When considering an environmentally friendly vehicle purchase, the Toyota Prius and Honda Civic Hybrid jump to the top of most peoples list.  While it’s true these cars are extremely fuel efficient and achieve the AT-PZEV emissions rating (Advanced Technology – Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle), they cost over $20,000 and are well out of reach for many budgets.

Luckily, a little known mandate by C.A.R.B. (California Air Resources Board) back in the early 00’s created some vehicles which went on sale beginning in 2003 that are as clean as a hybrid and yet have been on America’s roads for over 5 years now!  This means there are some bargains on the used market that are gentle on the environment and can be found for as little as $5,000!   These cars are not hybrids, just regular gasoline powered vehicles with highly advanced emissions control systems and engine technologies allowing them to carry the SULEV – PZEV (Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle and you guessed it, Partial Zero Emissions Vehicles) sold in California and the states that have adopted the C.A.R.B. emissions standards which include Maine, Massachusetts, New York, and Vermont.

Some vehicles that carry the PZEV rating are the Ford Focus (hatchback or sedan), Subaru Legacy Outback and Forester, Volkswagen Rabbit, BMW 325i w/AT, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, etc.  Most consumers, however, are unaware of their cars PZEV designation because the cars display no exterior badges or stickers to boast of their green credentials, unlike the often ostentatious labeling of todays hybrids.  After a few years of production, some manufacturers did start adding a PZEV badge to the rear of their new vehicles as they no doubt realized the missed marketing potential. As the Hummers and the suburban ute-monsters fade, cars with Green badges have taken over as the new bling.

PZEV vehicles come in a variety of body styles and sizes, and there is no sacrifice in performance.  In fact, the 2003 Ford Focus ZX3 that I recently purchased has a 2.3L engine which offers more torque and horsepower than the standard 2.0L engine which came standard for the non-C.A.R.B. states.  The PZEV rating also requires the emissions control system to be warranted by the manufacturer for 15 years or 150,000 miles.  The future is bright, as the production of different makes and models of PZEV vehicles has been and will continue to increase.

When looking at vehicles new or used, you can find out if a car is PZEV rated by looking under the hood at the emissions control label.

So if you are in the market for a new or used non-hybrid car, finding one with a PZEV rating may not save you fuel like a hybrid, but you can feel proud to have one of the cleanest driving gas powered vehicles around!