2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid

The Bottom Line: $28,600
Fuel Economy: 41 city/36 highway

Like the Prius but want your hybrid to be made in the U.S.A.? This is your best bet. The Fusion sedan was the bestselling American hybrid in August, but it placed seventh on the overall list—after six Japanese entries. The Fusion benefits from Ford's improved second-generation hybrid system. Thanks to new control logic, its 2.5-liter engine shuts off twice as often as in the early Escape Hybrid (that's a good thing). And redesigned regenerative braking captures 94% of energy that would otherwise be lost. The drivetrain produces 191 horsepower, which delivers decent performance. The Fusion can travel up to two miles on battery power, and reach 47 mph.