Ever since the release of the hybrid car in 2001 by Toyota (their first model being the Prius that was up for sale in Japan 3 years prior to that in their own country), different technologies on hybrid electric cars have been developed by different car manufacturers. Of course, the concept is the same in all cars; they each run on fuel and some kind of electric motor. The difference lies in the design of those engines. The 2007 hybrid car is now more improved than any car before it. And each manufacturer aims to make the hybrid even better in the future. Here's a look at current models on the market.

Toyota Prius Model

Toyota Prius is still remains top on the hybrid car lists as the most fuel efficient and the most reliable hybrid car in the industry by going over 25 miles with as little as a dollar in the gas tank. Often mistaken for a compact for its mid-size, it has the smallest tank for its class.

Saturn Aura Hybrid Car

The sedan, Saturn definitely knows how to turn heads with its looks. But that it perhaps as far as its edge goes. A peep under the hood would tell us that more than an attractive hybrid sedan, the Saturn may just as well be mistaken as a thirsty elephant lapping up as much as 16 gallons of gas, thus, relinquishing its would-have-been place at the list cost and fuel-efficient hybrid cars for 2007. Hybrid car reviews in magazines are just as relentless, dubbing the Saturn as one of the worst performing hybrid cars of the year.

2007 Nissan Altima

If you're looking for fuel economy, then the 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid car is just the one for you. Although you may have to spend as much as $1200 annually for gas alone, the 2007 Nissan Altima can still manage to run as far as 702 miles on full tank. At first glance, it seems to beat Toyota in this event but the real trick actually lies in Nissan Altima's gas tank that holds as much as 20 gallons of gas, allowing it to run distances with minimal stopping for gas.

2007 Honda Civic Hybrid Car

The 2007 Honda Civic hybrid car is probably comes nearest to beating out the competition in Toyota hybrid. The Honda Civic was reviewed as the top selling gas-car, and it seems that it can further prove its own worth in the hybrid car arena as well. The 2007 Honda Civic has slightly larger tank than the Toyota Prius, and can do 554 miles on a full tank. This is definitely quite a leap of improvement from Honda's last hybrid model. It is not surprising to surmise, therefore, that once the Prius stocks run low, the Honda hybrid would be the next best thing in the list.