1.    Toyota Prius Hybrid (51/48 MPG) – The Toyota Prius has topped the list of most fuel efficient cars ever since it was introduced a few years ago!  Many of the cars that follow on down the list are comprised of Toyota hybrid parts taken from the Prius hybrid system.  The Prius continues to be the innovator in the hybrid car realm.

2.    Ford Fusion Hybrid (41/36 MPG) – It is about time Ford decided to make a good hybrid Car.  The Escape has been the talk of the SUV hybrid community, and now Ford has a midsized entry into the car segment.  And the Ford Fusion Hybrid has been generating rave reviews!
3.    Honda Civic Hybrid (40/45 MPG) – The Civic Hybrid has quietly been saving millions of gallons of gas for awhile now.  This car combine Honda’s start-stop technology and a small electric motor assist to get up to 45 MPG on the highway which is only eclipsed by the Ultra Aerodynamic Prius.
4.    Honda Insight Hybrid (40/43 MPG) – Making big news in 2009 was the Honda Insight Hybrid.  Marked as the everyday hybrid for the middle class of America, the low starting price of the Insight has helped Honda sell a ton of these cars.  Taking a page out of the Toyota handbook, Honda went with the wedge shape that is synonymous with hybrid automobiles.
5.    Lexus HS250h Hybrid (35/34 MPG) – All new for 2010 the Lexus HS250h is only entry level luxury hybrid car.  To me these cars look like a cross between the Corolla and the Civic, but the HS250h does have some great luxury amenities.  The $30k + price may be a bit steep for true hybrid enthusiasts.  It is a good bet that in the coming years Toyota will be able to stretch the fuel economy of this car.
6.    Nissan Altima Hybrid (35/33 MPG) – Nissan’s only hybrid offering, the Altima, is really powered by Toyota technology.  All of the hybrid powertrain is straight from Toyota.  But hey this allows Nissan to have a hybrid vehicle in the midsized car segment.  And there is a huge following of Altima lovers that are more than willing to snap up the Altima hybrid.
7.    Ford Escape Hybrid (34/31 MPG) – The Ford Escape Hybrid SUV is a freak of nature.  No other SUV even comes close to matching the fuel economy of the Escape hybrid.  The Escape uses Toyota technology and a 2-mode hybrid system which allows the Escape to run on battery power alone.  This is the main reason the Escape hybrid gets such great gas mileage.  The Mazda Tribute and Mercury Mariner are the same vehicles as the Escape with a different manufacturer badge.

8.    Smart fortwo car (33/41 MPG) – You have definitely seen these little cars running around town.  They are impossible to miss.  This go-cart looking car may stick out like a sore thumb, but the great gas mileage numbers speak for themselves.  The Smart Car combines a small engine with a very lightweight design to maximize fuel economy and minimize all the extras.
9.    Toyota Camry Hybrid (33/34 MPG) – The reigning champ in the midsized category is relegated to the bottom of this list.  The Camry is in need of a serious redesign.  You can bet your top dollar that the next generation of Toyota Camry Hybrid will once again overtake the Fusion and the Altima on this list.  The Camry still remains one of the best selling hybrids.
10.    Lexus RX450h Hybrid (32/28MPG) – The ultimate luxury SUV, the Lexus RX450h is not only a technological wonder; it is a showcase of luxury amenities from Lexus.  This SUV rides great, has all the creature comforts you would expect from Lexus, and it has excellent gas mileage to boot.  A combined fuel economy of 30 miles per gallon is something special from a luxury SUV.  In comparison the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid only gets 19 MPG!

Fuel efficiency, horsepower, price of the car, design and utility, are just a few of the criteria that people check before making a choice on purchasing a hybrid car. First of all, the right hybrid car will net the best MPG available. Cars that have the ability to run on electric power alone for a certain distance or up to a certain speed are the best bet for fuel economy.

No matter the engine combination, the best hybrid car should be able to overcome the increased price by saving you money at the gas pump over a period of time.  So a new Civic Hybrid should overcome the increased cost over a base model Civic by saving you money in the from of less gas per year.

When making a decision on which hybrid is best for your needs, size also plays a part in your decision.  Will this strictly be a commuter car, or will you need something larger to haul around the family? Thus, you might be interested in the best hybrid car in the small, town-use category, or maybe the mid-size hybrid sedans are more suitable for your needs. Luxury hybrid vehicles are rather pretentious and expensive, but they do have their targeted buyers.

The right hybrid car according to personal requirements should be chosen only after alot or research has been done. The internet is full of reviews and information about all kinds of hybird vehicles.  Do your dilligent research and consider the cost of maintenance, hybrid tax rebates, fuel economy, warranty, battery charging system and so on. Finally take a test drive and make sure that the car feels right.