Mazda: A new model, the Mazda CX-7, is a compromise between a car and a SUV. An interesting solution. Nothing new as far as technology is concerned. Their entire model lineup has reasonable fuel economy.
GRADE: C
BMW: New models, more horsepower. Nope... they're not any greener from an emissions and pollution standpoint. However, they produce vehicles that are, for the most part, recyclable.
GRADE: C-
Mercedes-Benz: Like last year, their new products aim at more luxury, glamour and power. Considering all the expertise this company has, they have no excuse to explain the absence of cleaner and more economical vehicles. However, they also make recyclable ones. They seem to be bringing diesel back to America.
GRADE: C-
Toyota: The most-efficient hybrids to date are found here; clear explanations, and even the Camry that's coming soon. In addition, the Yaris, which is a hit from any standpoint, whether it's their efficiency, quality and greenness. They seem to own the future. The only dark cloud is that they're still compliant in building big SUVs.
GRADE: A
Lexus: This luxury division brings another hybrid vehicle, the GS 450h. In addition, they've announced another one that's coming soon. They are the only players in the luxury car category to seriously consider the environment, which proves that it is possible to build a car in that category that doesn't neglect that aspect. It humiliates the others' conduct and excuses.
GRADE: A+
Hyundai: Nothing exciting from an ecological standpoint. At least, all their vehicles feature reasonable fuel economy. They haven't yet gone nuts with horsepower, and they have even slightly improved their fuel consumption and pollution emissions numbers. They're talking about putting a hybrid vehicle on the market soon.
GRADE: B
Kia: Hyundai's little cousin deserves the same grade for the same reasons, just like last year.
GRADE: B
MINI: Like last year, these small cars are not-so-small but are modern nonetheless. They feature reasonable fuel economy and emissions. No new technologies. BMW has a hydrogen-powered prototype of the MINI.
GRADE: B
smart: Here's a very economical little car that doesn't pollute too much, and makes us reconsider the necessity of driving bigger and bigger vehicles. No new clean technology. However, is this division in trouble?
GRADE: B+
Saab: Their new models are both bigger and smaller. There's a paradox here. These cars are already clean and recyclable. Their consumption is reasonable, but no new technologies. Another division in trouble.
GRADE: B+
Saturn: Their cars and trucks also feature reasonable fuel consumption, decent emissions, recyclable cars, and even a green assembly plant. The VUE Green Line hybrid has arrived. It's funny to see how the Saturn representatives had a hard time explaining their product. They'll get used to it...
GRADE: B
GRADE: C
BMW: New models, more horsepower. Nope... they're not any greener from an emissions and pollution standpoint. However, they produce vehicles that are, for the most part, recyclable.
GRADE: C-
Mercedes-Benz: Like last year, their new products aim at more luxury, glamour and power. Considering all the expertise this company has, they have no excuse to explain the absence of cleaner and more economical vehicles. However, they also make recyclable ones. They seem to be bringing diesel back to America.
GRADE: C-
Toyota: The most-efficient hybrids to date are found here; clear explanations, and even the Camry that's coming soon. In addition, the Yaris, which is a hit from any standpoint, whether it's their efficiency, quality and greenness. They seem to own the future. The only dark cloud is that they're still compliant in building big SUVs.
GRADE: A
Lexus: This luxury division brings another hybrid vehicle, the GS 450h. In addition, they've announced another one that's coming soon. They are the only players in the luxury car category to seriously consider the environment, which proves that it is possible to build a car in that category that doesn't neglect that aspect. It humiliates the others' conduct and excuses.
GRADE: A+
Hyundai: Nothing exciting from an ecological standpoint. At least, all their vehicles feature reasonable fuel economy. They haven't yet gone nuts with horsepower, and they have even slightly improved their fuel consumption and pollution emissions numbers. They're talking about putting a hybrid vehicle on the market soon.
GRADE: B
Kia: Hyundai's little cousin deserves the same grade for the same reasons, just like last year.
GRADE: B
MINI: Like last year, these small cars are not-so-small but are modern nonetheless. They feature reasonable fuel economy and emissions. No new technologies. BMW has a hydrogen-powered prototype of the MINI.
GRADE: B
smart: Here's a very economical little car that doesn't pollute too much, and makes us reconsider the necessity of driving bigger and bigger vehicles. No new clean technology. However, is this division in trouble?
GRADE: B+
Saab: Their new models are both bigger and smaller. There's a paradox here. These cars are already clean and recyclable. Their consumption is reasonable, but no new technologies. Another division in trouble.
GRADE: B+
Saturn: Their cars and trucks also feature reasonable fuel consumption, decent emissions, recyclable cars, and even a green assembly plant. The VUE Green Line hybrid has arrived. It's funny to see how the Saturn representatives had a hard time explaining their product. They'll get used to it...
GRADE: B