IRVINE, Calif. — The expert editors of Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com have named their 2009 picks for the Top 10 Green Cars. In an all-new story posted to KBB Green, the kbb.com editors list a variety of fuel-efficient vehicles worthy of buyers’ consideration. The coverage includes detailed EPA-estimated fuel economy numbers and editorial commentary on why each particular model made this year’s list.

On last year’s inaugural Top 10 Green Cars list, the kbb.com editors cited skyrocketing gas prices, a weak economy and growing environmental consciousness as the major reasons more car buyers were focusing on fuel economy. As we approach Earth Day 2009, gas prices have come back to Earth but the shaky economy is trumping most other concerns and causes, resulting in far fewer car buyers.

The current sales slump is unfortunate for many reasons, one of which is that 2009 is shaping up to be a banner year for fuel efficiency. The year’s arrivals include an all-new Toyota Prius that is even more fuel-efficient than its world-beating predecessor, a new Prius alternative in the Honda Insight, and a range of new 50-state clean-diesel cars, among others. In addition to these newcomers, this year’s Top 10 Green Cars list highlights some familiar faces, and the kbb.com editors again included a variety of vehicle shapes and sizes, because they recognize that not everyone who wants to get greener can go smaller. Just as buyers would, the editors considered characteristics like comfort, performance, utility and technology – not just fuel economy and price – in picking the winners.

"Despite the decline in auto sales and the stabilization of gas prices in recent months, we still think many new-car shoppers are interested in buying vehicles that are more fuel-efficient and better for the environment," said Jack Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com. "More than ever, we’re seeing a variety of environmentally friendly vehicles for the 2009 and 2010 model-years that offer intriguing technology. No matter what you or your family’s vehicle needs may be, we’re confident there is a ‘Green’ option available to suit your preferences and lifestyle."

Kbb.com’s 2009 Top 10 Green Cars
(In order of combined EPA-estimated fuel economy)

For more information and to read KBB’s editorial commentary on all of the 2009 Top 10 Green Cars, visit www.kbb.com/greencars09.