to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds.

The Lexus GS 450 Hybrid features lots of high-tech luxury features and a luxurious interior. The suspension can be set to a "sport" setting, and includes an optional active stabilizer system to reduce body roll for hard cornering. At Edmunds.com, they claim that the 450 Hybrid is a "nice blend of sport sedan performance and touring sedan comfort."

In a long-term test at Road and Track, the editors claim that after 60% of the test period, the Lexus GS 450 Hybrid's service record has been good, although they have not explained how they managed to spend $940 for maintenance in just over 21,000 miles. Road and Track notes that the loss of luggage space for batteries was judged to be a major inconvenience by testers. Some reviewers do not like the 2-ratio CVT transmission. Mileage using the 2008 test standards is 22 mpg/city, 25 mpg/highway or 23 mpg combined -- so obviously you trade fuel economy for power and interior comfort. The GS 450 Hybrid has not yet been subjected to government crash testing, and crash test data for sister vehicles without hybrid power is not available.

Compact hybrid SUVs

For the 2007 model year, there's been a relative explosion of hybrid SUVs, including smaller, more fuel efficient models, as well as larger hybrid SUVs. The compact Ford Escape Hybrid ( (*est. $26,900 to $28,525) , depending on options) is built on the standard Ford Escape SUV platform. The Escape Hybrid engine is the same 2.3-liter gasoline engine used in other versions of the Ford Escape, but in the hybrid, the engine is tuned to use slightly less air and fuel. The power train system is similar to the ones in Toyota hybrids such as the Prius.

The Escape Hybrid has reaped its share of critical acclaim. For example, Edmunds.com dubs the Escape Hybrid SUV "a very capable small SUV" and notes that the cabin is spacious. This review also praises the Escape's car-like handling. Though it does not earn a best buy rating, the Ford Escape nonetheless scores high marks at Consumer Guide, where editors like its maneuverability, cargo room and visibility. It does win a Best Buy designation at Intellichoice.com.

The Escape Hybrid uses a system similar to that in the Toyota Prius -- a "full" or "parallel" hybrid powertrain. This means that it can be driven by its gasoline engine, its electric motor or both at the same time. The Ford Escape Hybrid comes with 4-wheel anti-lock brakes standard, but it only does so-so in crash tests. Full-length side-curtain airbags are an available option.

Fuel economy for the front wheel drive (FWD) Ford Escape Hybrid using the new test standards adopted for 2008 is listed at 31 mpg/city, 29 mpg/highway or 30 mpg combined -- pretty high for any small SUV. The four-wheel drive (4WD) version doesn't do quite as well. Motor Trend tested the 4WD Escape Hybrid and got 34 mpg in city driving and 25.7 mpg on the highway. Motor Trend calls these numbers "impressive."

The Mercury Mariner Hybrid (*est. $27,950) is a sister vehicle to the Ford Escape Hybrid. Due to the success of the Escape Hybrid, the Mariner Hybrid was introduced a year earlier than planned. In reviews, experts consider it to be an alternative to the Ford Escape Hybrid that offers more style and luxury. Although the Mariner uses the same platform and powertrain as the Escape, it sports distinctive styling and other touches that help make it an upscale vehicle. Some of these touches are found in the interior -- two-tone suede and leather seats, as well as aluminum and chrome color accents. The Mariner is built with more sound insulation than the Escape, and it’s fairly quiet when driven.

Unlike the Escape, the Mariner Hybrid is only available with an all-wheel-drive powertrain, and it uses a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Standard interior features include a premium sound system with a six-disc in-dash CD player, power windows, power door locks, keyless entry with a driver's door keypad, power mirrors and auto dimming rearview mirror. Other interior features include speed control, power driver's seat and an anti-theft system. It also has special 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, a roof rack, power steering with electric assist and four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes. An upgrade package includes a navigation system, side-curtain airbags, front-seat side-impact air bags, a reverse sonar system, heated mirrors and heated seats.

Fuel economy for the Mariner Hybrid (using 2008 test standards) is 28 mpg/city, 27 mpg/highway or 27 mpg combined. In a review at the Boston Globe, the reviewer tested the Mariner Hybrid and got 26.02 mpg -- pretty close to the estimate. In government crash tests, the Mariner Hybrid did okay, but not outstanding.

The Saturn Vue Green Line (*est. $23,495) was introduced in late 2006 as a 2007 model. It uses the same BAS system as the Saturn Aura Green Line that provides 20-percent-better overall fuel economy, or up to five mpg more than a gas-powered Vue. The engine is shut down at stops and uses captured energy during from regenerative braking. The electric motor/generator is used during launch, wide-open throttle and on the highway at times. Critics say the BAS system is not the best in terms of reducing fuel consumption, but it is simpler than most others and helps the Vue Green Line sell for considerably less than competing small SUVs, so it's a great value.

In a review in the Boston Globe, Royal Ford praises the Vue in general, saying that the Vue behaved much like a normal four-cylinder SUV. Likewise, Automobile magazine writer Kevin Wilson is impressed with the Vue's combination of utility, price and fuel economy, though he adds that environmentalists and those interested in new technologies might not be as pleased.

EPA fuel economy for the Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid is about 23 mpg/city, 29 mpg/highway or 26 mpg combined using the new 2008 standards. In the review at the Boston Globe, the Vue delivered an impressive 26.2 miles per gallon.

The Saturn Vue Green Line receives the best crash-test results of any small hybrid SUV, garnering perfect 5 star ratings all around. The Vue also can be safely flat towed behind a motor home, which might endear it to some potential purchasers.

Larger hybrid SUVs

More money gets you a bigger hybrid SUV with more luxury features and correspondingly lower gas mileage (though still better than all-gas SUVs). The Lexus RX 400h (*est. $41,180 to $42,580, depending on options) is a luxury performance hybrid SUV. Based on the conventional Lexus RX 330 and built on a Toyota Camry platform, the Lexus hybrid SUV is only available in one trim level. The list of standard luxury items includes leather upholstery, reclining second-row seats, alloy wheels, stability and traction control, moonroof, navigation system and more. There are only three available options: heated front seats, a DVD entertainment system and an upgraded audio system.

The Lexus RX 400h Hybrid SUV is powered by Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system and equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). According to reports, the RX 400h is fast, capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 7.2 seconds, and is rated at 268 horsepower.

Though it does not get a lot of recommendations as the best hybrid SUV, the Lexus RX 400h is nonetheless well liked in reviews. Edmunds.com calls the RX 400h a "seamless combination of luxury amenities and hybrid technology." Car and Driver praises the performance of the Lexus hybrid SUV: "the Lexus uses hybrid technology to expand both its performance and efficiency parameters, not just to turn it into a model of miserly motoring." The most frequent criticism of the Lexus hybrid SUV is its high price. In addition, a long-term test of the Lexus RX400h at Car and Driver revealed that it did not achieve advertised fuel economy and that maintenance costs were high. Reviewers at CNet.com do not like the feel of the power steering, claiming it's sometimes rough.

Fuel economy for the FWD Lexus RX 400h is rated at 28 mpg/city, 25 mpg/highway or 26 mpg combined -- 27 mpg/city, 25 mpg/highway or 26 mpg combined for the AWD version. Both of those estimates use the revised EPA testing standards for 2008. However, Car and Driver’s long term test of the 4WD version of the Lexus RX400h revealed a lower average of 24 mpg over 40,000 miles. There are no crash test results available for the Hybrid version of the RX 400h.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV (*est. $32,490 to $36,550) does not deliver the same level of luxury or as many high-tech touches, but it is otherwise similar to the Lexus RX 400h. It comes in both 4WD and FWD versions, with two trim levels. All models seat seven, a first for a hybrid vehicle. The upgraded Limited edition comes with leather upholstery, special interior trim and custom climate control. Like all Toyota hybrids, power is delivered using the company’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system, and like the Lexus hybrid, the Highlander is quick.

The Highlander Hybrid comes standard with ABS, front-seat side airbags and head curtain airbags for the first and second rows of seats. Stability and traction control systems are also standard and are designed into the hybrid drive train. The Highlander Hybrid has not been subjected to government crash testing, but it did well in the independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) front offset crash tests.

Reviewers seem to like the Toyota Highlander Hybrid overall, and it's a better value than the related Lexus SUV. Edmunds.com says that the Highlander is "an excellent family SUV that accommodates the needs of most SUV buyers while delivering the benefits of hybrid technology." And the Highlander Hybrid's performance was noted during Motor Trend's preview tests where a passenger quips, "Geez, this thing's fast."

Fuel economy for the 4WD Highlander Hybrid is 27 mpg/city, 25 mpg/highway or 26 mpg combined -- using 2008 estimates. However, a test at the Boston Globe yielded an average of just 22.9 mpg.

Important Considerations: Hybrid cars

The following is what the experts say you should know when choosing a hybrid vehicle. To decide which hybrid car is right for you, or whether you should buy a hybrid car at all, consider the following:

• Hybrid cars cost more than standard powered versions of the same vehicle. Depending on the car’s cost, fuel economy and your driving habits, it may take a long time to pay back this price premium with fuel savings. At Consumer Reports (as well as in many other reviews), editors say you'll probably just barely recoup the extra cost of a hybrid in five or six years.

• The cost of replacement of batteries in hybrids is not fully understood at this time. Some day, the battery packs in most hybrids will require replacement. Many hybrid cars are still under warranty, but after-warranty replacement costs are unclear.

• The federal government offers some tax credits for the purchase of hybrid cars. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT) states that consumers and businesses can earn federal income tax credits for buying or leasing fuel-efficient hybrid-electric vehicles. Tax credits range from $250 to $2,600 and depend on the fuel economy and the weight of the vehicle. A table of estimated tax credits is provided at http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/tax_hybrid.shtml.

• Tax credits will be phased out once a manufacturer has sold 60,000 of eligible vehicles. Toyota has sold enough hybrid vehicles that tax-credit money for Toyota and Lexus brands is almost depleted. High-income individuals are not eligible for hybrid-car tax credits. Those persons who pay the alternative minimum federal income tax do not qualify for the tax credit. Tax credits may only be applied to standard taxes. Tax credits for Nissan, Honda and Saturn vehicles are higher than for any hybrid sold by Toyota or Lexus.

• Fuel economy of hybrids varies greatly and might not match your expectations. Many critics said that published estimates have up to now been wildly different compared to real-world results. In response, the EPA has introduced new testing methods that will take effect with the 2008 model year. Mileage estimates using the 2008 testing standards are also available for current-year and older vehicles from the EPA website. As they more accurately reflect real-world driving conditions, all estimates provided in our report use the new 2008 testing standards.

• A full hybrid car uses two different power sources. An electric motor and an internal-combustion engine work together to power the vehicle. The engine keeps the batteries charged and assists when more power is needed, such as during quick starts.

• A strategy called regenerative braking is used in hybrid cars to recharge the batteries. Conventional vehicles turn all of the kinetic energy of the moving vehicle into heat. In vehicles with regenerative braking systems, much of the kinetic energy is turned into electrical energy by turning the hybrid car's electric motors backwards to generate electricity, which charges the batteries.

• Mild hybrids do not use an electric motor to power the vehicle. Instead, a special starter motor is used to turn the engine until a certain RPM is reached, while also driving the wheels. The engine starts operating on gasoline at a higher speed than normal, saving fuel. The engine is shut down when the vehicle is coasting, braking or stopped. Fuel savings is not nearly as dramatic with mild hybrids as it is with full hybrids, although with the latest "Green Line" versions of the Saturn Vue and Aura, GM has achieved much better results than the earlier GMC Sierra/Chevrolet Silverado mild hybrids.

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of Picks	Model (with retailer links)	Details from Edmunds.com
9	Toyota Camry Hybrid (*est. $26,860)	details
5	Toyota Prius (*est. $22,175 to $23,070)	details
4	Honda Civic Hybrid (*est. $22,600 to $24,350)	details
4	Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid (*est. $23,495)	details
4	Saturn Aura Green Line Hybrid (*est. $22,370)	details
3	Ford Escape Hybrid (*est. $26,900 to $28,525)	details
3	Nissan Altima Hybrid (*est. $24,990)	details
3	Toyota Highlander Hybrid (*est. $32,490 to $36,550)	details
1 each	Honda Accord Hybrid , GM Sierra / Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid , Lexus RX 400h , Lexus GS 450 , Lexus LS 600h (2008)

As the above chart indicates, the mid-sized Toyota Camry and compact Toyota Prius get the lion's share of recommendations. The toughest competition for the Prius comes from the Honda Civic Hybrid, but reviewers usually prefer the Prius for fuel economy reasons, although the Honda scores higher in safety. Among mid-sized hybrids, the Camry easily bests its traditional competitor -- the soon-to-be-discontinued Honda Accord. However the Saturn Aura Green Line is a "mild hybrid" that is simple, fun-to-drive and a good value, even if some don’t feel it goes far enough in reducing fuel consumption. Among small SUV hybrids, the Ford Escape Hybrid is considered, and the Saturn Vue Green Line is earning praise.

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