"Sundee Kuechle is trying to tread lightly on this planet, for the sake of her four children, and for all children. But when her husband was laid off last year, the stay-at-home mom did turn a lighter shade of green.
Cheap Hybrid Cars, Best Cheap Hybrid Cars Review
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Cheap Hybrid Cars Buying Guide
Many folks want to cut their carbon footprint and join the green revolution, but not everyone in this demographic has unlimited financial resources to do so. Hybrid cars are hip, functional, environmentally friendly, and quite expensive.
As you scan the 2009-2010 hybrids market, you'll find a long list of family-sized cars that comfortably seat five, offer plenty of cargo space, and feature all the amenities of gas-guzzling rivals. Honda and Toyota lead the market with their reliable cheap hybrid cars. But a few other manufacturers, such as Ford, Nissan, and GM, are gaining ground by offering cheap hybrid versions of some of their bestsellers, such as the Ford Fusion and Nissan Altima.
In the case of hybrids, more money doesn't buy you more fuel efficiency or lower emissions. Lexus offers a luxury sedan hybrid, the Lexus LS 600h L, for $104,000, but it only gets 21mpg on average. The Mercedes S400 BlueHybrid will run you $89,000 and averages 22mpg. The bigger price tag just translates to a bigger engine with more horsepower and more standard luxury features (premium sound systems, backup cameras, leather seats, etc.), plus the status of driving an "eco-chic" hybrid.
Although today's cheap hybrid cars are still pricey by family-sedan standards, experts predict that by 2012, the market will be full of hybrid and electric cars selling for less than $25,000. For example, HybridCars.com is previewing a handful of cheap hybrids (including the Honda Fit Hybrid and Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, to debut in late 2010) and electric sedans (such as the Nissan Leaf, Ford Focus EV, and Chevrolet Volt, also slated for late 2010). Of course, time will tell how well the cheaper models perform, but the increased demand for low-emission vehicles combined with a cash-strapped economy is clearly changing the face of the car market as a whole.
Back to top »What to Look for: Cheap Hybrid Cars Features
Cheap Hybrid Cars Fuel Economy.
Hybrids -- even budget models -- can set you back more than a traditional low-cost car, but the higher price tag of these eco-friendly models may be offset by the annual savings in fuel costs. So it's crucial that frugal shoppers look at each car's city/highway fuel economy and do the math. For instance, the Toyota Prius (starting at $22,400) tops out at 51 mpg in the city and 48 mpg on the highway, and its estimated annual fuel cost is only $600. Other cheap hybrid models, such as the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid (starting at $22,800), only get you 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, which means you'll likely spend more than $1,000 a year on fuel, depending how much you drive. (FuelEconomy.gov offers an online tool for calculating your annual fuel cost.) The fuel economy rating for the Ford Fusion Hybrid (starting at $27,300) is 41 city/36 highway, while the Honda Civic Hybrid (starting at $22,600) and Honda Insight (starting at $19,800) both deliver 40 mpg in the city and 45 mpg and 43 mpg on the highway, respectively.Inexpensive Hybrid Cars Tax Credits.
When new hybrid models roll out, the government typically offers tax credits (worth up to a couple of thousand dollars) to the first several hundred buyers in order to encourage drivers to purchase the new technology. Once a hybrid car has been on the market for a while, that tax credit diminishes and then disappears. Ask your dealer (or accountant) what the current status is for tax credits on the cheap hybrid car you wish to purchase. Several Ford Fusion Hybrid buyers report on Cars.com that a higher tax credit helped sweeten the deal over other brands (like the Prius), and a family we know jumped on the chance to buy a Honda Civic Hybrid in June, 2008 just before the tax credit expired.Budget Hybrid Cars Size.
Most cheap hybrid sedans claim to seat five adults, but how comfortably they do so is another story. Car manufacturers list interior space in terms of cubic feet or height and leg room (in inches), but unless you're an expert car tester, those numbers won't mean much on paper. Your best bet is to test drive before you buy and make sure you sit in both the front and back seats -- and don't be afraid to bring a tall friend to help you test seating comfort. According to budget hybrid car reviews at Cars.com, consumers find the backseat in the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius cramped with three adults but say it's adequate for two.Low-priced Hybrid Cars Technology.
Hybrid cars can be classified according to three different technologies: stop-start hybrids (also called mild hybrids), gas-electric hybrids, and plug-in hybrids.A stop-start hybrid (found on the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid and Saturn Aura Green Line, which starts at $22,100) is the simplest and least expensive kind of hybrid technology. Basically, the stop-start technology shuts down the engine while the car is stopped and idling, and uses an energy storage device (like a battery) and a beefed-up starter-motor that can also act as a generator to revive the engine when the driver shifts into gear or accelerates.
Gas-electric hybrid cars , including the Toyota Prius, Ford Fusion, Honda Civic Hybrid, and Honda Insight, are distinguished by the addition of an electric motor and rechargeable batteries to a conventional gas engine -- an arrangement that boosts fuel efficiency by as much as 50 percent. An onboard computer switches between gas and electric power; how that computer decides when to switch the power varies from brand to brand. For instance, the Ford Fusion Hybrid and its sibling, the Mercury Milan Hybrid (starting at $27,500) use a control logic that alters the engine's valve timing, fuel delivery, and spark timing, which shuts down the flow of fuel more often and results in better fuel efficiency. The Honda Civic Hybrid computer saves gas by de-activating all the cylinders when they're not needed, and uses eight spark plugs for greater flexibility with the firing order, which in turn means more complete fuel combustion in the cylinders.
A plug-in hybrid car has both a gasoline engine and an electric motor, much like a conventional hybrid. Plug-in hybrids use larger battery packs and electric power as the primary source of energy for the car, with gasoline as the back-up. With current technology, plug-ins can travel about 40 miles without using any gasoline, but once the electric charge is depleted, the gas engine takes over and simultaneously recharges the battery; alternatively, you can plug in the battery to an electrical outlet. Plug-in hybrids are significantly more fuel efficient than regular hybrids and give you about the same driving range as conventional vehicles. Many plug-in hybrids are in the testing phase (the Chevrolet Volt and Toyota Prius Plug-In, for example) and none are yet commercially available. Expect to see the first plug-in hybrids hit the market at the end of 2010.
Cheap Hybrid Cars Safety.
Budget hybrid cars are subjected to the same safety testing as conventional cars and come with many of the same safety features, such as air bags, antilock brakes, crumple panels, and steel reinforced frames. What many affordable hybrid cars lack are fancier features, such as all-wheel drive, backup cameras, and traction control. For the most up-to-date crash test ratings for cheap hybrid cars -- and all other vehicles -- check out the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) website.All the cheap hybrid cars that we recommend score acceptable or better on the safety rating scale. It's worth noting that the Toyota Prius and the Ford Fusion have more safety features in the standard package than the average affordable hybrid. The Prius features seven airbags, including one at the driver's knees, two on the side in front, and side curtain airbags for head protection in front and back; traction control; and an electronic stability system. If you're prepared to go all out, you can upgrade to a lane-drift warning system and a pre-collision system that tightens seat belts and applies the brakes if the computer senses an imminent crash. (Note, however, that the Prius is involved in a recall because of floormats that can trap the gas pedal; the company is working on a fix.) The Fusion Hybrid won "top safety pick" from the IIHS for structural features such as steel reinforcements and energy-absorbing foam blocks that help protect passengers in side impacts. The Fusion Hybrid also features six airbags, a blind-spot information system, and a hands-free 911 Assist that calls for help when the air bag or emergency fuel cutoff are activated.
Budget Hybrid Cars Extra Features.
The list of available features on budget hybrid cars is about as long as you typically find on conventional cars. Depending on the brand and model, some of the features are standard and some cost extra. Examples of budget hybrid features include in-dash CD players, satellite radio, navigation systems, digital entertainment and integrated mobile phone systems, blind-spot information mounted on the outside mirror, backup camera, and cross-traffic alerts when reversing. Plus, many offer a moonroof, heated seats, and keyless entry. For an extra $2,100 or so, you can install a moonroof with a solar panel on your 2010 Toyota Prius. This novel option provides power to the ventilation system so that it doesn't need help from the gas engine. In other words, the engine doesn't have to be running to control the interior temperature, and the air conditioning system can keep the interior air cool when the vehicle is parked on a hot summer day. Another nifty aspect of this feature: You can operate the system remotely to heat or cool the cabin before getting into the car.What's unique to hybrids is that they all have some computer system that keeps you informed of your fuel economy as you drive. The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid uses Ford's SmartGauge technology. Similar to the Toyota Prius's hybrid energy/consumption monitor, the SmartGauge goes further: the dashboard interface offers visual and audio feedback to the driver, which can help the driver learn specific techniques to achieve higher efficiency. Honda offers the Eco Assist on both the Civic Hybrid and Insight. This system tells the driver how economically she's driving by changing the background color of the speedometer: green means savings and blue means waste. The dashboard EcoGuide accumulates data on driving patterns so drivers can analyze their history to improve driving strategies. The Honda hybrids also feature an ECON mode that enhances fuel economy further by resetting the control logic so that the car accelerates more slowly and backs off the gas engine quicker.
Back to top »What to Expect: Cheap Hybrid Cars Performance
Cheap Hybrid Cars Overall Performance.
Performance is a catch-all term for how well a car handles and accelerates, how smooth the ride is, and basically, how well the car appeals to the driver.The Toyota Prius inspires cult-like devotion among owners, with hybrid car review sites such as Cars.com reporting that 100% of consumer reviewers would recommend the Prius to a friend, and other sites noting that the Prius consistently ranks among the top ten in consumer surveys for owner satisfaction. The third-generation 2010 Prius is bigger and more powerful than previous versions, but expert hybrid cars reviews on Hybridcars.com note that it's still the only vehicle on the road today that delivers up to 50 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving. But the Prius is not flawless. The few criticisms that surfaced in hybrid cars reviews on Edmunds.com concern what some owners characterize as an awkward driving position and gauges that are too busy. On Greenhybrid.com, some Prius drivers also complain that the hatchback design limits visibility through the rear window, a drawback that Hybridcars.com refers to as the "Prius blind spot."
The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid wins rave reviews for its style, performance, and comfortable ride from several expert sources, including HybridCars.com. It also earns sky-high ratings for consumer satisfaction in owner surveys. USA Today calls the Ford Fusion hybrid the best gasoline-electric car on the market, and a low-cost car review on Cars.com says this model advances hybrid technology, particularly in the family-sedan category. With mileage ratings of 41/36 (city/highway), the Ford Fusion Hybrid beats the Toyota Camry Hybrid's 33/34 mpg (starting at $25,500) and the Nissan Altima Hybrid's 35/33 mpg (starting at $26,800) even though the Fusion is about the same size as its competitors. Some skepticism remains, however, about Ford's claim that the Fusion Hybrid sedan can travel 47 miles an hour for up to two miles in all-electric mode; Car And Driver notes that most hybrids only go about 25 miles an hour when electrically-powered.
In comparative tests of cheap hybrid cars, the experts at Car And Driver conclude that the Honda Civic Hybrid is slightly less fuel-efficient, less roomy, and not quite as powerful as the Prius. But according to hybrid car reviews at HybridCars.com, the Civic deserves plenty of praise. Honda Civic Hybrid reviews by customers and experts applaud the car's un-hybrid-like looks and roominess (it easily accommodates a family of four). Cheap hybrid car reviews by consumers at Edmunds.com give the Civic Hybrid very high marks for overall performance, which is on par with the award-winning non-hybrid Honda Civic.
The Honda Insight is several thousand dollars cheaper than other hybrids, gets comparable fuel economy to the Civic, and offers an agile and enjoyable ride. But the Insight is significantly smaller than the Prius and Civic, especially for passengers in the back seat, note Honda Insight reviews at Hybridcars.com. Experts at USA Today write that the Insight isn't as substantial or comfortable as the Civic Hybrid, but it does incorporate true hybrid technology and may better fit the budgets of frugal and eco-conscious consumers.
For 2009, the Malibu Hybrid was rated at 26 city/34 highway mpg -- only four miles per gallon above the non-hybrid Malibu. And that's the biggest reason to pass on this one, experts say (never mind that GM has announced that the Malibu Hybrid is being discontinued). It's hard to justify spending more on the hybrid version for such little gain in fuel efficiency, although reviewers at Hybridcars.com say the 2009 Malibu Hybrid is agile in traffic, responsive to drivers, and comfortable to sit in.
While the conventional Saturn Aura gets kudos for its styling and performance, auto journalists at Car And Driver, U.S. News & World Report, and Road &Track find the Aura Green Line wanting for its underwhelming performance and spare feel. The Aura Green Line uses a less expensive gas-electric system that only yields about 10 percent better fuel efficiency than conventional engines. And here's the real deal breaker: The entry-level versions of the Prius and Civic Hybrid are about the same price as the Aura Green Line, and those vehicles beat the Aura Green Line's combined fuel efficiency ratings by 13 mpg and 16 mpg, respectively.
Low-cost Hybrid Cars Appearance.
Appearance is certainly a subjective factor, but the looks of some affordable hybrid cars appeal to a wider audience than others. The Honda Civic Hybrid earns high praise for outward and inward appearance from budget hybrid car reviewers at publications like USA Today and U.S. News & World Report; one owner commenting on Cars.com gives it five stars for exterior styling as well. In particular, reviewers say the Civic Hybrid looks like a sleek and well-designed conventional car while shunning the quirky design that characterizes many hybrid cars. The distinct look of the Toyota Prius no doubt turns off some would-be buyers. But for others, its statement-making appearance is half of its appeal, according to reviewers at Hybridcars.com and proud owners who give the model's exterior styling a big thumbs up on Cars.com. Designers of the latest Ford Fusion Hybrid opted to follow the stylistic lead set by its gas-only cousin and tweaked just a few exterior features. That low-risk strategy, however, has its detractors; reviewers at Bloomberg conclude it looks like a generic design and is totally devoid of flash. For the 2010 Insight, Honda uses a shape that's often identified with hybrid and electric vehicles: a five-door hatchback with a smooth front and a high, abrupt tail. Still, many experts think the Honda Insight is more conventional looking than the Toyota Prius, which for some customers is a plus. Despite its low marks for fuel efficiency, the Saturn Aura Hybrid earns praise from hybrid car reviewers on Edmunds.com for its exterior styling and inside appearance; like the Civic Hybrid and Ford Fusion, the Aura looks more like a regular car than a hybrid.
Cheap Hybrid Cars Comfort and Space.
Consumers and experts agree that the Toyota Prius is more comfortable and practical than it looks. It seats five adults without crunched backs or bumping knees, and short and tall drivers say they feel equally comfortable behind the wheel. Owner reviews of the Prius on Cars.com call it a "big car in a little package" and say the interior rivals that of a luxury model. The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid also gets high marks in this dimension, especially for the driver. Customers give the Fusion a nearly perfect score for comfort on hybrid cars review sites like Cars.com, noting the ample trunk space and ability to comfortably seat three adults in the back. The cabin of the Honda Civic Hybrid is roomy, but the rear-seat legroom was cut by 1.4 inches with the 2009 redesign, making it cramped when loaded with three adults or older teens. The Honda Insight has even less interior space, but the tight fit for passengers is a tradeoff many budget customers are willing to make for the lower price tag; hybrid cars reviews by owners on Edmunds.com note that the front seat is more comfortable than the back seat, although many concede they use the Insight to commute and don't often put passengers in the back.As for cargo space, the Toyota Prius boasts more than 16 cubic feet of cargo room in back and its split rear seats fold flat. The Honda Insight comes close, with 15.9 cubic feet for cargo along with fold-down seats. In the sedan category, the Ford Fusion has 16.5 cubic feet of trunk space and trailing far behind is the Honda Civic Hybrid, with 10.4 cubic feet and less flexible cargo space; to make room for the hybrid system's battery pack, Honda eliminated the rear folding seats, so you can forget about transporting skis, ladders, and long pieces of plywood.
Final Note.
Customers' taste in cars can be as varied as their taste in clothes. Be sure to test drive any budget hybrid before you buy, and ask the dealer for service records and information about extended warranties, especially warranties that cover the hybrid's battery, which is expensive to replace. If you plan to use your hybrid car as your primary family vehicle, don't be shy about installing your child's car seat and loading the trunk with your essentials to see how it all fits when visiting the showroom. Back to top »
Best Cheap Hybrid Cars
2010 Toyota Prius
This industry leader gets an estimated 50 mpg (combined city/highway) with a 1.8L, 4-cylinder engine, and offers standard features like heated outside mirrors and a satellite radio antenna. Reviewers say it's reliable, safe, surprisingly roomy, affordable, and it holds its value longer than other hybrid cars. Read more »
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2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
A mid-sized sedan with a 2.5L, 4-cylinder engine and more horsepower than the competition, the Fusion Hybrid gets 39 mpg in combined city/highway driving and runs on unleaded or a combination of ethanol and gasoline. Reviewers approvingly note the cloth seat fabric made of recycled materials, updated styling, and gauge that tracks your eco-driving skills. Read more »
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Good Cheap Hybrid Cars
2010 Honda Civic Hybrid
Although the Civic Hybrid's interior space is a little tighter than the Prius and its 1.3L, 4-cylinder engine feels a bit sluggish, drivers and expert reviewers take to this model's sporty, "un-hybrid" appearance and modest price. The Civic Hybrid delivers an average 42 mpg in combined city/highway driving. Read more »
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2010 Honda Insight
This model wins high marks for affordability, style, features, and fuel economy (41 mpg combined city/highway), but its 1.3L, 4-cylinder engine is too weak for some drivers despite impressive acceleration. Read more »
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Green Frugalnedd
Cheap Organic food
Mission impossible: organic produce that doesn't break your budget. Never fear, the mission can be accomplished. Consumer Reports Health tells you how.
Inexpensive stylish car
The young and the stylish are putting their seal of approval on the new Kia Soul, according to USA Today. Priced just under $14,000, this snazzy little car may be giving the Korean brand the "it" identity that reels in buyers (and profits).
Don't Bother cheap Hybrids
2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
As of December 2009, the Malibu Hybrid is widely available, but GM says it won't continue production in 2010. So, customers may be stuck with a car that is discontinued and difficult to service. Read more »
2010 Saturn Aura Green Line
At max 32mpg, fuel economy is much less than other hybrids and emissions aren't as clean. The Aura Green, also called "Aura Hybrid", gets low marks for performance compared to the non-hybrid Saturn Aura. Note that GM will be phasing out the Saturn brand at the end of 2010. Read more »
Products Mentioned in This Review
2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid
2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
2010 Saturn Aura Green Line
2010 Honda Civic Hybrid
2010 Honda Insight
2010 Toyota Prius
2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
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