Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid

By itself, the Chevy Malibu Hybrid is both reasonably priced and efficient. It starts at $22,790 and has EPA ratings of 24 city/32 highway. The problem arises when consumers realize they can have a non-hybrid Malibu for $1,800 less, that rates at 22 city/30 highway, just two miles per gallon shy of the hybrid version. Of course, the hybrid does offer federal tax credits up to $1,300, but even so, the car ends up being more expensive without offering any real benefits.

As far as its major competitors go, both the Altima Hybrid and the Camry Hybrid start at approximately $3,000 more than the Malibu Hybrid. But for that extra cost, buyers are getting two very important things. One, the proven reliability of these automakers. And two, fuel economy that actually justifies the existence of these hybrids. The Altima Hybrid offers 35 city/33 highway, while the Camry Hybrid gives 33 city/34 highway. Both are far and away more efficient than the Malibu Hybrid, yielding far fewer trips to the gas pumps over the course of a year.