Top 5 Best Green Cars for 2011

Let's face it. Before this article is even read, there's likely to be controversy. Why? Simply put: it's just not that easy selecting the top 5 best green vehicles among dozens of manufacturers and start ups. In addition, it's not clear what constitutes "green" in a growing market spanning Hybrid Plug-in. Hybrid Electric Car, Stop-Start, Small Car, Diesel, E85 Ethanol, and Hydrogen categories and technologies. Finally, this may be the only article that does not place the number one-selling hybrd car, Toyota Prius at the top of the list. A scandal, for sure, but I won't do it.

True, the Prius gets 51 mpg and continues to get bigger and better performance. Indeed, Toyota Prius gets top marks for blazing a trail for others. But, allow me to suggest that the Ford Fusion offers more interior and exterior refinement, cargo capacity, performance, and doesn't have a blind spot. I should also note that I just can't bring myself to credit a foreign car manufacturer when American cars rock in my book. Always have, always will. Sure, sure: I've heard the arguments about automotive and truck parts originating from the four corners of the globe. And, I know plenty of friends and family members who adore what they get from their Toyota Priuses. While I'm happy that everyone who owns a Prius loves their Prius, I'm still convinced that there are plenty of awesome, green alternatives on the automotive and truck market today that exceed what the Toyota Prius offers.

So, controversies aside, are you tired of paying over $3.00 per gallon for gasoline for your car? Looking for an alternative to the gas guzzlers on the market today? Looking for a more substantial car than, say, a two-seater like the SmartCar? Check out these Top 5 Best Green Cars for 2011. Coming to a car dealership near you. Taking green on the road.

2011 Ford Focus
4-door compact sedan and hatchback
MPG (city/highway) 24/35
MSRP: $16,000-$19,000
Website for more information

Beginning at the end of this year Ford Motor Company will develop one Focus model in keeping with its new global product development strategy. As a result, Ford Focus cars will have unique styling and specifications to suit major markets but 87% of parts will common across its fleet of Ford Focus cars. In European markets, Ford Focus has long been a stylish and affordable car, known for its high performance and engineering standards. Unfortunately, the US version has lagged behind, but no more. Certainly, this design and production move Ford Motor Company will save time and money for Ford Motor Company and may prove to be a more streamlined and sustainable way to produce a car, bringing Ford Focus to the market a lot faster than ever before. In addition, with 24/35 MPG, Ford hits the ball out of the park with great fuel efficiency and green values.

2011 Ford Fiesta
Sedan and hatchback
MPG (city/highway) 29/40
MSRP: $13,320
Website for more information

What gives Ford Fiesta its get up and go? Ford Motor Company would point to its aerodynamic design, fuel efficiency, and "rapid-fire" shifting with a powertrain that makes real-time adjustments. Optional super economy package further pushes its aerodynamic features and efficiencies. Claiming 40 MPG makes this Ford Fiesta a great fuel efficient vehicle and certainly an important green option for car buyers today.

2011 Chevrolet Volt
Midsize five-door hatchback sedan
MPG (city/highway) 40/whoa - 230?
MSRP: From $40,000
Website for more information

What does Chevy have in the pipeline to please the eco-friendly motoring crowd? Plenty, and it all starts with the much-balleyhooed Volt. Volt is an electric car that uses gas to create its own electricity. Volt promises 40 MPG, made possible through a pretty nifty range-extending gas generator that makes enough energy to power Volt for hundreds of miles on a single tank of gas. Besides being energy efficient for the new millenium, it's got cool apps as well. Volt qualifies for a $7500 federal tax credit. Now, that's what I call green!

2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid
MPG (city/highway): 41/36
MSRP: $20,000-$25,000
Website for more information

Like all Fords, the 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid gets high marks for its styling, improved interior appointments, tech-rich options list, and powertrain variety. Unlike others, this one's a Hybrid with all the green cred that goes along with it. What makes the 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid special is that Ford Fusion was awarded the North American Car of the Year prize at the 2010 Detroit auto show, and there's no doubt that the 2011 model will strike the high notes as well.

There isn't any reason to doubt that the 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid won't rock the auto world as well. Experts expect the 2011 Fusion Hybird to be rated around 41 mpg city/36 highway. These are still among the best all-around stats of any car sold in the U.S. and are matched by the Mercury Milan Hybrid.

2011 Fisker Karma
MPG (city/highway): 67/67
MSRP: $87,400
Website for more information

Billed as the "World's First Luxury Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle," Karma won't let you down. With 67 mpg in the combined cycle, Karma only emits about 83 g/km of CO2. That's incredible, and that's a green alternative. According to the automaker, this is one extra-green sedan that will cost about $0.03 per mile to operate. Fisker says these new "eco-chic" vehicles are expected to top 100 miles to the gallon and deliver 620 miles on a single tank. The high tech, greenest of the green Fisker Karma is worth checking out, despite its high sticker price. Sure to set the stage for high performance, premium vehicles to go green.

2011 Green Vehicles Worth Mentioning

Looking for more green options in 2011? Check out these great 2011 models, offering green alternatives with zoom, style and sophistication.

2011 Ford F Series Super Duty Trucks

With new diesel and gasoline engine powertrains, the 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel engine averages an 18% improvement in fuel economy for pickup models and 25% improvement for chassis cabs versus 2010 models. That's why this Ford F Series rocks with green values, and hopefully other truck manufacturers follow suit.

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco

According to Green Car Congress, the Chevy Cruze Eco averages 40 mpg on the highway. What more can we ask of Chevy?

2011 Porche Cayenne S Hybrid

Isn't it time all mid to full size cars and premium lines up the ante and offer Hybrid models? Porche gets a solid for trying to put green values on the line with its 2011 Porche Cayenne. Practice will, hopefully, make perfect sense for Porche and other luxery brands looking to go green.

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Chrysler's singing a new song with its new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which is 11% more fuel efficient than last year's model. Check out the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee's lovely interior, advanced four wheel drive system, 290-horsepower Pentastar V6, six-speed automatic, 7,400 lbs of towing capacity, and so much more. How can 23 MPG get you on the "green list?" Easy: I credit this car maker for developing a new V6 engine that is so much more fuel efficient than the ones before it. It's not perfect, but it gets kudos for taking the first step in the right direction. From $32,000, Jeep's Grand Cherokee is greener than ever before, and ready for the open road.

GREEN CAR 2011 RESOURCES

The Car Connection
www.thecarconnection.com/category/new,green

Yahoo Autos
http://autos.yahoo.com/green_center-top100

Top Hybrids
www.hybridcars.com/top-hybrid-cars-list

Consumer Guide Automotive
http://consumerguideauto.com