Top 10 Used Hybrids Under $10,000

Believe it or not, hybrid cars have been around now for the better part of ten years. During that time they have more than proved their mettle. With rising gas prices and increasing concern for their wallets, consumers are increasingly turning to used hybrids, specifically certified pre-owned hybrids. Not only do these vehicles provide a terrific no-deductible warrany, but also can offer the would-be hybrid buyer a low-cost entry into the hot hybrid vehicle market.

Recently, the editors at Car.com made a thorough search for quality hybrids, model year 2005 or newer, selling today for around $10,000. The astounding finding--many cars fit that bill, offering not only unbelievable gas mileage, but also a great auto bargain. Here are the top ten hybrid cars in no particular order.

2009-10 Nissan Versa. A subcompact, this baby whizzes along the highway at 34 mpg and 27 in the city. The hatchback costs a bit more, but both offer roomy interior space.

2007 Kia Optima. This Korean-made car was a solid pick when new and as a certified pre-owned has one one of the best warranties-10years or 100,000 power train. This car is a good example of the top quality making Kia so popular.

2006 Ford Freestar. This hybrid minivan is a great choice for families as the third-row seats fold down for extra room.

2006 Ford Fusion. The sporty four-door Fusion is zippy and fun with plenty of room inside for assorted possessions. It gets up to 32 mpg highway with automatic transmission.

2005 Honda Accord Sedan. The very epitome of reliability for almost 30 years now, this family car gets 30 mpg highway in the l-4, but is also available as a v-6.

2005-6 Toyota Corolla. Another super-reliable vehicle for now many years, this hybrid gets 41 mpg highway while providing plenty of interior room and cargo space.

2006 Hyundai Sonata. Yet another Korean success story, the Hyundai Sonata is a solid mid-size hybrid vehicle combining standard safety features in an affordable sedan big enough for a family of four.

2006 Mitsubishi Galant.This sporty hybrid has barely changed since 2006 and still provides plenty of interior space along with a superior crash-test rating.

2005 Ford Five Hundred. Only offered for three years, this vehicle never really grabbed much attention, yet it’s a solid deal with tons of space.

2005 Hyundai Tucson. Still yearning for an SUV? This crossover has SUV fun in a smaller package. Very well-reviewed, this model gets 27 mpg highway.

Krystal Kidd is a writer living in Southern California who often writes about a wide variety of topics, including hybrid cars.