Hybrid Car Review

NADAGuides published their top 10 2007 most fuel efficient new cars (and top 10 most fuel efficient used cars). What they want you to notice is it doesn't take hybrid technology to make your car 'green.' Note that of the top 10 vehicles, only three are hybrids.

What they fail to point out is the size of the vehicles. It's no surprise that smaller cars get better fuel economy. And if that is your main goal, then by all means, you should look into the Yaris ($11,150 Base MSRP) or the Cooper ($18,050) or any of the other compacts and subcompacts shown. Look at the list of used vehicles with great mpg numbers. There's the Golf, Beetle, Jetta, Civic, etc... If you're willing to go small, you will get great fuel economy.

But what hybrids give you is better fuel economy at any size. The Prius hybrid tops all other vehicles because it is small (its rated a midsize by some, compact by others) and because it's a hybrid. The Ford Escape Hybrid, which is not on the list of vehicles with the best fuel economy, gets the best fuel economy in its class (small SUV). Same for the Highlander Hybrid (large SUV).
What hybrid technology gives you is better fuel economy, even if you don't (or can't) drive a (sub-)compact.

List from NADAGuides press release:
New Cars with Best Fuel Mileage (EPA Estimates and Base MSRP)
1. 2007 Toyota Prius Hybrid - 51 Highway/60 City - $22,175
2. 2007 Honda Civic Hybrid - 51 Highway/40 City - $22,600
3. 2007 Toyota Corolla - 41 Highway/32 City - $14,305
4. 2007 Toyota Yaris - 40 Highway/34 City - $11,150
5. 2007 MINI Cooper - 40 Highway/32 City - $18,050
6. 2007 Honda Civic Sedan - 40 Highway/30 City - $15,010
7. 2007 Honda Civic Coupe - 40 Highway/30 City - $14,810
8. 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid - 38 Highway/40 City - $26,200
9. 2007 Honda Fit - 38 Highway/33 City - $13,850
10. 2007 Kia Rio - 38 Highway/32 City - $10,770

Used Cars with Best Fuel Mileage (EPA Estimates and Clean Retail Value, Base Models)
1. 2000 Honda Insight Hybrid - 70 Highway/61 City - $8,025
2. 2006 Toyota Prius Hybrid - 51 Highway/60 City - $21,775
3. 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid - 51 Highway/49 City - $17,310
4. 2004 Honda Civic - 51 Highway/48 City - $11,600
5. 2002 Volkswagen Jetta Wagon - 50 Highway/42 City - $9,000
6. 1998 Volkswagen Passat - 50 Highway/39 City - $5,400
7. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle - 49 Highway/42 City - $6,025
8. 1999 Volkswagen New Golf - 49 Highway/42 City - $4,875
9. 1998 Chevrolet Metro - 49 Highway/41 City - $2,175
10. 1999 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan - 49 Highway/40 City - $4,275