Although the majority of discussions regarding fuel-efficient vehicles these days are about hybrid cars, not everyone is in a position to fork over $20,000 for a new hybrid. Even the 2009 Honda Insight Hybrid priced at $18,500 is still out of many people’s budget for a daily commuter. The official EPA fuel efficiency ratings have been released and several model year 2009 vehicles have respectable mpg ratings but cost several thousand less than a hybrid.

2009 Toyota Yaris

The 2009 Toyota Yaris has a starting MSRP of just $12,205 and EPA mpg ratings of 29 miles per gallon in the city and 36 on the highway for the 4-cylinder, 1.5L manual model. Based on the averages set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency, the annualized fuel cost for the vehicle is $1,366 and the Yaris’ carbon footprint score is 5.7 (measured in tons of carbon dioxide emitted in a year.)

2009 Toyota Corolla

Toyota has a second reasonably priced and fuel efficient alternative to its Toyota Prius Hybrid – the Toyota Corolla. The MSRP for the Toyota Corolla starts at $15,350 and the annualized fuel expenses is estimated to be $1,454. The carbon footprint of the Corolla is higher than the Yaris coming in at a 6.1. However, it still falls in the above average range. Toyota is also running a finance special on the Corolla with a 0% financing offer for well-qualified buyers.

2009 Honda Fit

Fans of Honda vehicles can now purchase a 2009 Honda Fit; with an MSRP of $14,550 and a 28 city/35 highway mpg rating, the Fit is a nice alternative to the Honda Civic Hybrid. The estimated annual fuel expenses on a Fit are $1,410. The Honda Civic Hybrid’s annualized fuel cost is $1,039 but the starting price is $9,000 more than the fit - $23,550.

2009 Chevrolet Aveo

Japanese makers do not have the corner on well-priced and fuel-efficient vehicles. General Motor’s Chevy Aveo also fits the bill with a 27 city/34 highway mpg rating and a carbon footprint of 6.1. The Aveo starts at $12,625. The all-new Pontiac G3 Wave is the Aveo’s cousin and shares the same fuel efficiency stats as the Aveo. Both vehicles have an estimated annual fuel expense of $1,454.

If you’re in the market for a new car and want to green up your ride without emptying your bank account, one of these models are worth a test drive.

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