May: Best Selling Hybrids

While hybrids don't sell as well as they did in the fuel-spiked summer of 2008, they continue to attract customers who want more mileage and to show a little green to their group of friends.

While hybrids have only been purchased by a small minority (about 3% of the market or less), there are signs that this could increase with the introduction of lower-cost models.

See the full list of the best-selling hybrids here.

May 2009 Sales: 345
Change vs. May 2008: -78.5%
MSRP: $26,650 - $26,650
Invoice: $24,976 - $24,976
Fuel Economy: 33 mpg Hwy, 35 mpg City

The Nissan Altima Hybrid offers performance, comfort, safety, economy, and good looks in this environmentally friendly family sedan.

May 2009 Sales: 345
Change vs. May 2008: -78.5%
MSRP: $26,650 - $26,650
Invoice: $24,976 - $24,976
Fuel Economy: 33 mpg Hwy, 35 mpg City

The front-wheel drive Altima Hybrid sedan comes with a standard 158 horsepower 2.5-liter engine coupled to an electric motor with a rechargeable battery pack.

May 2009 Sales: 345
Change vs. May 2008: -78.5%
MSRP: $26,650 - $26,650
Invoice: $24,976 - $24,976
Fuel Economy: 33 mpg Hwy, 35 mpg City

The Nissan Altima Hybrid is well equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic air conditioning, AM/FM stereo with CD, cruise control, power mirrors, windows and door locks with remote keyless entry.

May 2009 Sales: 393
Change vs. May 2008: -81.8%
MSRP: $42,080 - $43,480
Invoice: $37,870 - $39,130
Fuel Economy: 24 mpg Hwy, 26 mpg City

The Lexus RX 400h was one of the first sedan-based, luxury utility vehicles,and it remains one of the best.

May 2009 Sales: 393
Change vs. May 2008: -81.8%
MSRP: $42,080 - $43,480
Invoice: $37,870 - $39,130
Fuel Economy: 24 mpg Hwy, 26 mpg City

This hybrid crossover is impressively smooth, comfortable, responsive in all driving situations and flexible when it comes to hauling people or cargo.

May 2009 Sales: 393
Change vs. May 2008: -81.8%
MSRP: $42,080 - $43,480
Invoice: $37,870 - $39,130
Fuel Economy: 24 mpg Hwy, 26 mpg City

The hybrid Lexus RX 400h, based on the RX350, is a technological marvel that can run strictly on electric power (yet does not need to be plugged in), and it improves overall fuel economy as much as 30 percent.

May 2009 Sales: 706
Change vs. May 2008: 150.4%
MSRP: $25,925 - $25,925
Invoice: $24,499 - $24,499
Fuel Economy: 34 mpg Hwy, 26 mpg City

The highly anticipated Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid made its' debut in 2008 utilizing GMs "mild hybrid system" which uses a belt-alternator starter (BAS) to assist the gas engine.

May 2009 Sales: 706
Change vs. May 2008: 150.4%
MSRP: $25,925 - $25,925
Invoice: $24,499 - $24,499
Fuel Economy: 34 mpg Hwy, 26 mpg City

The hybrid Malibu uses a 36-volt electric motor/generator coupled with a 164-hp 2.4L Ecotec VVT four-cylinder engine and a four-speed transmission to provide seamless operation to drivers.

May 2009 Sales: 706
Change vs. May 2008: 150.4%
MSRP: $25,925 - $25,925
Invoice: $24,499 - $24,499
Fuel Economy: 34 mpg Hwy, 26 mpg City

Fuel consumption is reduced by using sophisticated controls and software to stop and start the engine in heavy traffic and to recharge the battery by regenerative braking.

May 2009 Sales: 1,351
Change vs. May 2008: -48.9%
MSRP: $34,700 - $41,020
Invoice: $31,577 - $37,122
Fuel Economy: 25 mpg Hwy, 27 mpg City

The Highlander Hybrid is based on the popular Highlander SUV,boasting a more environmentally-friendly gas-electric hybrid enginethat delivers excellent fuel economy and lower emissions.

May 2009 Sales: 1,351
Change vs. May 2008: -48.9%
MSRP: $34,700 - $41,020
Invoice: $31,577 - $37,122
Fuel Economy: 25 mpg Hwy, 27 mpg City

The Highlander Hybrid is available in an all-wheel drive configuration only, with two trim levels: Base and Limited.

May 2009 Sales: 1,351
Change vs. May 2008: -48.9%
MSRP: $34,700 - $41,020
Invoice: $31,577 - $37,122
Fuel Economy: 25 mpg Hwy, 27 mpg City

It employs an advanced Hybrid Synergy Drive system, a 3.3-liter V6 gasoline engine with a high-torque electric drive motor-generator, producing 270 net horsepower.

May 2009 Sales: 1,702
Change vs. May 2008: -20.4%
MSRP: $29,750 - $34,010
Invoice: $27,573 - $31,449
Fuel Economy: 31 mpg Hwy, 34 mpg City

The Escape Hybrid offers buyers an earth-friendly alternative to regular SUV's. Its hybrid system provides reduced emissions, increased mileage, while still providing all the normal useful SUV features.

May 2009 Sales: 1,702
Change vs. May 2008: -20.4%
MSRP: $29,750 - $34,010
Invoice: $27,573 - $31,449
Fuel Economy: 31 mpg Hwy, 34 mpg City

The Escape Hybrid is available in Base or Limited trims with either front or four-wheel drive.

May 2009 Sales: 1,702
Change vs. May 2008: -20.4%
MSRP: $29,750 - $34,010
Invoice: $27,573 - $31,449
Fuel Economy: 31 mpg Hwy, 34 mpg City

The Escape Hybrid is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine linked to an electric motor. The net result is acceleration similar to that of a V6.

May 2009 Sales: 1,877
Change vs. May 2008: N/A
MSRP: $27,270 - $27,270
Invoice: $24,993 - $24,993
Fuel Economy: 36 mpg Hwy, 41 mpg City

The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid offers buyers an earth-friendly alternative to regular mid-size sedans.

May 2009 Sales: 1,877
Change vs. May 2008: N/A
MSRP: $27,270 - $27,270
Invoice: $24,993 - $24,993
Fuel Economy: 36 mpg Hwy, 41 mpg City

Its hybrid system provides reduced emissions, increased fuel economy, while still providing all the normal useful mid-size sedan features.

May 2009 Sales: 1,877
Change vs. May 2008: N/A
MSRP: $27,270 - $27,270
Invoice: $24,993 - $24,993
Fuel Economy: 36 mpg Hwy, 41 mpg City

The Ford Fusion Hybrid uses a 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine in combination with an electric motor powered by a nickel-metal hydride battery.

May 2009 Sales: 2,077
Change vs. May 2008: -55.6%
MSRP: $23,650 - $23,650
Invoice: $21,767 - $21,767
Fuel Economy: 45 mpg Hwy, 40 mpg City

The Civic Hybrid is the flagship example of Honda's hybrid technology in an efficient practical package. It is based off the regular gas-powered Civic that has been a best seller in the compact car market for years.

May 2009 Sales: 2,077
Change vs. May 2008: -55.6%
MSRP: $23,650 - $23,650
Invoice: $21,767 - $21,767
Fuel Economy: 45 mpg Hwy, 40 mpg City

The Civic Hybrid is only available in a sedan model. It is powered by a 1.3-liter four-cylinder gas engine and a light-weight, brushless electric motor.

May 2009 Sales: 2,077
Change vs. May 2008: -55.6%
MSRP: $23,650 - $23,650
Invoice: $21,767 - $21,767
Fuel Economy: 45 mpg Hwy, 40 mpg City

Combined, the gas engine and electric motor produce 110 horsepower and close to 45 mpg on the highway.

May 2009 Sales: 2,780
Change vs. May 2008: N/A
MSRP: $19,800 - $21,300
Invoice: $18,688 - $20,098
Fuel Economy: 43 mpg Hwy, 40 mpg City

The 2010 Honda Insight has returned to the showroom for the first time since the 2006 model year.

May 2009 Sales: 2,780
Change vs. May 2008: N/A
MSRP: $19,800 - $21,300
Invoice: $18,688 - $20,098
Fuel Economy: 43 mpg Hwy, 40 mpg City

The Honda Insight is now a four-door, five-passenger hatchback with a unique aerodynamic shape to help it achieve greater fuel economy.

May 2009 Sales: 2,780
Change vs. May 2008: N/A
MSRP: $19,800 - $21,300
Invoice: $18,688 - $20,098
Fuel Economy: 43 mpg Hwy, 40 mpg City

The Insight is powered by Honda's Integrated Motor Assist system, which is a combination of a 1.3-liter gas engine and a 13-hp electric motor, all attached to a continuously variable transmission.

May 2009 Sales: 2,941
Change vs. May 2008: -51.0%
MSRP: $26,150 - $26,150
Invoice: $23,796 - $23,796
Fuel Economy: 34 mpg Hwy, 33 mpg City

The Toyota Camry Hybrid sedan brings the quality and reliability of the Camry together with increased fuel efficiency. The Camry Hybrid is a front-wheel drive four-door sedan that seats five passengers.

May 2009 Sales: 2,941
Change vs. May 2008: -51.0%
MSRP: $26,150 - $26,150
Invoice: $23,796 - $23,796
Fuel Economy: 34 mpg Hwy, 33 mpg City

The Camry Hybrid is available in one well appointed trim and comes standard with Hybrid Synergy Drive, a combination electric motor/gasoline engine fitted with an efficient, continuously variable transmission.

May 2009 Sales: 2,941
Change vs. May 2008: -51.0%
MSRP: $26,150 - $26,150
Invoice: $23,796 - $23,796
Fuel Economy: 34 mpg Hwy, 33 mpg City

A moonroof, navigation system, leather seats and heated front seats are optional. Standard safety features include stability and traction control, six-airbags, and a tire pressure monitor.

May 2009 Sales: 10,091
Change vs. May 2008: -32.8%
MSRP: $22,000 - $27,270
Invoice: $20,900 - $25,384
Fuel Economy: 48 mpg Hwy, 51 mpg City

The Toyota Prius is a gas-electric hybrid that sets the standard for environmentally-friendly transportation.

May 2009 Sales: 10,091
Change vs. May 2008: -32.8%
MSRP: $22,000 - $27,270
Invoice: $20,900 - $25,384
Fuel Economy: 48 mpg Hwy, 51 mpg City

This front-wheel drive, five-door liftback delivers comfort, value and a smooth ride, as well as impressive fuel economy and low emissions.

May 2009 Sales: 10,091
Change vs. May 2008: -32.8%
MSRP: $22,000 - $27,270
Invoice: $20,900 - $25,384
Fuel Economy: 48 mpg Hwy, 51 mpg City

The Prius is available in four trim levels - Prius II, Prius III, Prius IV and Prius V - with a base Prius I trim scheduled to arrive later in the model year. All trim levels employ Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive.

Find Your Next Vehicle on AOL Autos:

• Car Information
• New Cars for Sale
• Used Cars for Sale


Best Deals of the Month:
• Best Car Deals
• Best Finance Deals
• Best Lease Deals