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Toyota Camry

For 2010, green cars are getting more diversified. Yes, there’s some high-priced electric vehicles (EVs) on the market like the Chevrolet Volt and Fisker Karma, but there’s also some awesome gas-electric hybrids and even some truly clean diesels (most of which qualify for big tax credits).

So, are you still thinking about going green? 2010 is the best model year yet to buy a hybrid. What about diesel? VW is bringing its super fuel efficient and low emissions Jetta and Golf TDI models for Americans to enjoy too.

• The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid (41 mpg city, 36 mpg hwy) just has it all: a low price, excellent fuel economy, a roomy and comfortable interior with quality materials and seriously fun performance. However, the Fusion garnered the No. 1 spot because of Ford’s way cool SYNC connectivity system.
• The third generation 2010 Toyota Prius (51 mpg city, 48 mpg hwy) has garnered much acclaim because this mid-sized sedan is still the most fuel efficient car on the road today. Plus, the 2010 Prius is a good deal with its rather low price, quirky design, high quality, zippy performance, top safety rankings and advanced technology.
• The 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid (45 mpg hwy, 40 mpg city) has been at the top of many green car lists because the Civic is just such a good overall buy with zippy performance, excellent reliability and above average design both inside and out.
• The 2010 Honda Insight (40 mpg city, 43 mpg hwy) is one of the top contenders against the best selling Toyota Prius, but the sexy exterior and interior design of this compact car make it an excellent overall buy.
• The 2010 Lexus HS 250h (35 mpg city, 34 mpg hwy) is the first luxury hybrid sedan to be built from the ground up as a hybrid. Starting at a base MSRP of around $34,000, the first-generation Lexus HS 250h has all of Lexus’ signature Euro-Asian sophistication, great design, smooth performance and advanced safety and telematics technology.
• The 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI (estimated 41 combined mpg) is at the top of my list for fun-to-drive, fuel-efficient and super low emissions car. Yes, VW’s TDI Jetta and Golf models are not hybrids, but powered by clean diesel fuel.
• The 2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI (estimated 41 combined mpg) is hot in Europe and for good reason since diesel fuel now has gained ultra clean emissions and lost that noisy ping-ping sound. The 2010 VW Golf TDI offers great fuel economy, performance, quality and design.
• The 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid (34 mpg city, 31 mpg hwy) is a mid-sized, five-seater SUV and not a car, but that’s what makes this vehicle so functional, especially for busy families or outdoor types.
• The 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid (33 mpg city, 34 mpg hwy) is a good choice for those who love the Camry’s luxury, reliability and design, yet want a fuel efficient mid-sized sedan.
• The 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid (estimated 35 mpg city, 33 mpg hwy) is a popular hybrid because the Nissan Altima is just a fun-to-drive sedan with a stylish exterior and interior.
• The 2010 Chevrolet Aveo is not only fuel efficient (35 mpg hwy, 27 mpg city), but was rated by the Ecology Center as the No. 1 least toxic car in America. Plus, the 2010 Chevy Aveo is one of the lowest-priced new cars you can buy at just MSRP of just $11,965.

Sheryll Alexander is a lifestyles writer based in Costa Mesa, Calif. Follow me! @sheryllalexande

If you have had your eyes on the potential purchase of a new Toyota, Lexus or Scion, the fourth quarter of this year could reap you a great deal.

Toyota, who up until a couple of years ago was a fat cat swimming in cash, was caught sleeping at the switch after two years of red ink. The job of putting the keys of a new car in the hands of a buyer has become more daunting.

To drive showroom traffic, Toyota, who in the past did not have to rely heavily on extra marketing to consumers, is getting ready to throw one billion dollars into a concerted effort to get buyers into its showrooms. The billion dollar package will help make Toyota attractive to buyers by subsidizing leases and loan rates and adding a new array of customer incentives.

Toyota is concerned about recent sales figures and is obviously anxious about getting consumers reacquainted with some of its wares.

Sales of both Scion and Lexus have been hard hit so far this year. Scion sales have been down 51% in the first eight months of the year, while Lexus sales are down 30%. To add to the angst, BMW is breathing down Lexus’ neck to become the top selling luxury brand in the US.

Toyota, who doesn’t usually hit many foul balls, is concerned at the slow sales of its Venza wagon with under 35,000 sold since its release earlier this year. The Toyota Venza ,which was created exclusively for the North American market, will probably be pushed hard through fourth quarter advertising.

The good news at Toyota is the strong sales being exhibited by their fair haired child, the Toyota Prius. So confident is Toyota that the Prius will only gain more market share in the future, some executives are saying it can outsell the Toyota Camry eventually. In short, the company is blueprinting major growth of the model.

At a sales conference in Las Vegas it was announced that Toyota will use the Prius name on more hybrid models in its U.S. lineup. Executives said the name Prius would be attached to “a family of models” using similar hybrid powertrains.