Styling, utility, fuel economy and price. These were the main determining factors in our tally of this top 10 list of AFVs and hybrids. When we buy a vehicle, we want it to last a long time, to be reliable and to be priced reasonably within its market--with a design, ride and handling that makes it all worth it. And make the most of each gallon. Is it too much to ask? We don't think so. See the full list of 2008 hybrid and alt fuel vehicles.
Chevrolet's economical Malibu family sedan has been redesigned and is now available in a mild hybrid. It has certainly drawn rave reviews so far. We like the interior, the exterior and its anticipated fuel economy--and that's why it's on this list. With a MSRP of $22,790, the 2.4L Ecotec Malibu hybrid is rated at 32 mpg highway/24 city.
It's the newest innovation in hybrid technology on the tips of everyone's tongues. GM's awesome 2-mode system makes a full size SUV with less guilt—and is a sign of good things to come. With 332 hp it still pulls in 2008 EPA ratings that put both the 2WD and 4WD in the 20-21 mpg range. We can't help but be impressed a 40 percent fuel mileage improvement over the standard models. Starting price on this guy is $50,490.
Cushy and comfy yet tough enough too. Outfitted for hard work and efficiency, this Silverado's hard-workin' attitude offers dual-fuel status (E85/gasoline) in a 315 HP engine with 338 ft-lbs of torque. Equipped with Active Fuel Management to make the most of each gallon, it earns an EPA rating of 14/19 and has a base price of $34,710. We think General Motors'; 5.3-liter is the most fuel efficient flex-fuel V-8 engine on the market.
It's one of the most fuel efficient SUVs on the planet—and we give it kudos for the gratifying 155 horsepower, 2.3-liter, 16-valve four-cylinder engine and electric motor powertrain that has a great power-to-fuel-consumption ratio. The $25,740 Escape is comfortable, stylish and accommodating for the whole family. With EPA fuel economy estimates of 34 city/30 highway, choose from front-wheel or four-wheel drive—although the 4WD's fuel economy will drop a bit.
If you have access to natural gas, like a spirited, fun drive and could use a tax credit of $4,000 right off the top of this year’s taxes, look no further. The Civic GX NGV is the cleanest internal combustion engine in production today. At 113 horsepower and 109 ft-lbs of torque, it's not a pocket-rocket, but it’ll still leave a smile stuck right on your face—after all, natural gas notoriously rings in less expensive than gasoline. And that tax credit slices a nice chunk off the $24,590 base price.
The Civic Hybrid is spunky with attractive styling, but it is much more than just a pretty face. That 110 hp, 1.3-liter 4-cylinder engine and hybrid system comes with a top-notch EPA rating of 49/51 and squeaky clean AT-PZEV emissions. From the company that kicked off the hybrid revolution in America, we say the Civic still offers plenty of bang for the $22,600 base price buck.
Choose the powerful 3.0-liter V6 CRD turbo diesel engine bearing a Mercedes imprint and fill 'er up with B5 biodiesel for an alt fueler by default. With 215 hp and 2008 EPA ratings of 17/22, it's a great family/utility set of wheels. Jeep has extended the availability of the CRD engine to the Laredo model which starts at $35,685, and they've discounted the Limited and Overland diesels by $1000 for the 2008 model year. It’s a great time to get a diesel Jeep.
The Mariner Hybrid shares the 2.3-liter, 16-valve four-cylinder engine and electric motor powertrain with its cousin, the Ford Escape. The Mariner does everything the Escape does, but with just a bit more flair. EPA fuel economy estimates are a very respectable 34 city/30 highway, and the base front-wheel drive model rings in at $26,430—even loaded with the Hybrid Premium Package, it won't break the bank at $31,000.
Our review and test drive of the 2007 model proved that Nissan's first hybrid is a serious contender in the fast-growing hybrid sector. Stylish, sporty, fun to drive—and easy on the gas (35/33)--it just might be possible to have it all when you park an Altima Hybrid in your garage. With a base starting price of $25,070, Nissan offers a variety of packages to spruce up this set of wheels.
It's been 10 years since Toyota debuted the world's most popular and well-loved hybrid. It's easy to see why. Not only does the superb fuel economy just scream "smart eco-driver," the interior roominess, zippy response and comfortable ride makes everyday life easy—and easier on the wallet, to boot. With an MSRP discounted $1,225 off the 2007 base model, the 2008 standard Prius lists for $20,950. And with 2008 EPA combined city/highway rating of 46 mpg, ya just can't go wrong here.
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