Consumer Reports Includes 4 Hybrids to Top 10 Picks

Consumer Reports' testing procedures are the most comprehensive of any U.S. publication or Web site. More than 50 individual tests are performed on every vehicle, including evaluations of performance, comfort, convenience, safety, and fuel economy. Many tests were developed exclusively by CR's auto engineers and adopted by the auto industry.

• SEDAN (Less than $20,000/Small Sedan): Honda Civic. The new Civic ($17,000 to $20,000) has a roomy interior, a comfortable ride, and good handling and fuel economy. Manual- and automatic- transmission versions get 31 and 28 mpg overall. The hybrid gets 37 mpg overall. Curtain air bags are standard and crash-test results are impressive. (Last year's Top Pick for Small Sedans was the Ford Focus.)
• SEDAN ($20,000-$30,000/Family Sedan): Honda Accord. The Accord provides an excellent balance of comfort, roominess, and handling. Each model provides good fuel economy for its class, with the four-cylinder and V6 models getting 23 and 24 mpg overall. The Hybrid delivers quicker acceleration and moderately better gas mileage of 25 mpg overall.
• SUV (More than $30,000/Midsized SUV): Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The Highlander Hybrid ($35,000 to $40,000) is a well- rounded SUV that delivers quick acceleration, a comfortable ride, and a third-row seat. Its 22 mpg is impressive for a midsized SUV. This hybrid and its near twin, the 23 mpg Lexus RX400h ($50,000), are the only SUVs to achieve an excellent overall score in CR's testing. Another excellent choice, with a better third-row seat, is the Honda Pilot ($29,000 to $35,000). (Last year's Top Pick for Midsized SUV was the Lexus RX330.)
• GREEN CAR: Toyota Prius. For the third year, the $23,000 gasoline/electric hybrid Toyota Prius is CR's pick, thanks to its excellent 44 mpg overall fuel economy. It is certified by the California Air Resources Board as a near-zero-emission vehicle. With a roomy interior, reasonable performance, and the versatility of a hatchback, the Prius is a good alternative to a midsized sedan.

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