Top Environmentally Friendly Cars

A new study highlights vehicles that are least harmful to the environment.
By the Editors of MSN Autos

Many auto manufacturers all over the world have been working to make vehicles that are not only more fuel-efficient, but also better for the environment in which we live. Research firm J.D. Power and Associates, based in Westlake Village, California, released its inaugural Automotive Environmental Index (AEI) study in fall 2006, which lists the top 30 environmentally friendly vehicles.

The new AEI study takes into account information from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and consumers related to fuel economy, air pollution and greenhouse gasses for vehicles from the 2006 model year. Fuel economy accounts for about half the score.

Of the 30 vehicles that made the list, eight feature gas-electric hybrid powertrains. The hybrids include the Ford Escape Hybrid, Lexus RX 400h, Mercury Mariner Hybrid and Toyota Highlander Hybrid. These four were the only SUVs to make the cut. No pickup trucks or minivans were considered environmentally friendly.

• Photo Gallery: Top 30 Environmentally Friendly Cars

Only two vehicles that J.D. Power considers luxury models made the list—the Lexus RX 400h and Acura RSX.

Among automakers, Ford, Honda and Toyota had the most vehicles on the list, with six vehicles each from their various nameplates. General Motors and Volkswagen placed three vehicles apiece. The sole German automaker with vehicles on the AEI list, Volkswagen had the Golf, Jetta and New Beetle among the top 30. However, the diesel versions of these models did not make the cut.

"High gas prices, coupled with consumers becoming more familiar with alternative powertrain technology, are definitely increasing consumer interest in hybrids and flexible fuels," said Mike Marshall, director of automotive emerging technologies at J.D. Power and Associates. "However, the additional price premiums associated with hybrid vehicles, which can run from $3,000 to $10,000 more than a comparable non-hybrid vehicle, remain the biggest concern among consumers considering a hybrid. The AEI highlights several non-hybrid models available that help consumers reduce fuel use and emissions."

According to the study, there is high interest in hybrids and vehicles that run on alternative fuels such as diesel or E85. In fact, J.D. Power reports that less than 25 percent of respondents will only consider a gasoline-powered car for their next purchase.

But there are some misconceptions. Consumers purchasing hybrid vehicles expected a fuel-economy improvement by 28 mpg compared to a similar powered gas-only vehicle. Reality, however, showed hybrid buyers only gaining an improvement of 9 mpg. Diesel buyers were similarly disappointed, reporting a 12 mpg improvement when an improvement of 21 mpg was expected.

"One of the biggest challenges for alternative powertrains is that consumers often have unrealistic expectations for the fuel-saving abilities of these vehicles," Marshall said. "And particularly with hybrids, actual fuel performance often doesn't live up to the vehicle's EPA estimate. There is a real need to educate consumers about the technology and its benefits.
Managing consumer expectations and lowering the cost premium will be instrumental in accelerating acceptance."

The AEI is based on data from 4,000 consumers who plan to purchase a vehicle within the next two years.

Listed in alphabetical order, the top 30 environmentally friendly vehicles according to the J.D. Power study are:

Acura RSX
Chevrolet Aveo
Chevrolet Cobalt
Ford Escape Hybrid
Ford Focus
Ford Focus Wagon
Honda Accord
Honda Accord Hybrid
Honda Civic
Honda Civic Hybrid
Honda Insight
Hyundai Accent
Hyundai Elantra
Kia Rio
Kia Spectra
Lexus RX400h
Mazda Mazda3
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Mercury Mariner Hybrid
Nissan Sentra
Saturn Ion Scion xA
Suzuki Reno
Toyota Camry
Toyota Corolla
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Toyota Prius
Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen Jetta
Volkswagen New Beetle

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[Source: MSN]

Honda Leads The Way with Environmentally-Friendly Motoring

By Alan Granger

SUVs are out! According to a survey by Quality Planning Corporation to find out which cars are being driven by teenagers aged 16 - 18, the gas-guzzlers - once a popular choice for this age group - are no longer considered a 'safe' option by parents. No - Hondas are in! The Honda Civic and Honda Accord won first and second place amongst used cars, and first and sixth place amongst new cars.

Well, that may be no surprise - the Honda Civic is actively marketed to young drivers.

This news follows hot on the heels of a J.D. Power customer satisfaction survey in Germany. In this study - released on June 28 - Honda nudged Toyota aside as most popular car manufacturer, winning kudos across all categories including quality, reliability, running costs, and design. Germany's native giants BMW and Mercedes fared less well. Japanese manufacturers also bagged second and third place - Toyota and Subaru respectively.

Yessiree - Honda is on a roll...sales in America were up 7.3% in June compared to the same month last year, the biggest improvement being in CR-V sales - this redesigned model was also a top ranker in the J.D. Power survey.

Meanwhile, Honda's Civic Tour continues a tradition built up over the last seven years of presenting hot music while promoting awareness of the most pressing environmental issues.
This year the Civic Tour features the Fall Out Boys, the alternative rock punk-pop band from Chicago. Lucky fans have the chance to win customized Honda Civic Hybrids. More information can be found at http://www.hondacivictour.com. Fall Out Boy bassist Pete Wentz sums it up:
"It's so awesome that Honda is letting us give away eco-friendly Civics on this tour. The GX is the cleanest car on earth. Who wouldn't want that?"

Not content with spreading the word about eco-friendly motoring, the Honda Civic Tour created an "Eco-Village" in Buffalo, NY, where concert goers were treated to a crash course in how to live on respectful terms with nature, as well as the latest options in green technology, alternative transportation and energy.

Surely this makes Honda the most environmentally-friendly auto manufacturer today?
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