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Five most fuel efficient cars of 2008
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2008 Toyota Prius
Yes, these are green cars because they save green at the gas pump, even today when fuel is back down to an affordable level. And cars that get great mileage are green, too, because they kick out less of the bad stuff that pollutes the air and contributes to global warming.
So who is the greenest of them all? According to no less an authority than the EPA Green Vehicle Guide, these vehicles rate the "Green Way Elite" status --
1. Toyota Prius tops the list at 48 city, 45 highway. What a surprise.
2. Honda Civic Hybrid, at 40 city, 45 highway. Wait a minute -- the Prius gets better mileage in city driving, and the Civic Hybrid does better on the highway. This is an important consideration when you buy. Where do you do most of your driving?
3. Nissan Altima Hybrid, at 35 city, 33 highway. Nissan leases Toyota's hybrid technology, so it shouldn't be a surprise that this model makes the top three list. The Altima Hybrid is a great performer, and does not get the respect it deserves.
4. Toyota Camry Hybrid, at 33 city, 34 highway. So, since this is the same size sedan and the same hybrid technology as the Altima Hybrid, you have to give Nissan engineers a big hug for squeezing out that extra mileage.
5. Ford Escape Hybrid and its twin, Mercury Mariner Hybrid, both clocking in at 34 city, 30 highway. The only SUV on the EPA's top five list, and the only Detroit models to make the top five list. Ford's hybrids also do not get the respect they deserve. The Escape has become the 'hot' taxi choice in New York City, for its fuel efficiency, interior space, and ruggedness. Sadly, the Mariner is a much over-looked model. But, then, the entire Mercury brand is much over-looked. There's speculation Ford may let the Mercury brand die off, but that's another story.
5-plus. Let's also put the Mazda Tribute Hybrid in here, since it's a kissing cousin to the Escape and the Mariner, with the same 34/30 rating from the EPA, and because Mazda is still part of the Ford family.
Ah, ha, you are probably thinking. Green Car Evelyn forgot to include the Smartfortwo, which gets at least as good mileage as these. Nope. I didn't forget. As smart as the EPA is, it does not include Smartfortwo on its list of Smartway Elite cars.
Will any of these models make the list for 2009? Stay tuned.
For a list of the least green, worst gas guzzlers of 2008, check this article by Green Business Examiner Shawna Bohan.
Photos courtesy Toyota, Nissan, Ford, Smartfortwo
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