5 Really Cost-Effective Fuel Savers

Surprisingly, some fuel efficient vehicles aren't the most economical choices out there. Here are some that are.

CNNMoney.com asked analysts at IntelliChoice.com, a Website that specializes in tracking auto ownership costs, to find the the most fuel-efficient vehicles in various classes, then figure out which of those are really the most cost-effective once total value and ownership costs are factored in.

Only cars that delivered at least 10% better fuel economy than the average vehicle in their class were considered. In some categories, only one vehicle delivered that kind of fuel economy advantage. (For instance, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid among mid-sized SUVs and the Chevy Tahoe/GMC Yukon Hybrid among full-sized SUVS.) The five vehicles featured here represent categories where there was a choice of fuel-efficiency stand-outs.

Instead of just comparing ownership costs directly, which would always favor the cheapest car, IntelliChoice.com scores vehicles based on computed "expected ownership costs" for a given type of vehicle at that price, then compares those scores. That keeps the playing field even since, to be fair, someone who pays $50,000 for a new car instead of $20,000 is getting something -- features, quality,comfort and performance, for instance -- for that money. Any measure of "cost effectiveness" has to take that added value into account.

In the end, the most fuel-efficient car isn't always the most cost effective to own. But in many cases, it actually is, as rising gas prices have made fuel costs a bigger factor in auto ownership.

1. Midsized Car: Toyota Prius

You'd think fuel economy alone would give the Prius the win here. But the Prius's equally surprising value retention is an even bigger factor.

As gas prices have risen, waiting lists for the Prius have returned with a vengeance. For now, it's easier to find them used. Consequently, expect to pay just as much for a lightly-used Prius as you would for a brand new one.

Meanwhile, the Prius remains tops in fuel economy while offering the interior space of a mid-sized car and more usable storage than any mid-sized hybrid sedan.

Honda Motor Co.

Honda Civic Hybrid

2. Compact Car: Honda Civic Hybrid

The Honda Civic is usually considered a direct competitor to the Prius. But the CIvic is significantly smaller inside. It also has a different type of hybrid system that makes it a better choice for those who do more highway driving.

The Civic is still a popular and reliable hybrid choice that offers outstanding resale value. After five years, IntelliChoice.com expects it to be worth about 66% of its original cost.

General Motors

Chevrolet Corvette

3. Sports Car: Chevrolet Corvette

Two questions just popped into your mind.

First: "Fuel efficient?"

Second: "Cost effective?"

The answer to both is a resounding "Oh, yes."

As far as fuel economy goes, look at the numbers, not under the hood. Even with that big V-8 engine and 430 horsepower output, the Corvette gets 26 mpg in highway driving.

The smaller, four-cylinder Pontiac Solstice GXP, which ranks second in this category, has a two mile per gallon advantage. The Corvette more than makes up the difference with its amazing value retention.

After five years on the road, the Corvette convertible is still worth 65% of its original cost compared to the Solstice's 58%. The Corvette also has far lower insurance costs than other cars in its class.

4. Sport Sedan: Lexus GS

This is not the GS Hybrid, which finished third in this segment, after the Pontiac Grand Prix GXP. The GS doesn't quite get the fuel economy the hybrid version, but the difference is less that you'd expect: about one mile per gallon. That's why the non-hybrid comes out ahead in the final analysis.

Either way, Lexus's stellar reliabiity and resale value -- 62% after five years for this one -- make the GS a stand-out in total cost.

Mazda Motor Co.

Mazda Tribute Hybrid

5. Small Crossover: Mazda Tribute Hybrid

The top three vehicles in this segment are all, basically, versions of the same vehicle. The winner, the Mazda Tribute, is available in very limited quantities in just a few markets.

The second and third place finishers, the Mercury Mariner Hybrid and Ford Escape Hybrid, respectively, aren't exactly rolling off Ford's assembly lines in massive quantities, either, but at least you can find them in all 50 states. (The Saturn Vue Green Line ranked fourth.)

The upside of those low production numbers is strong value retention. Hard-to-find cars in strong demand hold their value better. At five years of age, the Tribute is expected to hold about 55% of its original value, according to IntelliChoice.com