5 Cars: Keeping It Green on a Budget

This week's 5 Cars is all about making your ride planet-friendly.

Perhaps you are in the market for a new or used vehicle that is kind to your wallet. And perhaps you also have a commitment to doing as little damage to the environment as possible.

One suggestion: Get a hybrid vehicle. With a combination of a traditional gas engine and an electric motor, the cars, while often pricey, can save you money on gas in the long run—and budget models (as we're defining them, under $40,000) are out there. They also are better for the planet in the sense that they can increase gas mileage and offer reduced emissions going into the air.

Here are a number of pocketbook-friendly and diverse hybrid options—hopefully one will be perfect for you and Mother Earth. Listings and photos come from Cars.com, Craigslist and AOL Autos.

1. 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid SE - New - $28,385 
   
   This Ruby Red Metallic 4-door hybrid hatchback has the style and the moves, but is about as guilt-free as it gets. The vehicle offers front-wheel drive, an automatic CVT transmission, a 2.0 liter 16V gas and electric motor, ABS and Driveline traction control, a Myford Touch navigation system and more. Ask for Stock# 13C83. Available atMaplecrest Ford Lincoln in Union.
   
    
2. 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco - New - $26,710 
   
   This Taupe Gray hybrid sedan offers lots of bang for your dollar. The Eco offers front-wheel drive a 6-speed automatic transmission, a 2.4 liter I4 16V hybrid engine, an anti-theft alarm system and audio alarm system, cloth/leatherette seat upholstery, heated driver and passenger mirrors and more. Ask for Stock# 130004. Available at Wigder Chevrolet, Inc. in Livingston.
   
    
3. 2013 Toyota Prius Three - New - $26,852  
   
   Toyota is, to many minds, the hybrid master. This 5-door hatchback from the eco-friendly fleet comes in Nautical Blue Metallic with a dark gray interior and features an automatic CVT transmission, a 1.8 liter I4 16V hybrid engine, braking assist, Bluetooth wireless phone connectivity and a digital audio input and more—plus one year of free maintenance with your purchase. Ask for Stock# 501440. Available atRoute 22 Toyota in Hillside. 
   
    
4. 2013 Acura ILX Hybrid 1.5L Technology - New - $35,295 
   
   The elegant but environmentally savvy sedan comes in sleek Crystal Black Pearl with an—ooh!—ebony interior. The car more than looks good. It offers some great standard features, including an automatic CVT transmission, a 1.5L 8V SOHC hybrid engine, an anti-theft alarm system, an input for a memory card, Acura/ELS Surround premium speakers and more. Ask for Stock# 24403B. Available at Springfield Acura in Springfield.
   
    
5. 2012 Buick LaCrosse EASSIST - Used - $24,000 
   
   This previously owned Buick 4-door, of simple blue hue, boasts just over 15,000 miles and gives you lots of creature comforts for less than what you'd pay for a version just one year older. It's also packed with lots of super features including a 6-speed automatic transmission, a powerful 2.4 liter hybrid engine, AM/FM/satellite radio and Bluetooth, driver and passenger heated-cushion seats and seatbacks, electric power steering and more. Ask for Stock# BG6868. Available at New Star Auto Group in Newark.