Cheap Hybrids

MSRP: Starting at $19,800
Fuel Economy: 40 mpg Hwy/43 mpg City

The Insight is powered by Honda's Integrated Motor Assist system, which is a combination of a 1.3-liter gas engine and a 13-hp electric motor, all attached to a continuously variable transmission. The engine and motor combined generate 98-hp and 123-lb.ft of torque, and provide 40-plus mpg fuel economy. The LX trim offers six airbags, anti-lock brakes, automatic climate control, power windows, locks and mirrors, keyless entry and a four-speaker CD audio system with an auxiliary input. The EX trim adds electronic stability control, alloy wheels, cruise control, six-speaker audio system with USB interface, heated exterior mirrors and steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. A voice activated navigation system is available on the EX trim, and includes Bluetooth for hands-free cell phone use.

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 $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 26,325
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 $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 $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.