Hybrids and other small, fuel-efficient cars are still hot items though, as ’08 marked the first time a pickup truck (Ford f-150) was not the best selling vehicle in the United States. The Honda Civic, combined gas and hybrid formats, outsold everything else for a few months. This year, so many new hybrids and other types of fuel-efficient vehicles are on the market it has been difficult to keep track of them all.

The debate over whether or not hybrid vehicles cause more pollution than gas-powered cars over their lifetime seems to be quieting down as battery technology improves and more facts reach the public. The oft-repeated claim that “A Hummer costs less to produce and pollutes less than Prius over its lifespan” has been shown to be false. The original comparison rated the Hummer’s lifespan as 300,000 miles and the Prius’ at only 100,000, resulting in flawed conclusions at best. In reality, there are already Prius’ on the road today with over 300,000 miles on their original batteries. Recent estimates of pollution and cost of replacement for hybrid vehicle batteries have also been wrong for the most part. Compared to lead-acid batteries of yesteryear, the Lithium-Ion batteries now used in most hybrids create less pollution to manufacture, hold a higher charge longer and are far easier to recycle. As the technology advances, the cost of batteries is going down and their lifespan is increasing too.

Regardless of the price of gasoline, it looks like the hybrids are here to stay. If the next crop of hybrid cars can last as long as gas-powered vehicles do, the math will show the hybrids to be the more economical choice in the long run. Electric motors are already delivering great performance. If the manufacturers can keep the weight of their new cars down they might even start delivering great mileage figures for the small amount of gasoline or diesel they do use. Right now, the mileage numbers for hybrids are not all that astounding, with several gas and diesel-powered vehicles still getting better highway mileage than most hybrids do. As time and technology march on, the hybrids will surely improve.

2009 Hybrid Vehicles (Listed by MPG) –

#1 Toyota Prius $22,000 48mpg

The original ‘Green Automobile’ the Toyota Prius has been in the green game for quite a while and with experience comes excellence. The 2010 Prius is the latest in a long line of performance breaking cars. The new Prius gets an estimated 51mpg city and 48mpg high way. Although these numbers sound impressive, when considered in a real life scenario, they are down right mind boggling. The 2010 Prius could drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco on about 7 gallons of gasoline or from Los Angeles to New York city on just under 60 gallons. Along with its extended mpg, the new Prius has a stronger engine that will help you zip through traffic without sacrificing gasoline. Other great new features are a glass moon roof that has a solar powered ventilation system, cruise control featuring a radar lane assistance feature and a navigation system that is voice activated. The Prius is the future and this is why it earns the number one spot.

#2 Honda Insight 41mpg $21, 970

The Insight might be the best bang for your buck. With great fuel efficiency and an extremely low sticker price of $20,470 you will not only be saving money on the initial purchase but on all of your future fuel needs. Along with amazing gas mileage, there are some great new features. The Insight is leading the charge in cabin comforts with a voice activated navigation system that allows you to search for addresses and restaurants without ever taking your hands off the wheel. Some of the other great additions are the blue tooth in stereo package and the stability control. All of this allows you to focus on the road while living your life and making your drive safer.

#3 Ford Fusion Hybrid. 39mpg $27,270

The feature that immediately catches my eye about the Ford Fusion Hybrid is the fact that it looks like a regular car. It has always struck me as odd how whenever a new type of car comes out, the designers aren’t merely happy with increasing efficiency, but they feel the need to drastically alter the appearance. Ford has done the right thing by adapting a hybrid car to a regular looking frame rather than vice versa. The interior feels extremely roomy and comfortable and can easily accommodate 4 adults. The 2.5L 156 horse power engine may not sound as impressive as other cars but with automatic transmission and overdrive coming as standard features, the Ford Fusion has plenty of get up to go around.

#4 VW Jetta Sportwagen 34mpg $19,075

Just because a car doesn’t have hybrid in its title, doesn’t mean it cant be fuel efficient. The VW Jetta Sportwagen has ditched its short lived gasoline engines in favor of its old diesel engine. Although in many people’s minds, diesel engines are more polluting that hybrid or gas engines, diesels are shown to be some of the most efficient engines around. In switching back to their diesel engines, VW has increased the Jetta’s mpg by almost 40%. Along with a cleaner running car, the Jetta gives you a European automobile designed for the driver. Its quick handling and responsive acceleration can leave many, less fuel efficient cars, in its clean wake.

#5 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid 34mpg $26,150

The Toyota Camry has been one of the best selling cars for the last decade and the 2009 Camry Hybrid is holding up its predecessor’s heritage. This is another one of those cars that doesn’t look like a hybrid and wont stand out and draw pretentious looks. One of the most highly regarded features of this car is its cabin. Not only will you be getting great gas mileage, but you will be cruising in comfort as you do. With fully adjustable seats with plenty of leg and head room, the view of the road is excellent and then noise dampening surroundings and quite engine can make you forget that your car is even running. With good power under the hood, the Camry is a good pick for people who are looking for that high mpg, but don’t want to sacrifice comfort or performance.