Green Guide

2011 Ford Fiesta
Base MSRP:$15,500

MPG:29mpg urban/37mpg highway

In a Nutshell: With one of the best MPG ratings for a gasoline-fueled compact vehicle, the Ford Fiesta is a Top-Pick. Head-nodding fuel efficiency coupled with sporty handling and peppy performance makes the Fiesta list worthy. 2012 models can be loaded with enticing options such as Ford's SYNC media console and rear-view driver's cameras.

2011 Hyundai Accent
Base MSRP: $9,900

MPG: 27mpg urban/36mpg highway

In a Nutshell: Touted for its low price-tag, high fuel efficiency, surprising interior tech, and low ownership costs, the Hyundai Accent is a top choice for consumers on a budget, just look at that MSRP! Consumers may be turned off by the low price, but Hyundai offers a decent drive-ability, low road-noise and one impressive manufacturer warranty!

2011 Kia Rio
Base MSRP: $12,300

MPG: 27mpg urban/36mpg highway

In a Nutshell: The Kia Rio speaks Economy-Car, and gives consumers on smaller budgets an affordable and fuel efficient option that comes with a rather hefty manufacturer warranty. Sub-par crash-test results and limited base model options may leave some consumers saving up to move beyond economy class choices, and into compacts.

2011 Honda Civic
Base MSRP: $15,500

MPG: 24mpg urban/36mpg highway

In a Nutshell: Brand reliability and resell value make the Honda Civic an affordable go-to for new and old driver's alike. Interior quality has improved over the last few years, and buyers will take notice that the Honda Civic is an enjoyable drive. Some drawbacks include limited base trim options, and some consumer-noted road noise.

2011 Volkswagen Golf
Base MSRP: $18,000

MPG: 23mpg urban/33mpg highway

In a Nutshell: Das Autos! Indeed, and that is German engineering and a platform of MPG efficiency coupled with refinement. No stiff plastic cabin on this one that screams "Money was put elsewhere." The Volkswagen Golf is a peppy drive that is stylish, useful and fuel efficient. Also available in a diesel engine which will up the fuel efficiency to 30 city and 42 highway MPG!

2012 Mini Cooper
Base MSRP: $20,000

MPG: 28mpg urban/35mpg highway

In a Nutshell: Go-cart fun, British styling and brand appeal, and ultra city MPG efficiency, the Mini Cooper is another Top Pick for gas-fueled vehicles that save bucks, and reduce emissions. Some say the Mini has a bit of a firm ride and noisy handling, but that is all a part of the Mini feel.

2012 Ford Focus
Base MSRP: $18,200

MPG: 27mpg urban/37mpg highway

In a Nutshell: Nearly 40mpg highway, advanced Ford SYNC media technology, upgraded styling, and a more nimble feel makes the 2012 Ford Focus particularly attractive--plus it achieves almost 30mpg in city driving! MSRP for base price is also eye-catching, and for around $20 grand, consumers can get a sporty, fuel efficient car that has some serious interior tech advancements as standard. Check out more about Ford's media and infotainment tech boom here!

2011 BMW 328i
Base MSRP: $34,000

MPG: 18mpg urban/28mpg highway

In a Nutshell: A sports car with low emissions that meet PZEV standards, while accomplishing a decent MPG. Zero to 60 in about 7 seconds, a joyous 6-speed-manual shifter, and a sports car like driving experience make the 328i a car that is fun to drive, while still outputting less pollution. Check out the 528i for better fuel-efficiency, but a larger price tag.

2011 Nissan Juke
Base MSRP: $19,600

MPG: 27mpg urban/32mpg highway

In a Nutshell: It may come off showy at first glance, but once drivers are shown behind the wheel of the Nissan Juke, they may nod their heads. The seating is comfortable for the price, their is plenty of room for utility, and even available all-wheel drive on higher models. Nissan gave us a great little hatchback-part-crossover that wrangles up almost 30mpg in city driving--awesome.

2011 Subaru Forester
Base MSRP: $25,000

MPG: 21mpg urban/27mpg highway

In a Nutshell: Most AWD vehicles eat up more gas than their 2-whel drive counterparts, but Subaru has managed to take its prized all-wheel drive system and SUV utility and make it achieve a decent MPG. Consumers can choose a Forester XT trim to crank up the power and fun with an added supercharger, but this choice will knock down the MPG by a few marks to 19 city, and 23 highway.