Looking to buy a small economical relatively environmentally-friendly car but can't decide. Help?

Answer 1

The new Nissan Versa looks like a good economical car and won't cost an arm and a leg. The Honda Fit is another possibility.

Answer 2

You may have seen the Tesla electric sportscar http://www.teslamotors.com
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You may have even seen the T-Zero electric sports car http://www.acpropulsion.com/ACP_FAQs/FAQ_cars.htm
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These two cars show that it is now possible to build electric cars that can out-accelerate a Ferrari, and go 250 - 350 miles on a single charge. But both these cars are very expensive.
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So who else is working on electric cars?
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Would you believe China? They have to work on EVs. There won't be enough oil to support China's future economic growth.
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I drive an old electric vehicle. I also have friends with electric vehicles. Some of them have recently been able to buy some amazing, cutting-edge EV batteries from China - example:
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http://www.everspring.net/product-battery.htm
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These batteries are better, and cheaper than the ones in those $100,000+ sportscars above. If you look at the chart, you'll see they are as cheap as lead-acid batteries, and they hold up for 1100 charges, twice as many charges as the other LI-Ion batteries on the chart.
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Now, look at this car:
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http://www.milesautomotive.com/products_xs200.html
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It's a Chinese electric car, which will be imported into the USA next year. The driving range is almost as good as those sports cars above. But it only costs $28500. And that price could get a lot cheaper.

Answer 3

The Honda Civic Hybrid gets 50 mpg. Honda created the 1st hybrid car, has the highest reliability & safety ratings, and was voted The Greenest Automobile Company by the Society of Concerned Scientists.

Answer 4

If youc an afford a Toyota Prius go for it - fantastic idea.

Otherwise Stick with a Corolla or the Echo - very reliable cars and great mileage. Good for you!