Cheap Hybrids

MSRP: Starting at $21,000

Fuel Economy: 45 mpg Hwy/48 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, a hybrid powertrain technology that unites a 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine with a powerful electric drive motor to generate 134 combined horsepower, mated to a continuously variable transmission. Every Prius is equipped with a high level of standard equipment: Prius II trims feature 15-inch alloy wheels, power heated mirrors, remote keyless entry with driver door Smart Key passive entry, automatic air conditioning, cruise control, MP3 capability and driver's seat height adjustment; Prius III trims add Bluetooth wireless connectivity, satellite radio and upgraded audio with a 6-disc CD changer; Prius IV trims are further outfitted with heated front seats and leather upholstery, while the Prius V boasts 17-inch alloy wheels and auto-leveling LED low-beam headlights. Standard safety technologies include anti-lock brakes with brake assist, vehicle stability control, traction control and a tire pressure monitor, as well as dual front, front side-impact and front and rear overhead curtain airbags. An optional Advanced Technology Package offers progressive features such as a pre-collision system, radar cruise control, lane keep assist and intelligent parking assist. Hybrid-related components are backed by an 8 year/100,000 mile warranty.

MSRP: Starting at $23,800

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.

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 that is sandwiched between the engine and the CVT transmission. Combined, the gas engine and electric motor produce 110 horsepower and close to 45 mpg on the highway. Standard safety features include anti-lock brakes, six airbags, tire pressure monitoring system and active front head restraints.

MSRP: Starting at $25,925
Fuel Economy: 34 mpg Hwy/26 mpg City

The 2010 Chevy Malibu Hybrid is built on the same platform as the Saturn Aura Hybrid. 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. 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. The nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery is covered by an eight year, 100,000 mile warranty. Standard safety features include front, side-impact, and side curtain airbags, stability control, and traction control. New for 2010, driver power lumbar is standard.

MSRP: Starting at $26,150

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. Available in one well appointed trim it comes standard with Hybrid Synergy Drive, a combination electric motor/gasoline engine fitted with an efficient, continuously variable transmission. The standard warranty for hybrid-related components is 8 years/100,000 miles. 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.

MSRP: Starting at 26,325
Fuel Economy: 34 mpg Hwy/26 mpg City

The Saturn Aura Hybrid is an environmental friendly hybrid family sedan. Its electric motor assists the combustion engine during acceleration and allows the engine to shut off at a stop to save fuel.

The front-wheel drive, five-passenger Aura Hybrid is powered by a 164-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine in conjunction with a regenerative nickel metal hydride battery pack mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. The Aura Hybrid comes with the following standard features: electronic traction and stability control, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, 17-inch alloy wheels, six airbags, automatic climate control, satellite radio, cruise control, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, and power mirrors, windows and door locks with remote keyless entry.

MSRP: Starting at $26,780

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.

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 and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to produce excellent fuel economy. The 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 Intelligent Key. Safety features include traction and stability control, active front head restraints, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with panic assist, front and side airbags, with a side curtain airbag for both front and rear passengers.

MSRP: Starting at $27,625

Fuel Economy: 36 mpg Hwy/41 mpg City

The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid offers buyers an earth-friendly alternative to regular mid-size sedans. Its hybrid system shines with reduced emissions and increased fuel economy, while still providing all the normal useful mid-size sedan features.

The Fusion Hybrid uses a 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine in combination with an electric motor powered by a nickel-metal hydride battery. To link the gas engine and electric motor together, a continuously variable transmission, also known as a CVT, is used to optimally match the power and gearing. Safety features include electronic stability and traction control, security system, dual front and side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags, a driver's knee airbag, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

MSRP: Starting at $27,855

Fuel Economy: 36 mpg Hwy/41 mpg City

The 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid offers buyers an earth-friendly alternative to regular mid-size sedans. Its hybrid system shines with reduced emissions and increased fuel economy, while still providing all the normal useful mid-size sedan features.

The Milan Hybrid uses a 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine in combination with an electric motor powered by a nickel-metal hydride battery. To link the gas engine and electric motor together, a continuously variable transmission, also known as a CVT, is used to optimally match the power and gearing. Safety features include electronic stability and traction control, LED brake lights, security system, dual front and side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags, a driver's knee airbag, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

MSRP: Starting at $28,160

Fuel Economy: 32 mpg Hwy/25 mpg City

The front-wheel drive (FWD) Saturn VUE Hybrid comes with a regenerative nickel metal hydride battery pack in conjunction with either a four-cylinder or a V6 direct injection engine. The four-cylinder is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission and the V6 is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission that incorporates a continuously variable transmission (CVT) component as well. The V6 also uses a two-mode hybrid system that utilizes two electric motors to assist in propelling the vehicle. The exterior design has a sporty style with taut and curving body panels and a tapered rear roofline. Safety features include six airbags: front, side and side-curtain. Also standard is a one-year subscription to GM's OnStar safety and security system that includes automatic crash notification.