Hybrids

They reign as mileage kings, at least until the advent of fuel cell-powered offerings or a big drop in the cost of diesel fuel.

The growing list of hybrids remains topped by Toyota's Prius, Camry, and Highlander. Honda's Civic is right up there, too, and folks will want to take a look at Nissan's Altima along with the Ford Escape and its Mercury (Mariner) and Mazda (Tribute) siblings.

Also, a growing number of GM vehicles, including the Malibu sedan and an array of pickups and SUVs are now available with hybrid technology (at left, the Ford Fusion Hybrid in Los Angeles).

- Bill Griffith, Globe Correspondent