The Most Fuel-Efficient Vehicles of 2007

Since its remake in 2004, the Prius has become the most popular hybrid by far, and as of now, it's still the only pure-play hybrid available. Other gas/electric combinations, including the other three on this list, are variations of conventionally powered models. The internal-combustion 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine in the Prius produces just 78 hp. Even though its fuel tank holds only 12 gallons, this hybrid has a range of more than 600 miles. Like the Camry Hybrid, the Prius can run on electric power alone during light-to-moderate acceleration from a stop and up to speeds of around 35 mph. ***

Honda promotes its Civic Hybrid sedan as a comprehensive green machine. The Civic Hybrid's 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine burns cleanly enough to achieve the Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle rating (AT-PZEV) in all 50 states. Unlike Toyota's Camry Hybrid and Prius, the Civic Hybrid cannot accelerate from a stop on electricity alone. But the gas engine will shut down during low-speed cruising and at stoplights. But the Civic Hybrid is more engaging to drive. ***

Toyota introduced the hybrid version of its top-selling car in the first half of 2006. The 2007 Camry Hybrid ranks among the more luxurious Camry trim levels, with standard features that include tire-pressure monitoring, automatic headlamps, premium JBL audio, eight-way power driver's seat, heated outside mirrors and automatic, two-zone climate control. Our test-drive of this model left us quite impressed, not only with its fuel economy but with its comfort, craftsmanship and sheer power. ***

The Toyota Yaris ***

Toyota's Corolla is a well-established, thoroughly conventional and rather prosaic economy car. As such, it does not carry the cachet of a gas/electric hybrid like the Toyota Prius, which announces its ecological responsibility with a futuristic, space-shuttle shape. The Corolla is dowdy by comparison but still endearing in its purity of function ***

The sprite, sassy Honda Fit is a new-breed economy car: It is low-priced, small and lightweight but generous with features and surprisingly airy inside. It rivals most compact SUVs in cargo-carrying versatility. The Fit's design leaves room for an open interior and low floor that makes the most of the car's small footprint. Like all petite Hondas, the Fit has an exceedingly efficient, free-revving four-cylinder engine similar to the more-powerful one in the Honda Civic, but generating 109 hp instead of 140 hp. ***

The conventional Honda Civic, like the Toyota Corolla, shows that the original economy cars ***

The Kia Rio illustrates how Korea has become the new Japan ***

Hyundai's Accent ***

While this gas/electric SUV can't out-economize some gasoline-only cars, it still does a good deal better than Ford's original Escape equipped with a conventional combustion engine. The difference is most evident when comparing the Escape models equipped with four-wheel drive. The 4WD Escape Hybrid's 31.07 mpg rating is 31 percent better than the 23.64 rating of the conventionally powered 4WD version. ***