2001 Mazda Tribute

2001 Mazda Tribute

The decade of 2000 has seen the birth of the hybrid car, a combination of the traditional gas-powered engine with an electric motor that has made many consumers think twice about their next car purchase. In the first decade of the 21st Century gas prices went to an all-time high of nearly $5 a gallon. Since then gasoline prices have stabilized, but it tends to increase whenever the occasion arises. With this type of uncertainty the hybrid car is a salvation, not only for the consumer, but also for the environment.

In several states, due to the hybrid's clean fuel efficiency, you are allowed access, even as a solo passenger, in lanes designated as HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle). These are highway lanes designated for carpools, buses, and other vehicles with more than 2-3 passengers. The Governor of Arizona stated this about HOV's "Drivers who make the commitment to clean air and energy efficiency will get an easier commute." Now that this tumultuous decade is about over, let's take a look at the ten best eco-friendly and hybrid cars that have made an impact, not only on the auto industry, but the consumer. This list will focus its attention primarily on fuel efficiency, MPG (miles per gallon), and most of all, cost.

10.) Honda Insight - 1999 saw the first generation and production of this hybrid vehicle. Ten years later with its second generations of Insights they are the least expensive hybrid in the U.S. at $19,800. Its body style is that of a hatchback in either three-door or five-door. It is at 60 MPG and remains the most fuel efficient hybrid sedan in the U.S.

9.) Ford Escape Hybrid - This SUV (sport utility vehicle)is at32 MPG, not nearly as high as many of the smaller hybrid vehicles. However, many environmentalists have complained about the hybrid SUV's as a misapplication of gas and electric technology. Nevertheless many consumers still want affordability and maximum efficiency. They can still get this from their traditional gas-powered SUV's that's now available in the Ford Escape Hybrid. Overall, it is the most efficient of all SUV's. MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price) is listed at $29,300.

8.) Mercury Mariner - Here is a slightly upscale version of the abovementioned Ford Escape Hybrid with some stylistic differences. Production started with this SUV hybrid in 2005. It has a 32 MPG and the MSRP starts at $29,800.

7.) Toyota Camry Hybrid - This sedan received it production introduction in 2006 and was voted Car of the Year that same year. Its MPG is at 33 and the MSRP lists it at $25, 500.

6.) Mazda Tribute Hybrid - Production started early for this Mazda hybrid in 2001. There are many similarities with thus SUV hybrid and the Ford Escape Hybrid, such as some of its interior and using the same powertrain. Once again its MPG is at 32, like the Ford, and the MSRP lists it at $29,900.

5.) MINI Cooper - Here is the first of a hybrid coupe listed that is gaining popularity. Small cars have traditionally not appealed to Americans, but they are starting to gain ground, especially with gas prices going up and down like a yo-yo.It actually matches or even beats the efficiency of other subcompacts, but with a lot more style.Built by BMW its MPG is 35 and the MSRP is at $18,700.

4.) Smart For Two - Yet another hybrid coupe that is certainly eco-friendly and extremely popular, even for its incredibly small size. Sometimes it is referred to as "the smart car". It is of course a cute, but fuel efficient car with an MSRP at only $12,000 and an MPG at 36.

3.) Honda Civic Hybrid - These sedan hybrids have come a long way from 1999 when they were just two-seaters, small, and impractical. Not anymore. You can still get the same luxury from the traditional gas-powered sedans now in a hybrid. The only difference is this Honda Civic Hybrid is fuel efficient at 42 MPG. Its production was introduced in 2003, has a full hybrid system along with a sleek design. MSRP has it at $22,600. In 2006 it won the Motor Trend Car of the Year award.

2.) Ford Fusion Hybrid - The most recent production introduction in 2009 of all the eco-friendly and hybrid vehicles listed. It is a full hybrid system that has both propulsion sources propelling the vehicle. USA Today stated, "The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid is the best gasoline-electric hybrid yet." It's no wonder with an MPG at 41 along with a comfortable, smooth ride with style and performance in a full-size hybrid sedan. MSRP lists it at $27,300. It's now been voted 2010 Motor Trend Car of the Year.

1.) Toyota Prius - When you think of a hybrid car generically, more than likely the Toyota Prius instantly comes to mind. That's because the Prius is nearly synonymous with "hybrid". It is the number one best-selling hybrid car with an MSRP at $22,400 and an MPG at a whopping 50! It is the epitome of fuel efficiency. The first generation production on this pioneering hybrid vehicle began in 1997. This car even inspires a cult-like devotion from its drivers. Customer satisfaction rates it at 98%. Without question the Toyota Prius is the Number One Hybrid Car of the 2000 decade and probably into the next decade too.

The list of the 10 Best Eco-Friendly Cars of the Decade included hybrids, such as sedans, coupes, and suv's, along with small cars that were not necessarily hybrids, but extremely fuel efficient. I listed intentionally the hybrid and eco-friendly vehicles that were affordable, practical, and popular. Now it is getting easier and more economical to make your next automobile purchase an eco-friendly one.

SOURCES:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page

http://greenliving.about.com/od/culturetravel/a/HybridBasics.htm

http://www.hybridcars.com/cars.html

http://www.fordvehicles.com/cars/fusion/?searchid=426441|28115785|205351588