Green cars, clear air: How to buy smart

Now when comparing models, colors and prices, car buyers can also compare something just as important: environmental impact.

Two new resources can guide buyers in purchasing a greener and more fuel-efficient vehicle that goes beyond just miles per gallon. These guides sort and classify by the traditional criteria such as model, year and price, but also how the vehicles affect air quality.

The Green Vehicle Guide sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency, shows an air pollution score, fuel economy mileage and a greenhouse gas score for each vehicle.

Cars that have excellent scores in low air pollution and greenhouse gas receive the SmartWay designation; the cars determined to be the best for the environment. Beginning with model year 2013, new cars will include updated label information on fuel economy, energy use, fuel cost and environmental impact, helping consumers make better decisions regarding energy and environmental impact.

Drive Clean is another buying guide sponsored by the California Air Resources Board. Buyers can browse by make and model, category of cars, technology and fuel type, global warming score and engine. An easy comparison guide lets shoppers check out multiple cars at once. Calculators for fuel cost and carbon footprint are also helpful for consumers, though some results may be California-specific.

Cars on Drive Clean are ranked with global warming and smog scores (10 being the cleanest). Information on MSRP and other incentives from carmakers are included with some car selections.

Resources:

Find the Green Buying Guide from the EPA here. http://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/Index.do

Find Drive Clean from the California Air Resources Board here. http://driveclean.ca.gov/