5 Best Hybrid Cars

As you search for your next vehicle, you may find yourself wondering what the best hybrid cars are. In this era of environmental awareness, governments around the world are forcing auto manufacturers to put an emphasis on producing more fuel-efficient vehicles. Nowadays, with so many people embracing the idea of hybrid technology, nearly every auto manufacturer has expanded their lineup to include some sort of hybrid vehicle. With so many options available, it can be difficult to find the perfect hybrid. Here are 5 of the most recognizable hybrids on the market today, all of which employ a gasoline engine combined with an electric motor that is powered by a nickel-metal hydride battery:

Toyota Prius

Yes, there were others before it, but the Prius is the hybrid that started it all. Completely redesigned for 2010, the Prius sports revised exterior and interior styling, more interior space and upgraded equipment packaging. All Priuses are powered by Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system, which pairs a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine to the electric motor. With EPA-estimated mileage of 51/city and 48/highway, the Prius starts at $22,000. Learn more at http://www.toyota.com.   

Honda Insight

Perhaps the most direct competitor to the Toyota Prius, Honda's Insight is a brand new model for 2010. Previously a 2-door, 2-seat hatchback that was discontinued in 2006, it returns as a 4-door, 5-passenger sedan. Using Honda's Integrated Motor Assist system, the Insight is powered by a 1.3-liter four-cylinder VTEC engine combined with the electric motor. The EPA estimates gas mileage of 40/city and 43/highway, with prices starting at $19,800. See http://automobiles.honda.com for more information.

Ford Fusion Hybrid

The Ford Fusion Hybrid is based on the midsize Fusion sedan, which underwent a total makeover for the 2010 model year. Its powertrain uses a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine in tandem with the electric motor. With a base price of $27,270, the Fusion includes such features as Ford's Sync system and a SmartGauge instrument cluster with EcoGuide. Gas mileage is an EPA-estimated 41/city and 36/highway. Visit http://www.fordvehicles.com for additional information.  

Nissan Altima Hybrid

Nissan's Altima Hybrid, based on the Altima sedan, was first released for the 2007 model year and has had minimal changes since its introduction. The Altima Hybrid is powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine combined with the electric motor. At this time, however, it is only available in 9 states (California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont). Where available, the Altima Hybrid gets EPA-estimated mileage of 35/city, 33/highway, with prices starting at $26,650. Learn more at http://www.nissanusa.com.

Toyota Camry Hybrid

Due to a special licensing agreement between Toyota and Nissan, the Toyota Camry Hybrid and the Nissan Altima Hybrid share a significant amount of technology. The Camry Hybrid, however, is available in all 50 states. It pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine to the electric motor. With a base price of $26,150, the Camry Hybrid gets EPA-estimated mileage of 33/city and 34/highway. More information can be found at http://www.toyota.com.

As hybrid technology continues to evolve, more product offerings will be introduced by various auto manufacturers. While it may seem daunting to have so many options available, eco-friendly consumers are no longer forced to purchase an undesirable car to get great gas mileage. A multitude of options simply means that the perfect hybrid car does, in fact, exist. All it takes is a little research and a few meaningful test-drives to discover which hybrid it will be.