Top 5 Fuel Efficient, American-Made Cars and SUVs Released in Fall 2010

Go Green, Save the Planet and Buy American with These Super Hot 2011 Cars and SUVs

M.G. Hardiman
Looking to buy a new car or SUV this year? Want to boost fuel efficiency in your next car or SUV purchase? You're in luck. Several of the 2011 car and SUV models are beautifully made, fuel efficient and everything the savvy American consumer is looking for in an energy saving, eco-friendly car today.

Ford Motor Company, in particular, has made impressive strides in green technology and fuel efficiency, resulting in new cars that appeal to the eco-conscious consumer. Likewise, Smart Cars, distributed nationwide and engineered by Mercedes Benz, are catching on in large, urban areas where low emissions and fuel efficiency go a long way in saving money, fuel and lives. Smart Cars are also easy to park and store and don't break the bank. Finally, the luxurious Mercury line has gone green again this year. While Mercury has always won praise for its top-of-the-line styling, its new car and SUV models incorporate energy saving and fuel efficient technology and on-board gadgets, making their car line and SUV hybrids a best bet for discerning consumers today.

Fuel efficiency, enhanced safety and navigation, among others, combine to expand your options when buying a fuel efficient, American-made car or SUV this Fall in 2010. Ready to start? Consider these Top 5 Fuel Efficient American-Made Cars and SUVs Released in Fall 2010. Each gets top marks for fuel efficiency and green technology. Most are competitively priced with their import counterparts. Some 2011 car and SUV models are priced to be easy on the wallet. All come with great options and features.

2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid
Website: www.fordvehicles.com/cars/fusion
Fuel Efficiency: 41/36/39 mpg (city/highway/combined)
Starting MSRP Price: $28,100

Ford Fusion Hybrid may cost a little bit more than, say, the Toyota Prius, but the overall fuel efficiency and green technology that accompanies this America-made beauty are well worth it in the long run. Its 2010 model was named North American Car of the Year at the Detroit Auto Show and tapped by Kelly's Blue Book at one of the greenest cars of 2010. As such, Ford Fusion is positioned to dominate the fuel efficient and hybrid marketplace in 2011 and beyond. Equipment highlights include some pretty nifty features, like a 10-way power driver's seat, 2.5L Atkinson-Cycle I4 engine and electric motor, eCVT transmission, hybrid battery - 275-volt sealed nickel metal hydride (NiMH), regenerative braking system, Dual LCD SmartGaugeā„¢ Cluster with Eco Guide, eco-friendly cloth seating, a fixed rear seat, driver's knee airbag, 17" 15-spoke painted aluminum wheels, and so much more. Check out what Ford Motor Company has to offer. A great product and unparalleled customer service.

2011 Mercury Milan Hybrid
Website: www.mercuryvehicles.com/milan
Fuel Efficiency: 41/36/39 mpg (city/highway/combined)
Base Price: $27,500

Mercury hits the high notes with its 2011 Mercury Milan Hybrid. Green, mean and beautiful, this year's line can't be beat. Awesome MPG both in the city and highway. To achieve energy savings and fuel efficiency, Milan sports a multi-point injection fuel system, 17.0 gallon fuel tank with a 191 horsepower engine. Add impressive auxiliary power and a vehicle range of 663 miles and it's worth giving the 2011 Mercury Milan Hybrid a look this year. This year's models offer lots of options available for your comfort and safety. Of course, Mercury gets high marks for its lovely interior styling, in particular and green values. (Note: While the Mercury line will be discontinued, these vehicles, warranties and extended service plans will continue to be honored by Ford Motor Company.)

2011 Ford Escape Hybrid
Website: www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/escape
Fuel Efficiency: 34/31/32 mpg (city/highway/combined)
Starting MSRP Price: $29,865

The Ford family of vehicles has done it again with the 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid. Fuel efficient plus a standard option package of more than 50 interior and exterior goodies, it's a no wonder that this SUV gets the ink it does from consumers and reviewers alike. This Ford Hybrid has improved on its fuel efficiency over its 2010 model, pretty impressive as gasoline prices rise. Ford gets high marks for its commitment to green technology that this Hybrid leverages for a discerning, green car and SUV marketplace. Standard options are impressive. Check this Ford Motor Company Hybrid out on your next new car buying adventure.

2011 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
Website: www.mercuryvehicles.com/milan
Base Price: $29,995
Fuel Efficiency: 34/31/32 mpg (city/highway/combined)

According to Edmunds, the 2011 Mercury Mariner continues to be one of the few small SUVs offered as a hybrid. Mechanically, it's almost identical to the Ford Escape Hybrid. But, Mariner distinguishes itself from other SUVs with its high class interior and exterior styling. Mercury offers some great standard features. The 2011 Mercury Mariner Hybrid also has number of additions, like a 2.5L iVCT I-4 Atkinson-cycle engine with permanent magnet, AC-synchronous electric motor, electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT), 330-volt sealed nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) battery, Regenerative Braking System, 16-in. 5-spoke machined aluminum wheels, 110-volt AC power outlet, AM/FM stereo/single-CD player with MP3 capability, clock and 6 speakers, auto-dimming rearview mirror, Automatic headlamps, dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control, illuminated visor vanity mirrors, SYNC voice-activated, in-vehicle connectivity system, a message center with a compass and outside temperature display, overhead console with dual storage bins, premium cloth front bucket seats with cloth inserts, 6-way power driver's seat, roof-rack side rails and crossbars, badging on the side and rear lift gate, and so much more. (Note: While the Mercury line will be discontinued, these vehicles, warranties and extended service plans will continue to be honored by Ford Motor Company.)

2010 Smart ForTwo
Website: www.smartusa.com
Fuel Efficiency: 33/41 mpg (city/highway)
Base Price: $11,990

Rounding out the pack for top fuel efficiency this year is the SmartCar. Available in both the classic coupe or convertible models, Smart ForTwo's 36 mpg make it the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid car on the American car market today. Engineered by Mercedes-Benz, the Smart ForTwo is distributed in the US and available in five models, from the coupe to the BRABUS cabriolet. Reasonably priced at $11,990, Smart ForTwo's makes it one of the most affordable options Find out why Greenopia named Smart ForTwo's one of the greenest cars for 2010. There's no reason to believe that 2011 will be any different. 2010 models still in stock and available this Fall.

RESOURCES

The Daily Green
www.thedailygreen.com

Motor Trend
www.motortrend.com

Edmunds
www.edmunds.com

New 2010 & 2011 Car Prices, Reviews and Pictures
Yahoo! Autos (for new car reviews, car pictures, car specs and quotes)

Top 5 Best Green Cars for 2011
By M.G. Hardiman for Associated Content (May 2010)

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION:
The Contributor has no connection to nor was paid by the brand or product described in this content.

Published by M.G. Hardiman - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle

Career professional in non-profit sector, one of AC s Rising Stars (2009) and Featured Contributor in Home Improvement, Health and Wellness, Local, and Arts and Entertainment categories. Washington, DC metr...  View profile

  • US car manufacturers and distributors offer more green options than ever before.
  • Companies like Ford and Mercury get top marks for its fuel efficient cars, SUVs and Hybrids.
  • Check out Smart ForTwo for a little vehicle that packs a big, fuel efficient punch.
While technically not made in the United States, SmartCar is engineered by European automobile giant Mercedes-Benz and sold throughout the US. What makes SmartCar important is its growing impact on the urban, eco-car-buying public.

5 Comments

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  • Karen Zakavec9/19/2010

    Great choices if you're in the market for a new car. I always end up buying used ones. I'll be needing one in 2 or 3 more years, so I'll keep these in mind when the time comes.

  • M.G. Hardiman9/17/2010

    I know, these Hybrid's are a wee bit pricey! Thanks for your read, Michele.

  • Mike Powers9/17/2010

    Excellent list, thanks!

  • Jeffrey Weeks9/17/2010

    thanks! :) jeffrey

  • Michele Starkey9/17/2010

    If only...if only they could manufacture a Hybrid that is affordable! I would have purchased one instead of my used car that I just bought! cheers :)

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