Are you trying to cut down on the gas guzzling/carbon emissions and shopping for an eco friendly car?

Well, according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), an independent, non-profit research group dedicated to advancing energy efficiency, there are many eco friendly cars to choose from.

Courtesy of the ACEEE, the following is a list of the top 6 Eco Friendly Cars of 2009:

1. Honda Civic GX
2. Toyota Prius
3. Honda Civic Hybrid
4. Smart Fortwo Convertible/Coupe
5. Toyota Yaris
6. Nissan Altima Hybrid

The most common eco friendly car available today is the hybrid.  Hybrids use an electric motor and battery storage to maximize the fuel economy from standard gasoline-burning engines. This brand of car symbolizes the transition from fossil fuels to renewable sources of energy.  Contingent on design and usage, hybrids can offer up to 30 percent fuel savings (sometimes more) over a comparable gasoline vehicle.  But more importantly, that translates into less greenhouse gases emissions and a healthier environment.

Right now, Honda and Toyota are leading the way.  Consumer confidence is increasing in the world of Hybrids, with heavyweight stars like Leonardo DiCaprio and Cameron Diaz offering inspiration by both driving a Toyota Prius.  When you shop for your next vehicle, have you considered an eco friendly car?

Tags: ACEEE, Cameron Diaz, carbon emissions, Eco Friendly, eco friendly car, energy efficiency, greenhouse gas, greenhouse gas emissions, greenhouse gases, Honda Civic GX, Honda Civic Hybrid, Leonardo DiCaprio, Nissan Altima Hybrid, planet forward, Smart Fortwo, Toyota Prius, Toyota Yaris