How to Drive Lean and Green -- from AutoTrader.com
ATLANTA--May 23, 2001--As summer temperatures rise, traffic on roadways swell and vehicle emissions make breathing in congested cities difficult, many Americans are looking toward more economical, fuel efficient and cleaner operating vehicles that cost less, reduce smog and improve the air. AutoTrader.com, the Internet's leading destination for online automotive classifieds, offers this guide to the most environmentally friendly -- or "greenest" -- cars available.Though many models still have strides to make before they can be considered "better" for the environment, manufacturers are realizing the increasing demand for less environmentally-damaging vehicles. According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), all ten mainstream vehicles that rank as the "greenest" are compacts or smaller. The two top vehicles also are gasoline/electric hybrids.
The rankings come from ACEEE's Green Book: The Environmental Guide to Cars and Trucks, an annual publication of the Washington D.C.-based organization. The results combine tailpipe emissions and fuel economy into a single score that reflects a vehicle's impact on the environment. Following is the list of the most desirable mainstream vehicles followed by their green scores. A higher score means a more environmentally friendly vehicle.
| -- | Honda Insight gas/electric hybrid: 53 |
| -- | Toyota Prius gas/electric hybrid: 51 |
| -- | Suzuki Swift 1.3-liter: 42 |
| -- | Honda Civic HX 1.7-liter: 42 |
| -- | Toyota ECHO 1.5-liter: 41 |
| -- | Nissan Sentra CA 1.8-liter: 40 |
| -- | Honda Civic 1.7-liter: 39 |
| -- | Mitsubishi Mirage 1.5-liter: 39 |
| -- | Toyota Corolla 1.8-liter: 39 |
| -- | Chevrolet Prizm 1.8-liter: 39 |
Finding one of these vehicles in your local area is easy and free! Visit www.AutoTrader.com, enter a ZIP code, find the make and model of interest and arrange a test drive.
After achieving critical mass in 2000, AutoTrader.com has established itself as the main source for consumers to visit when making a new or used vehicle purchase, sale or seeking information such as price comparisons, safety tips, financing, insurance or warranty information. For more information on AutoTrader.com or if you would like to schedule an interview with an executive, please contact David Cumpston at 415/844-6237 or dcumpston@accesspr.com.