Top 10 Green Cars, As outlined by Kelly Blue Book
Submitted by Carson Now Reader on Thu, 05/27/2010 - 1:15am
Kelly Blue Book, ultimate authority on all things with four wheels and an engine, has come out with its Top 10 Green Cars for 2010. The scoring system tries to be all-inclusive, measuring fuel economy and carbon dioxide along with driving enjoyment and safety. While the "green" rating of a car could be measured many ways, these are the green cars that Kelly Blue Book employees will likely be seen driving.
10 - Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
The Chevy Tahoe Hybrid is an argument against any person who calls hybrid weak. This hybrid can tow almost 3 tons with the heavy-duty engine and 22 mpg. That's not a fuel economy rating to write home about, but 6 mpg a lot more than the non-hybrid version.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid - #9
Probably the most well-tested hybrid technology, despite problems with recalls, still could be found in Toyotas. With seating for seven and 26 miles per gallon, the Highlander Hybrid is a family car. Standard all-wheel drive and multi-year reliability make it a good family auto choice without the pain at the pump.
8 - BMW 335d
The BMW name means the BMW 335d has creature comforts most individuals could not even dream of having. The 6-cylinder engine runs on diesel, so with 36 mpg highway and 27 mpg overall, the BMW 335d rivals some hybrids for efficiency.
Honda Fit : Number 7
A lot more fun to drive than other, higher-mpg Honda autos, the 31 mpg Honda Fit gets a spot on the list. Environmental credibility doesn't mean the paddle shifters and powerful oomph aren't fun to drive.
Ford Escape Hybrid - #6
At 32 mpg, the Escape Hybrid also has the room of an SUV. Made by SUV and crossover giant Ford, The Escape Hybrid has lots of "little touches" that make it a better ride. Blind spot mirrors, parallel parking assistance, and the possibly controversial infotainment system all combine for better drivability.
Mini Cooper - #5
Part of the Fiat family, the Mini Cooper offers a 32 mpg engine. While the Mini E is being tested in some cities, just about anyone can get this minuscule green car ride. If you are able to fit into the Mini Cooper, anyway.
Volkswagen Golf TDI - #4
Volkswagen, originators of the high-efficiency diesel engine in mass market cars, has won again with the Golf TDI. With both power and economy, the 34 mpg engine has enough torque to get any vehicle lover's heart going.
3 - Ford Fusion HybridAlmost breaking the 40 mpg barrier, the Ford Fusion Hybrid gets a combined 39 mpg. The Fusion Hybrid has the room of a real mid-size sedan, and the LCD gauge panel is getting lots of attention from auto lovers.
Honda Insight Hybrid - #2
The Honda Insight is the least costly hybrid vehicle accessible, and tops out at $23,810 for a fully-loaded 41 mpg vehicle. A decent audio system, voice-activated navigation, Bluetooth and more can make you forget that your ride is helping cut down on fuel usage, too.
Toyota Prius : Number 1The grandfather and still champion of hybrid efficiency, the newest Toyota plug-in Prius gets 50 mpg. Solar-powered ventilation and other green technology gives this hybrid plenty of green cred - and also the gas-assisted engine won't die out a 3rd of the way through your road trip.
if (WIDGETBOX) WIDGETBOX.renderWidget('05fa295d-3107-44be-bdc4-a1ef43b24481');Get the Daily Stock Market Image Sidebar Widget widget and many other great free widgets at Widgetbox! Not seeing a widget? (More info)
if (WIDGETBOX) WIDGETBOX.renderWidget('84338201-89d2-40f7-9591-736b2c7f2b1a');Get the Mortgage Loan Calculator widget and many other great free widgets at Widgetbox! Not seeing a widget? (More info)
if (WIDGETBOX) WIDGETBOX.renderWidget('709bbbc4-ed09-4ca0-910c-071907435d74');Get the Daily Financial News Articles widget and many other great free widgets at Widgetbox! Not seeing a widget? (More info)
