6 Sippin' Hybrid Alternatives

Check out these not-too-thirsty vehicles that give you fuel economy without giving up style and value.

The Cool Carryall - Scion xB

Year: 2008

Sells for: $17,220

Fuel Economy: 22 mpg city/28 mpg highway

Engine: 158-hp 2.4-liter DOHC I4

Transmission: 5-speed automatic

Seats: Five

This ugly-chic crossover likely has the highest ratio of interior volume to curb length of any vehicle. It'll welcome five adults and a good amount of luggage, and it needs to stop for gas only every 400 miles.

The Sturdy Second Car - VW Rabbit Coupe

Year: 2008

Sells for: $17,325

Fuel Economy: 22 mpg/29 mpg

Engine: 170-hp 2.5-liter DOHC I5

Transmission: 5-speed manual

Seats: Five

The Rabbit, which was called the Golf for a while, has been rechristened as its '70s self. It's proof that compact can be comfortable - five passengers fit fine - yet it gets the mileage you'd hope for from a car half as much fun to drive.

The Smart Family Car - Saturn Vue XE

Year: 2008

Sells for: $21,707

Fuel Economy: 19 mpg/26 mpg

Engine: 169-hp 2.4-liter DOHC I4

Transmission: 4-speed automatic

Seats: Five

If you must buy an SUV, this one won't put you in hock to the Saudis. It gets decent mileage by any standard, but it's especially good for an SUV. At $4,000 less than its hybrid twin, it's a great value.

The Roadster - Pontiac Solstice

Year: 2008

Sells for: $21,614

Fuel Economy:
19 mpg/25 mpg

Engine: 173-hp 2.4-liter DOHC I4

Transmission: 5-speed manual

Seats: Two

The Solstice (and sister Saturn Sky) combines light weight, high responsiveness and decent fuel economy. And it's one of the lowest-priced convertibles in North America.

The Speedster - Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

Year: 2008

Sells for: $51,545

Fuel Economy: 16 mpg/26 mpg

Engine: 430-hp 6.2-liter OHV V-8

Transmission: 6-speed manual

Seats: Two

This isn't the car you buy for its fuel economy; it's the car you buy for its sophisticated chassis, V-8 engine and ability to hustle around corners. But drop it into sixth gear on the highway and you get bragging rights for mileage too.

The urban hipster - Vespa LX

Year: 2008

Sells for: $3,199

Fuel Economy: 70 mpg to 80 mpg

Engine: 50cc SOHC 1-cyl

Transmission: Automatic

Seats: Two

It'll go only 39 mph, but why hurry when you're getting 80 miles per gallon? This Italian import is perfect for squeezing through city traffic - though not advised on the highway - and it's a breeze to park. Consider it the ultimate commuter solution.