The 20 Most Affordable, Fuel-Efficient Cars on the Market

Starting MSRP: $32,500*

Added Price Over Non-Hybrid: $12,310**

Average MPG HWY/CITY: 93

Annual Fuel Cost: $581

Annual Fuel Savings Over Non-Hybrid Model: $1,579

Years to Break-Even: 7.8

Total Cost Over 5 Years: $40,602

Car buyers usually can't help but notice the Chevy (NYSE: GM) Volt's hefty price tag of $32,500 (even after the generous $7,500 tax credit). This is because the Volt offers the latest in technology with its hybrid, plug-in engine. 

While it may not be the most affordable car overall, we felt it was important to include the Chevy Volt as it has the second highest fuel-efficient rating of any car available with an EPA-estimated 93 MPG rating.

*Price reflects $7,500 federal tax credit

*No non-hybrid equivalent, compared to Toyota  Camry 4 Cyl. LE MSRP $20,190, 25 MPG

Photo courtesy of Flickr.

Starting MSRP: $28,600

Added Price Over Non-Hybrid: $8,780

Average MPG HWY/CITY: 39

Annual Fuel Cost: $1,385

Annual Fuel Savings Over Non-Hybrid Model: $692

Years to Break-Even: 12.7

Total Cost Over 5 Years: $39,627

Despite the Ford Fusion Hybrid squeezing out 13 more miles per gallon than its non-hybrid counterpart, the added price for the extra technology will still take more than 12 years to recoup. 

Photo courtesy of Flickr.

Starting MSRP: $26,600

Added Price Over Non-Hybrid: $6,410

Average MPG HWY/CITY: 33

Annual Fuel Cost: $1,636

Annual Fuel Savings Over Non-Hybrid Model: $524

Years to Break-Even: 12.2

Total Cost Over 5 Years: $39,037

The Toyota (NYSE: TM) Camry Hybrid looks just like its popular non-hybrid version, but costs more than $6,000 for an extra 7 MPG. For someone looking to start driving a hybrid without sacrificing space, this is a great choice.

Photo courtesy of Flickr.

Starting MSRP: $21,215

Added Price Over Non-Hybrid: N/A

Average MPG HWY/CITY: 23

Annual Fuel Cost: $2,348

Annual Fuel Savings Over Non-Hybrid Model: N/A

Years to Break-Even: N/A

Total Cost Over 5 Years: $36,348

The non-hybrid Ford Escape is nearly $10,000 cheaper than its hybrid cousin, making it much more affordable and much less costly over the long run.

Photo courtesy of ford-escape.org.

Starting MSRP: $24,450

Added Price Over Non-Hybrid: $2,380

Average MPG HWY/CITY: 34

Annual Fuel Cost: $1,588

Annual Fuel Savings Over Non-Hybrid Model: $412

Years to Break-Even: 5.8

Total Cost Over 5 Years: $36,303

The Nissan (PINK: NSANY) Altima Hybrid costs a little more than $2,000 more than its non-hybrid counterpart, but should only take almost six years to recoup the extra cost of the pricier hybrid technology.

Photo courtesy of Flickr.

Starting MSRP: $22,070

Added Price Over Non-Hybrid: N/A

Average MPG HWY/CITY: 27

Annual Fuel Cost: $2,000

Annual Fuel Savings Over Non-Hybrid Model: N/A

Years to Break-Even: N/A

Total Cost Over 5 Years: $35,600

The non-hybrid version of the Altima is only about $700 cheaper than the hybrid model over the course of 5 years, so drivers could pick either one depending on their personal preference and still find an affordable and stylish ride.

Photo courtesy of Flickr.

Starting MSRP: $24,000

Added Price Over Non-Hybrid: $8,500

Average MPG HWY/CITY: 42

Annual Fuel Cost: $1,286

Annual Fuel Savings Over Non-Hybrid Model: $514

Years to Break-Even: 16.5

Total Cost Over 5 Years: $34,268

The hybrid version of the Honda (NYSE: HMC) Civic is priced nearly $8,500 higher than its non-hybrid cousin and takes between 16 and 17 years before the extra cost of hybrid technology can be recouped.

Despite a high "Years to Break-Even," the Honda Civic Hybrid still makes for a practical and affordable car.

Photo courtesy of Flickr.

Starting MSRP: $20,190

Added Price Over Non-Hybrid: N/A

Average MPG HWY/CITY: 25

Annual Fuel Cost: $2,160

Annual Fuel Savings Over a Non-Hybrid Model: N/A

Years to Break-Even: N/A

Total Cost Over 5 Years: $34,220

The Toyota Camry has been a favorite among sedan drivers everywhere. It is considered the standard in midsize cars and offers decent fuel efficiency, high reliability, and a very affordable starting price; costing $6,410 less than its hybrid version.

Photo courtesy of toyota2011camry.com.

Starting MSRP: $22,350*

Added Price Over Non-Diesel: $6,355

Average MPG HWY/CITY: 36

Annual Fuel Cost: $1,625

Annual Fuel Savings Over Non-Diesel Model: $175

Years to Break-Even: 36.3

Total Cost Over 5 Years: $34,154

Because the Volkswagen (PINK: VLKAY) Jetta TDI's MSRP starts at $6,355 over the non-diesel VW Jetta model, and because diesel currently sells for $3.90 per gallon, the TDI would likely not last long enough to recoup the extra cost over the non-diesel Jetta.

A fan favorite among diesel car enthusiasts, the TDI ranks #12 and remains a surprisingly affordable car to own in the long run.

*Price reflects $650 federal tax credit

Photo courtesy of Flickr.

Starting MSRP: $19,820

Added Price Over Non-Hybrid: N/A

Average MPG HWY/CITY: 26

Annual Fuel Cost: $2,077

Annual Fuel Savings Over Non-Hybrid Model: N/A

Years to Break-Even: N/A

Total Cost Over 5 Years: $33,375

Ford gave the Toyota Camry a run for its money when it made the Ford Fusion. It's price is a tad less than the Camry and offers a bit more in fuel efficiency.

Photo courtesy of Flickr.

Starting MSRP: $25,280

Added Price Over Non-Hybrid: $5,090*

Average MPG HWY/CITY: 99

Annual Fuel Cost: $545

Annual Fuel Savings Over Non-Hybrid Model: $1,615

Years to Break-Even: 3.2

Total Cost Over 5 Years: $32,051

The Nissan Leaf has the highest recorded fuel efficiency of any car on the market today, with a stellar 99 MPG. It is also the most popular all-electric car, able to travel a range of 50 to 100 miles on a single charge.

Surprisingly affordable for such advanced technology, the car only costs $32,051 over 5 years.

*No non-hybrid equivalent, compared to Toyota  Camry 4 Cyl. LE MSRP $20,190, 25 MPG

*Price reflects $7,500 federal tax credit

Photo courtesy of Flickr.

Starting MSRP: $22,800

Added Price Over Non-Hybrid: $2,610*

Average MPG HWY/CITY: 50

Annual Fuel Cost: $1,080

Annual Fuel Savings Over Non-Hybrid Model: $1,080

Years to Break-Even: 2.4

Total Cost Over 5 Years: $31,847

The Toyota Prius is far and away the most popular hybrid on the market, and for good reason. Its price is about $3,000 more than a midsize Toyota Camry, but the gas savings will more than pay for the extra cost in a little over two years.

*No non-hybrid equivalent, compared to Toyota Camry 4 Cyl. LE MSRP $20,190, 25 MPG

Photo courtesy of Flickr.

Starting MSRP: $19,400

Added Price Over Non-Hybrid: N/A

Average MPG HWY/CITY: 32

Annual Fuel Cost: $1,688

Annual Fuel Savings Over Non-Hybrid Model: N/A

Years to Break-Even: N/A

Total Cost Over 5 Years: $30,941

The sporty roadster is not only stylish and fun to drive, it's also the seventh least-costly fuel-efficient vehicle on our list. Who knew that such eco- friendly specs and speed could come in such a fun package? 

Photo courtesy of Flickr.

Starting MSRP: $18,200

Added Price Over Non-Hybrid: N/A

Average MPG HWY/CITY: 34

Annual Fuel Cost: $1,588

Annual Fuel Savings Over Non-Hybrid Model: N/A

Years to Break-Even: N/A

Total Cost Over 5 Years: $29,053

The Chevy Cruze is the top-selling car in the U.S., with nearly 123,000 vehicles driven off the lots since the start of the year. Its stylish design, larger size and high fuel efficiency make it a car of choice for many looking to save money.

Photo courtesy of Flickr.

Starting MSRP: $18,200

Added Price Over Non-Hybrid: $2,700*

Average MPG HWY/CITY: 41

Annual Fuel Cost: $1,317

Annual Fuel Savings Over Non-Hybrid Model: $483

Years to Break-Even: 5.6

Total Cost Over 5 Years: $27,697

The Honda Insight has changed its look since its original release in 1999. Today's model looks nearly identical to the Toyota Prius, but it's a smaller size and sells for $4,000 less. 

*No non-hybrid equivalent, compared to Compact Honda Civic MSRP $15,500, 30 MPG

Photo courtesy of Flickr.

Starting MSRP: $15,995

Added Price Over Non-Hybrid: N/A

Average MPG HWY/CITY: 30

Annual Fuel Cost: $1,800

Annual Fuel Savings Over Non-Hybrid Model: N/A

Years to Break-Even: N/A

Total Cost Over 5 Years: $27,554

The Volkswagen Jetta costs $6,355 less than its diesel counterpart, the Jetta TDI, and only gets six less miles per gallon.  That cost advantage makes the non-diesel version of the VW Jetta the much more affordable choice.

Photo courtesy of Flickr.

Starting MSRP: $15,500

Added Price Over Non-Hybrid: N/A

Average MPG HWY/CITY: 30

Annual Fuel Cost: $1,800

Annual Fuel Savings Over Non-Hybrid Model: N/A

Years to Break-Even: N/A

Total Cost Over 5 Years: $26,980

The reliable, practical and hugely popular Honda Civic non-hybrid model is the third least costly fuel-efficient car to own.

Choosing the conventional non-hybrid version over the hybrid version can save you around $7,000 over the course of 5 years thanks to a low price tag of $15,500.

Photo courtesy of Flickr.

Starting MSRP: $13,000

Added Price Over Non-Hybrid: N/A

Average MPG HWY/CITY: 32

Annual Fuel Cost: $1,688

Annual Fuel Savings Over Non-Hybrid Model: N/A

Years to Break-Even: N/A

Total Cost Over 5 Years: $23,518

The Toyota Yaris is the least expensive fuel-efficient car to own on our list. For a car that squeezes 32 miles per gallon at only $13,000, it packs a lot of bang for each buck spent.

Photo courtesy of Flickr.

Starting MSRP: $13,200

Added Price Over Non-Hybrid: N/A

Average MPG HWY/CITY: 35

Annual Fuel Cost: $1,543

Annual Fuel Savings Over Non-Hybrid Model: N/A

Years to Break-Even: N/A

Total Cost Over 5 Years: $23,026

The best car combo of fuel efficiency, seating capacity and affordability in 2011 is the Ford Fiesta subcompact, which wins by a nose over the inexpensive Toyota Yaris and the hugely popular Honda Civic (non-hybrid).

Its total cost over five years was less than half the cost of the Chevy Volt and it doesn't even use a hybrid engine to do it.

Photo courtesy of Flickr.