1. Nissan Leaf
MSRP: $32,525
Estimated annual operating cost: $561 for electric supply (lowest on this list)
Federal and state subsidies can reduce the cost of this electric vehicle – and many others – to between $25,000 and $20,000, depending on your state of residence. While the operating prices are attractively low, one drawback to this vehicle is its range, which is only 100 miles on a single 30-minute charge. It’s an acceptable option for commuting around town or if you own a second vehicle for longer trips.
2. Tesla Roadster
MSRP: $200,000 (highest on this list)
Estimated annual operating cost: $562
While the steep price tag is prohibitive for most buyers, if you’re seeking a fuel-efficient sports car, look no further. Although you won’t save on the sticker price, the operating cost of this American-made electric sports car is incredibly low. In fact, it’s the second-lowest on this list – by one dollar.
3. Chevrolet Volt
MSRP: $40,195 to 45,195
Estimated annual operating cost: $600–$1,600 (ranging to the highest price on this list)
The Volt is a great practical option, because it combines an electric motor with a traditional fuel-efficient internal combustion engine. Operating on the electric motor only, the Volt gets the equivalent of 93 MPG. On a long road trip or operating with the internal combustion engine, it still gets 37 MPG/highway. Like other fuel-efficient vehicles on this list, federal and state subsidies and tax incentives will undoubtedly lower the price considerably.
4. Toyota Prius
MSRP: $24,200
Estimated annual operating cost: $888
The Prius is one of the most affordable vehicles available, though its yearly operating costslightlyttle higher than you may find with other options. This eco-friendly hybrid gets an estimated 50 MPG. Unlike some of the other new entrants to the fuel-efficient automobile market, the Prius has a proven dependability record. For knowing what precautions you should take while driving, please follow what the Toyota dashboard warning light signifies. And since the model has been around for a few years, you can probably find a used Prius at a dealer near you, which could open your options and save you a bundle on the initial cost.
5. Lexus CT 200h
MSRP: $32,900
Estimated annual operating cost: $900
Yes, you can get a Lexus for under $30,000, and this hybrid is even predicted to average 42 MPG. If you’re thinking about purchasing an eco-friendly luxury vehicle, this model is the one. The operating costs are the most affordable in the Lexus lineup of cars.
6. Honda Civic Hybrid
MSRP: $25,200
Estimated annual operating cost: $1,100
Another conservative choice when it comes to sticker price, the Honda Civic Hybrid averages 41 MPG. This is a significant improvement over the gas-only Honda Civic sedan, which averages 30 MPG. Honda is consistently rated as one of the top vehicle manufacturers in the world by Consumer Reports, and its vehicles are widely known to be well built, have low maintenance costs, and retain their resale better than most other cars.
7. Fiat 500
MSRP: $22,250(lowest on this list)
Operating cost: $1,125
Predicted to be brought to the U.S. marketplace by Chrysler in 2012, the Fiat 500 has been available in Europe for years, and it averages 40 MPG. If this vehicle’s price tag stays where experts expect, it’ll be the least expensive option on this list. But beware, one of the reasons it hasn’t made it here from Europe is its design: It certainly isn’t the sexiest vehicle on the list. But at $15,500 who cares?
8. Honda Insight
MSRP: $22,930
Estimated annual operating cost: $1,100
One of the most affordable vehicles on the list, both in terms of sticker price and operating costs, the Insight gets 41 MPG, just like the Honda Civic Hybrid. With the Fiat 500 not yet available in the U.S., the Insight is the least expensive car on this list that you could buy today. The Honda Insight, like the Civic Hybrid, comes with an affordable sticker price as well as the Honda reputation and resale value retention.
9. Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
MSRP: $36,000
Estimated annual operating cost: $1,137
The American luxury brand Lincoln has a new hybrid called the MKZ. If you are a stickler for buying American and have deep pockets, this vehicle may be right up your alley. Lincoln really pulled out all the stops on this one, and although it’s not cheap, the comfortable, stylish ride gets 39 MPG and is sure to turn some heads.
10. Mercury Milan Hybrid
MSRP: $28,345
Estimated annual operating cost: $1,137
If you still want to buy American but are scared off by the MKZ’s hefty sticker price, the Mercury Milan Hybrid may be for you. Mercury’s popular hybrid model’s numbers are similar to those of the MKZ, with 39 MPG, and its lower sticker price is easier on your budget.
Further, get ready to be wowed by some of the most fantastic stories on the road with the TV show Roadworthy Rescue, where you can follow Derek Bieri as he looks for old, broken-down cars in America and restores them to running order so they can return to the road.
