Greenest Cars of 2010

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Green means go in a whole new way to auto manufacturers, nowadays.

After struggling to sell gas guzzlers, almost all car companies have designed their own version of a more environmentally friendly vehicle.

Green Team reporter Pete Mangione took a test drive in the capital city at the Northeast International Auto Show.

"It's quietest test drive I've ever taken," said Mangione.

The Ford Escape plug in hybrid runs at 80 miles a gallon, and it's one of many fuel efficient vehicles on display at the auto show in the Convention Center.

National Grid is one of several utility companies testing out the car, and hopes it's new initiative called 'Project Get Ready' will help manufactures get even more plug in hybrids on the road.

Ron Gulmi of National Grid said, "Which will help our energy independence, by getting off oil and petroleum in the transportation sector, reduce our carbon footprint, lower greenhouse gas emmissions."

For green cars already in production at the show there is the Toyota Prius, which drives in at 50 miles per gallon. The larger Volkswagen with a clean diesel engine is listed at 30 miles per gallon. Most green cars run a few thousand dollars extra, with a three to five year payback time.

Some said it wouldn't bother them to pay a few extra thousand dollars to get the long term benefits, while others say the economy is steering them away.

Greenest Cars of 2010 according to cnnmoney.com
1. Honda Civic GX
2. Toyota Prius
3. Honda Civic Hybrid
4. Smart ForTwo
5. Honda Insight
6. Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan Hybrids
7. Toyota Yaris
8. Nissan Altima Hybrid
9. Mini Cooper
10. Chevrolet Cobalt XFE
11. Hyundai Accent Blue
12. Honda Fit
13. Volkswagen Jetta TDI