The Edmunds.com Green Car Guide

Fuel-Sipper Smackdown 2
Fusion Hybrid. Jetta TDI. Prius. Insight. Mini Cooper. Which car gets the best fuel economy?
Updated: Break-Even for Diesels Is Shorter than for Hybrids
New Edmunds data proves it: Diesels present a better economic choice for fuel-economy-minded consumers than hybrids.
Comparison Test: Toyota Yaris vs. Nissan Cube vs. Honda Fit
We rank three 2009 small economy cars on the features that matter most.
New Federal Standards for Fuel Economy and Emissions
With automakers in tow, President Obama set some bold new targets. Every vehicle class will see improvements.
Top 10 Easy Ways To Drive Green
EPA fuel economy numbers aren't the only key to driving "green." How green are the materials being built into cars? And do the factories that make them work with, or against, the environment?
Top 10 Most Fuel-Efficient SUVs and Crossovers of 2009
Of the ten most gas-frugal SUVs and crossovers on the market, only half are hybrids, so you don't have to spend more order to save at the pump.
Top 10 Most Fuel-Efficient Sedans of 2009
Savvy shoppers know that these frugal haulers offer great value in the long term, whether fuel prices are reasonable or through the roof.
Top 10 Most Fuel-Efficient Trucks of 2009
Compact and hybrid pickups can do the work and still save at the pump.
What Do You Give Up for Better Fuel Economy?
Fuel Economy. Performance. Safety. They're the automotive holy trinity. So what gets sacrificed on the altar of higher MPG?
Should You Dump the SUV for a Gas-Sipper?
Gas prices have Americans in a panic. Before you dump the truck, check our new gas-guzzler trade-in calculator to see if it makes financial sense.
SmartWay: The EPA's Green Vehicle Ratings
How green is your ride? The Environmental Protection Agency's new SmartWay ratings, part of its Green Vehicles Guide, make it easy to find out.
Explained: 2008 EPA Fuel Economy Ratings
The fuel economy estimates on 2008 models will drop significantly, and hybrids get hit the hardest. The new number will reflect "real world" driving habits, but lower gas mileage numbers don't mean thirstier cars.
Shopping For a Fuel-Efficient Car
Shopping for a hybrid, or any car that delivers good fuel economy, presents a different set of challenges. We outline the basic buying steps for you in this story.

Better Place's Battery Exchange Charges Ahead
A flawless demonstration — and purchase commitments from several countries — moves founder Shai Agassi's electric vehicle vision closer to reality.
Biodiesel Basics
It's homegrown and eco-friendly, but is it safe for your car?
2007 Honda Civic GX — Our Long-Term Blog
The Civic GX, which runs on compressed natural gas (CNG), is the most environmentally friendly car available on the market. Read our editors' real-world impressions.
EVS 23 Reveals the Future of Electric Vehicles
At the recent International Electronic Vehicle Symposium, noteworthy start-up companies showed up Big Auto with their next-generation EVs.
The Revolutionary Mercedes-Benz DuoTec Engine
It's clean, powerful and gets 40 mpg. Witness a new engine that blends the best of gasoline and diesel technologies.
Watts the Deal With Lithium-Ion Batteries?
The future of many alternative fuel vehicles depends on the success — and safety — of this new technology.
E85 vs. Gasoline Comparison Test
Will E85 help you get better fuel economy, lower CO2 emissions, or save money? Our E85 vs. gasoline test results may surprise you.
Fully Charged
The wait for highway-safe electric vehicles is almost over — really!
How To Help Save the Planet
You may not be ready to buy a super-low-emissions vehicle, but you can do the next best thing to help stop global warming: Offset your car's carbon emissions, making it "carbon neutral."
Diesel Reborn
After a promising start, the diesel's fortunes sputtered. Today its future is bright — and clean.
Ethanol? Fuel Cell? Biodiesel? An Alternative Fuel Overview
What's an alternative fuel? Where can I get it? Here's what's on the market and what's coming.

See All Alternative Fuels Articles

What Is a Hybrid Car? How Do Hybrids Work?
What is regenerative braking? How can a hybrid engine affect your air-conditioning? We demystify the technical jargon.
Fuel Sippers, Power Players and Luxury Labels
Forget about powertrain labels; you're more interested in how a vehicle meets your everyday needs. The latest, largest crop of hybrids can meet just about anyone's needs or budget.
Test Drive: 2010 Honda Insight
The hotly anticipated Insight might be the first high-mileage hybrid affordable enough for the purchase price to pencil out.
Do Hybrids Make Financial Sense Yet?
There are many good reasons to buy a hybrid. Saving money still isn't one of them.
Hybrids: Pause Before You Purchase
They've gone mainstream, but hybrids aren't a panacea for high gas prices.
Why We Buy Hybrids
We look at the phenomenon sweeping the nation, and it's not just about fuel economy.
Updated: The Real Costs of Owning a Hybrid
Hybrids are still more expensive, but savings on taxes, gas and insurance make them a better deal than ever.
Finding Great Perks for Hybrid Buyers
Government agencies and private companies now offer a wide variety of perks for hybrid owners – from $5,000 cash and discount auto insurance to free parking. Here's how to find them all.
Plug-In Hybrids: Who Saved the Electric Car?
Wouldn't it be nice if you had your own gas pump right in your garage, costing less than $1 a gallon? Plug-in hybrids, embraced as the second coming of electric cars, could make that dream come true.
Diesel, Gas or Hybrid?
One way or the other, you're going to be paying more for a fuel-efficient engine. But whether it's a diesel, gasoline or hybrid remains to be seen.

See All New Hybrid Cars, Trucks and SUVs

See All Hybrid Articles

Resistance Movement
Low-rolling-resistance tires can improve your MPG but can also reduce performance and safety.
Three Gas Price Myths
Is 50 mpg twice as good as 25 mpg? We bust three common gas price myths.
Top 10 Ways To Waste Gas
How do you save gas? Don't waste it in the first place. Find out what you might be doing that's costing you at the pump.
We Test the Tips, Part II
Driving style. Aerodynamics. Tire pressure. We put these factors to the test to determine what really saves gas, and how much.
Save Money on Gas
Where are the real savings for motorists?
Hypermiling: Quest for Ultimate Fuel Economy
For "hypermilers," beating the EPA average fuel economy is an obsession. Are these folks frugal, or just nuts?
Gas Buying Strategies
Not ready to buy a new car or change the way you drive? Never fear; these fuel-saving tips take the sting out of today's gas prices.
Don't Believe the Hype
You've probably seen ads touting products that claim to improve your gas mileage. But chances are they won't.
Do You Really Need Premium?
With pump prices soaring, some drivers try to cut costs by buying a lower grade of gas. Is this a safe strategy for the road ahead?
Gas-Saving Maintenance Tips
These easy maintenance steps will save you money at the pump.
Change Your Driving Habits (and Save Gas!)
That surge of power off the line wastes more gas than you'd think. Consider these driving tips that will save you money and provide hidden benefits you're sure to like.

See All Fuel Economy Articles

Review: Who Killed the Electric Car?
Conspiracy theories abound in the automotive world. But this anatomy of the murder of GM's EV1 raises issues much larger than just the demise of an electric car.
Understanding Oil Prices
Join us for a look at how world crude oil prices are set and the different factors affecting the price you pay at the gas pump.
How Much Oil Is Left?
Are spiking gas prices ever going to drop? The oil companies know a lot, but they aren't saying much.

CONSUMER RATINGS & REVIEWS

What real people are saying about the
2009 Kia Spectra LX
4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)

2009 Kia Spectra LX Review: "More impressive than expected. Plenty of pep and super-quiet for the mondo freeway driving I do. Amazing fuel economy. Forget the EPA rating; I get 34 mpg in mixed driving with the AC on most of the time! Picked it up for less than $11,000 with AC, CD and auto included. Lots of room, both front and backseats. Yes, the exterior and interior are simple, plain vanilla. I like that; pragmatism rules. And I'll agree that this is less solidly made than a Toyota. But for $5,000 less, well worth it! The lack of ABS, though, is shameful."

Favorite Features: "Price, warranty, quiet, fuel economy, space, smooth drive, easy handling and parking, simple and practical design."

Suggested Improvements: "ABS standard. And I'll agree the seat bottoms are a little shorter than they should be for total driving comfort. Did not like the dealership."

— savital

Consumer Rating	8.8
See all reviews of this vehicle Rate your own car

CONSUMER DISCUSSIONS ON CARSPACE

MORE GREEN INFORMATION

G.M. Going Green
How GM is trying to make its entire company — not just its vehicle fleet — green.
Discover Alternatives
News and info on alternative fuels, plus lists of available and future alt fuel vehicles. From the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.
E.P.A. Green Vehicle Guide
SmartWay designations, including pollution and greenhouse gas scores for every make and model.
GasBuddy.com
Find the lowest gas prices near you.
Fueleconomy.gov
The federal government has created this page about fuel mileage and rising gas prices.
Autoblog Green
Keep up with new technology and all things green on this auto blog.
Hybrid Center
Consumer and technological information from the Union of Concerned Scientists.

CONSUMER ADVICE GUIDES

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