5 Cars Good for the Planet—And the Wallet

In this installment of 5 Cars, we look to this week's headlines, which include a story about General Motors knocking up to $5,000 off the price of its 2014 Chevy Volt to encourage U.S. drivers to consider hybrid-electric cars.

That's right, American automakers want you to save money and the planet by getting rid of the gas guzzler and switching your ride to a more eco-friendly model. Now, GM's motivation is clear—it needs to boost its profits in a struggling sector of the industry. But LessCars.org says there are a host of reasons why going hybrid would be a great move for drivers: fuel economy, reduced emissions (about 25-35 percent less than fully gas-powered engines, even during traffic jams), tax incentives for buyers and brake pads tend to last longer than in conventional vehicles.  

So, this week, we'll look at five hybrid cars available in and near Essex and Morris counties that can save you money and earn you a green star!

Listings and photos come from Cars.com, AOL Autos and individual sellers and dealers.

1. 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Base—New—$28,370  
   
   You will feel good driving this Venetian Red Pearl Mica hybrid sedan, and you'll look good too. The car offers a 6-speed automatic transmission, ABS and Driveline traction control, AM/FM/satellite radio with audio controls on the steering wheel and an audio memory card input on the dash, a 2.4 liter hybrid electric engine and more. Ask for Stock# H122784. Available at Lynne's Hyundai in Bloomfield.
   
   
   
2. 2013 Toyota Prius Three—New—$27,557  
   
   This sleek, sustainability-minded ride comes in silver and looks like it would fit quite nicely on "The Jetsons." But it's made for terra firma and has similarly solid features, including driver's side head restraint whiplash protection, anti-lock braking and traction control, speed-sensitive audio volume control, Bluetooth connectivity, an automatic continuously variable transmission and a 1.8 liter hybrid engine. Ask for Stock #: 648743. Available at Caldwell Toyota in West Caldwell.
   
   
   
3. 2013 Ford Fusion Energi SE Luxury—New—$41,655  
   
   This is an elegant conveyance: This Fusion Energi Luxury comes in regal Bordeaux Reserve that seems to go hand in hand with environmental responsibility. The hybrid sedan features front-wheel drive, an automatic continuously variable transmission, braking assist, digital keypad power door locks, in-dash CD and mp3 players, Bluetooth connectivity, a 2.0 liter hybrid motor and more. Ask for Stock# 13U111. Available at Maplecrest Ford Lincoln on Springfield Avenue in Union.
   
   
   
4. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid SEL—New—$30,390  
   
   The word "tempest" rarely comes to mind when thinking about hybrid cars, but this VW hybrid sedan, which coincidentally comes in spirited Tempest Blue, has turbo power and a 7-speed automatic transmission with auto-shift that give this ride some zip. Also enjoy features such as the glove-compartment beverage cooler, four-wheel independent suspension, an auxiliary transmission cooler, digital audio input, front and back reading lights, a 1.4 liter hybrid turbo engine and more. Ask for Stock# V601245. Available at Douglas Volkswagen in Summit.
   
   
   
5. 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco—New—$27,405  
   
   Chevrolet has more on its hybrid roster than the redoubtable Volt. This Eco version of the long-running Malibu series comes in Black Granite Metallic and   It features a 6-speed automatic transmission, 3-point seatbelts, an anti-theft alarm system, electric power steering, steering wheel audio controls, a 2.4 liter hybrid engine and more. Ask for Stock# 130109. Available at Wigder Chevrolet in Livingston.