Consumers' Favorites: Best Hybrid

Ford's new Fusion Hybrid, the sport sedan of family car hybrids, did the unthinkable and beat out the multitalented but not as fun-to-drive Toyota Prius by taking about 26 percent of the votes. Capturing about 23 percent of your hearts, the Prius showed that its combination of incredible fuel mileage, a spacious cabin and a versatile hatchback body style are still endearing qualities. The Honda Insight finished a commendable 3rd; rather impressive considering that this practical four-door hatchback was the least expensive candidate on the ballot.

Now that you have the lowdown on our users' favorite hybrids, make sure to vote in our next Consumers' Favorites poll.

1. 

   1. Ford Fusion Hybrid

What Edmunds.com says:
Senators and news anchors say American car companies aren't making fuel-efficient cars that people want to buy. They're wrong. The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid is a serious fuel miser that's neither boring to behold nor dull to drive.

What Edmunds.com says:
The Toyota Prius remains the most fuel-efficient and space-efficient hybrid on the market. A few flaws remain, but the changes made for 2010 generally make for a better Prius.

What Edmunds.com says:
The 2010 Honda Insight largely improves upon the tried-and-true formula of the rival Prius, and it costs thousands less.

What Edmunds.com says:
Essentially a class of one, the 2010 Lexus HS 250h offers all the luxury expected of a premium-brand sedan along with the fuel economy of a gas-sipping subcompact.

What Edmunds.com says:
The 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is an ideal choice for shoppers wanting a vehicle that offers high fuel economy and seven-passenger practicality.

What Edmunds.com says:
The word "hybrid" may elicit environmental warm fuzzies, but the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid provides negligible "hybrid" benefits. It may cost a little less than other hybrid sedans, but you get a lot less in terms of fuel economy and performance.

What Edmunds.com says:
Comfortable, smartly designed and available in a wide array of configurations, the 2009 Honda Civic sets the bar for the small-car segment.

What Edmunds.com says:
The 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid is the rare hybrid that makes both environmental and financial sense. It's quicker than a regular four-cylinder Camry, it's far better on gas and it's only marginally more expensive than a comparable non-hybrid four-cylinder model.

What Edmunds.com says:
The 2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid's "mild" hybrid system produces superior gas mileage, but it's also significantly more expensive than the non-hybrid four-cylinder competition.

What Edmunds.com says:
The 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid offers the convenience of a compact crossover SUV without sacrificing too much in the name of fuel efficiency and environmental responsibility.