Hybrid vehicles top fuel economy ranks

Toyota, Honda and Ford among hybrids that top government the fuel economy list.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) released the 2007 Fuel Economy Guide on Tuesday.

Hybrid vehicles continue to lead the government's fuel economy rankings. The Toyota Prius topped the list.

It was followed by the Honda Civic Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid and Ford Escape Hybrid.

Toyota vehicles dominated the top of the list. Of the ten most efficient vehicles, five were made by Toyota. Honda and Ford vehicles each appear twice - Ford with front-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive versions of the Escape SUV- and Hyundai appears once.

"By fueling consumers with better information, the EPA is helping American motorists conserve their money while preserving our environment," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson..

Fuel economy estimates are determined by tests that manufacturers and the EPA conduct according to EPA specifications. The results are placed on the windows of all new cars and light truck before sale.

"Each year millions of Americans buy new cars, and by using fuel economy information, each consumer can make a more educated decision that will help conserve energy and save money," Energy Secretary Samuel W. Bodman said.

1. Toyota Prius (hybrid-electric) 60/51