Honda's Top Green Models

Honda has always targeted mass-market models in order to have the greatest impact on clean air and the environment. Honda works to improve existing technologies while using The Power of Dreams philosophy to envision and develop the vehicles of the future. Honda has introduced a new generation of gasoline engines around the world that have extremely low emission levels and increased fuel efficiency while maintaining the ability to improve driving performance. Honda produced the first hybrid vehicle sold in North America and the first government-certified fuel-cell car. This legacy of innovation continues today, with from the Civic GX Natural Gas Vehicle, the FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle, and the Civic Hybrid. Learn more about Honda's top green models:

2011 Honda Civic Hybrid

The Civic Hybrid is outfitted with a smooth continuously variable transmission (CVT), which combines the ease of an automatic with the efficiency of a manual. An idle-stop  feature automatically shuts off the hybrid's gasoline engine when you stop, so you help keep the air cleaner while saving on gas. The benefits of the refined gasoline-electric powertrain on the Civic Hybrid are evident. And with an EPA-estimated city/highway rating of 40 city/43 hwy mpg [1], you'll spend a lot less time at the gas station. The Civic Hybrid sedan looks as futuristic as the gas-powered models. A-pillars are practically over the front wheels, and the large front doors make it easy to get in and out of the car.

2011 Honda CR-Z Hybrid

The 2011 CR-Z is Honda's third hybrid, joining the compact Civic Hybrid and Insight. Like other Honda hybrids, the CR-Z uses a relatively simple system that puts an electric motor in tandem with a gas engine, in this case a 1.5-liter four-cylinder. Though the engine shuts off when the car is stopped, it's always turning over when the car's in motion. The engine and motor combined produce 122 horsepower, which is 24 hp more than the Insight does. The front-wheel-drive CR-Z is now the only hybrid in years to offer a manual transmission as well as an automatic. The six-speed stick is standard; a continuously variable automatic transmission is optional and includes steering-wheel shift paddles for a manual step-gear feel. The manual transmission gives lower mileage, though, at 34 mpg in combined city/highway driving( 37 Highway, 31 City). The CVT provides an EPA-estimated 37 combined mpg (39 Highway, 35 City) [1].

2010 Honda Insight

The 2010 Honda Insight brings back the name born by Honda's first hybrid car, which was also North America's first hybrid, sold from 2000 to 2006. Now, rather than a two-seat runabout, it's a five-seat hatchback. Like other Honda hybrids, the Insight uses an electric motor to assist in acceleration and to recharge the battery pack when braking or coasting. It drives like any car. Safety features include side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain airbags for both rows of seats and antilock disc/drum brakes. An electronic stability system with traction control is available on the EX trim level.

2010 Honda Civic GX NGV

The Civic GX is powered by a 113-hp 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that runs on clean-burning compressed natural gas. The Civic GX is the only vehicle certified by the EPA to meet both Federal Tier 2-Bin 2 and Inherently Low Emission Vehicle (ILEV) zero evaporative emission certification standards.

[1]  Based on 2011 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.