3 Hybrid Cars With Great MPG Drivers Can Actually Afford

Hybrid battery repair

Although the Toyota Prius might be the first vehicle that comes to mind when you hear the word “hybrid car,” Honda’s line of hybrid vehicles fill up “Best of…” and “Top X…” lists all over the Web. Although a few luxury automakers might offer cars with better fuel mileage, they also cost U.S. consumers an arm, and a leg, and at least one more limb besides. On the other hand, the Honda hybrid fuel economy is paired with an affordable sticker price, making these cars a favorite of green drivers the world over. For drivers wondering how to get the best MPG for their money, Honda hybrids have long been a popular alternative to the famous Prius.

2015 Honda Accord Hybrid
MSRP: Starting at $29,300
MPG: 50 city / 45 highway; Horsepower: 195 HP
Honda Accord Hybrid Battery Replacement Cost: About $2,100

For drivers interested in the best Honda hybrid fuel economy, the Accord is their best bet. Although it’s more expensive than other hybrids from Honda, it ears its sticker price as one of the most fuel efficient hybrids on the road today.

2014 Honda Civic Hybrid
MSRP: Starting from $27,300
MPG: 44 city / 47 highway; Horsepower: 110 HP
Honda Civic Hybrid Battery Replacement Cost: About $2,100

This hybrid version of this Honda sedan is proving almost as popular as its standard issue cousin. Far cheaper than a luxury hybrid, but much more affordable than similar offerings from Volkswagen and Ford.

2014 Honda Insight
MSRP: Starting from just $18,700
MPG: 41 city / 44 highway; Horsepower: 98 HP
Honda Insight battery replacement cost: About $2,100

Some cars are just too beautiful to live. Although the Honda Insight stopped being produced in 2014, for awhile it had the best Honda hybrid fuel economy for the money. In fact, it was one of the most fuel efficient hybrids under $20,000 ever produced.

Other carmakers could learn a lesson from the superior Honda hybrid fuel economy standards. Consumers shouldn’t have to fork over $35,000 just to drive around in a hybrid with great fuel efficiency.

Remanufactured Hybrid Batteries Are a Less Expensive Replacement Option

Honda insight ima battery

Now that hybrid cars have been on the road for long enough, we all know at least three things. We know that they get great fuel economy. We know that they are better for the environment. The other thing we know about hybrid cars is that one of the things that is essential to their function is prone to failure. Research finds that though hybrid battery warranties are eight years, they can last as few as six. If you’re a hybrid owner you know that the thought of hybrid battery failure is pretty scary because you don’t know when it will fail and because you know the cost of hybrid battery replacement can run you a few thousand dollars.

One less expensive option in the event of hybrid battery failure is to get a remanufactured hybrid battery. Remanufactured hybrid batteries are significantly cheaper than buying a brand new one from your dealership.

When something is remanufactured — which happens with a lot of electronics like lap tops, cell phones, and other handheld devices — the parts are all tested and inspected. The parts that do not pass inspection or are worn are replaced. The battery is then put back together in better condition. Remanufactured hybrid batteries are not new, but all of the parts should be in working order.