With the release of the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Automotive Environmental Index (AEI), we’re taking a closer look at those models that are listed in the AEI Top 30 and which also rank highly according to verified owners in our recently announced Initial Quality and APEAL study results, the latter of which measures customer satisfaction with performance and design. These are the models that, according to our data, are good for the environment and are either high in quality or emotional appeal—or, as in the case of one model, all three. We’ll list the models in alphabetical order, providing highlights for each.
- Top 30 ranking in the Automotive Environmental Index
- Top 3 ranking in its class in the 2008 APEAL Study
- Most improved model in the 2008 APEAL Study
- EPA-rated 24 mpg city with automatic transmission
- EPA-rated 33 mpg highway with automatic transmission
The 2008 Ford Focus is significantly restyled inside and out. Based on the previous Focus, which ran with few changes from 2001 to 2007, the new model is offered as a sedan and a new coupe, which replaces the previous 3- and 5-door hatchbacks. Ford chose to discontinue the station wagon variant for 2008. The 2008 Focus gets 24 mpg city/33 mpg highway with its available automatic transmission, and is rated a Partial Zero Emission vehicle in California and New England.
- Top 30 ranking in the Automotive Environmental Index
- Top-ranked model in its class for initial quality
- EPA-rated 25 mpg city/36 mpg highway with gas engine/automatic transmission
- Hybrid model gets EPA ratings of 40 mpg city/45 mpg highway
- Sporty Si version EPA-rated for 21 mpg city/29 mpg highway
Honda’s popular Civic is even more so now that a gallon of gas costs well over $4. In fact, Honda is scrambling to find ways to build enough Civics to satisfy consumer demand. Offered in coupe and sedan format, buyers can select models with the standard gasoline engine in DX, LX and EX trim levels. The Hybrid version is offered as a sedan only, and if you’re willing to trade a few miles per gallon, there are higher-horsepower models carrying the Si designation. Earlier this year, we reviewed the 2008 Honda Civic EX with leather and navigation for our PowerSteering Blog.
- Top 30 ranking in the Automotive Environmental Index
- Top-ranked model in its class for initial quality
- Top-ranked model in its class in APEAL (performance and design)
- EPA-rated 27 mpg city with automatic transmission
- EPA-rated 34 mpg highway with automatic transmission
If you’re looking for high-mileage, environmentally friendly car that also ranks at the top of its class in quality, performance and design, look no further than the versatile 2008 Honda Fit, in either standard or Sport trim. It’s no powerhouse, equipped as it is with just 106 horsepower, but it gets good fuel economy, is extremely useful for its size, and is a ton of fun to drive, as we’ve reported in our PowerSteering Blog. A redesigned 2009 Fit is due soon, but the current model is definitely worth a test drive.
- Top 30 ranking in the Automotive Environmental Index
- Top 3 ranking in its class for initial quality
- EPA-rated 24 mpg city with automatic transmission
- EPA-rated 33 mpg highway with automatic transmission
- Available as a sedan or 3-door hatchback
One of the most affordable cars on the market, the 2008 Hyundai Accent is a Top 30 model in our Automotive Environmental Index and ranks among the top three in its segment in our 2008 Initial Quality Study. It’s offered as a sedan or a 3-door hatchback, the latter of which we’ve reviewed in our PowerSteering Blog. The Accent is very comfortable for front-seat riders, and provides a simple, functional interior in addition to decent fuel economy.
- Top 30 ranking in the Automotive Environmental Index
- Top 3 ranking in its class for initial quality
- EPA-rated 25 mpg city with automatic transmission
- EPA-rated 33 mpg highway with automatic transmission
- Station wagon version coming for 2009
The 2008 Hyundai Elantra has a deserved reputation for delivering value. Typically priced hundreds, and sometimes thousands, less than the competition, the fuel-efficient Elantra also ranks highly in our Initial Quality Study, giving consumers even more bang for the buck. Buyers can choose between GLS and SE trim, with a Limited package available on the SE that includes leather and other upscale goodies. Next year, a new Elantra Touring station wagon model arrives just as people are tiring of SUVs and looking for transportation that’s more efficient and eco-friendly.
- Top 30 ranking in the Automotive Environmental Index
- Top 3 ranking in its class for initial quality
- EPA-rated 25 mpg city with automatic transmission
- EPA-rated 35 mpg highway with automatic transmission
- Available as a sedan or 5-door hatchback
Kia and its parent company, Hyundai, share a platform, powertrain, and a majority of interior bits and pieces between the Rio and the Accent. The main differences are styling details, and Kia gets a useful 5-door hatchback variant in addition to a traditional sedan, while Hyundai sticks with the sportier 3-door. The Kia also gets slightly better EPA fuel economy ratings. For our review, see the PowerSteering Blog.
- Top 30 ranking in the Automotive Environmental Index
- Top-ranked model in its class for initial quality
- EPA-rated 27 mpg city with 2WD and 26 mpg city with 4WD
- EPA-rated 24 mpg highway with either 2WD or 4WD
- Only luxury model on this “What to Drive” list
With its comfortable, luxurious cabin and upscale appearance, the 2008 Lexus RX 400h combines impressive fuel economy, low emissions and a hybrid powertrain with a luxurious interior, upscale appearance, and room for five. In fact, the RX 400h is the only luxury model to nab a Top 30 ranking in this year’s Automotive Environmental Index, so if you want superior quality and a premium badge combined with environmental friendliness, this Lexus is your ticket to ride.
- Top 30 ranking in the Automotive Environmental Index
- Top-ranked in its class for performance and design
- EPA-rated 26 mpg city with automatic transmission
- EPA-rated 34 mpg highway with automatic transmission
- Cooper S performance model also ranks in the AEI Top 30
Already a hit thanks to its retro design, engaging personality and true enthusiast credentials, the 2008 Mini Cooper adds a Top 30 ranking in the Automotive Environmental Index to its list of, ahem, appealing attributes. The good news is that both the standard Cooper and the turbocharged, performance-tweaked Cooper S make the Top 30 ranking, which means the Mini can feed your need for speed and your need for green.
- Top 30 ranking in the Automotive Environmental Index
- Top 3 ranking in its class for initial quality
- EPA-rated 27 mpg in the city
- EPA-rated 25 mpg on the highway
- Only 7-passenger vehicle to receive a Top 30 ranking in the Automotive Environmental Index
Some people need lots of seats for people and lots of room for cargo. The good news is that 7-passenger capacity and enough space to haul big loads aren’t mutually exclusive to environmental friendliness. As proof, look no further than the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, the only 7-passenger SUV to receive a Top 30 ranking in this year’s Automotive Environmental Index. Offered in Sport or Limited trim with standard 4WD, the Highlander Hybrid can be basically equipped or loaded up with luxuries if you like. See what we thought of this SUV in the PowerSteering Blog.
- Top 30 ranking in the Automotive Environmental Index
- Top 3 ranking in its class for initial quality
- EPA-rated 48 mpg in the city
- EPA-rated 45 mpg on the highway
- Handy hatchback design
Most people assume that the 2008 Toyota Prius is a tiny little car, but it’s not. In fact, it’s extremely comfortable up front and offers generous leg room in back. Plus, it’s a hatchback with folding rear seats, able to swallow large amounts of cargo if necessary. That it achieves such high EPA fuel economy ratings is icing on the cake. Three trim levels are offered, with the top Touring model available with leather, navigation and other upscale amenities.
- Top 30 ranking in the Automotive Environmental Index
- Top 3 ranking in its class for performance and design
- 29 mpg city with automatic transmission
- 35 mpg highway with automatic transmission
- Offered as a sedan or 3-door hatchback
Available in two distinctly different designs—a hatchback styled for world markets and a sedan made for America—the Toyota Yaris blends functionality, a low price, good fuel economy and owner satisfaction with its performance and design into an environmentally friendly package. The hatch comes one way with a handful of options; the sedan is offered in standard and S trim levels.
More Research
2008 Automotive Environmental Index
2008 AEI Subcompact Cars
2008 AEI Compact Cars
2008 AEI Midsize Cars
2008 AEI Multi-activity Vehicles
2008 Initial Quality Study Results
2008 APEAL Study Results
