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Highly efficient models like the Ford Escape Hybrid, Honda Civic Hybrid and Toyota Prius earn a 9.5, which is currently the highest rating any vehicle gets...the dirtiest is a 1. (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25516947/)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Dieselution_Tour_Display.jpgForbes – July 9, 2008

Hopefully clean diesel tech will help change the list...otherwise it's the usual suspects. -- Ed.

Slideshow: Top 10 worst polluters (http://www.forbesautos.com/advice/toptens/worst-polluters-2008-slideshow.html?partner=msnbc)

The Hummer H2 might be an obvious target for environmentalists, but unless it’s caked in mud, the hulking sport utility vehicle isn’t the filthiest ride on the road. That distinction goes to another SUV: the Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI.

The Hummer H2 does make the fifth spot on our list of top 10 worst polluters, thanks to its overall heft and gas-guzzling V8 engine, but what pushes Volkswagen’s Touareg V10 TDI to the very top of the ranking is its large turbo-diesel engine. It dumps so much exhaust into the atmosphere that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency gives this midsize SUV its lowest air pollution score of 1… http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25516947/

Curious about the EPA's ratings for your own vehicle? I believe they are available at: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm

From the article

Although American consumers are becoming more aware of environmental issues, they’re a long way from choosing vehicles for purely altruistic ecological reasons. “By and large most people believe that they have a right, a God-given American right, to drive whatever car they want and can afford,” says Dr. Charles Kenny, a psychologist and president of The Right Brain People, a psychology research firm based in Cordova, Tenn. “Americans still have a love affair with their vehicles, which are associated in their minds with freedom and independence.


Great paragraph in this article. I think this is what will hold our country back from rapid fuel economy and emissions progress. Although freedom to do as you please even if it is selfish is also a defining characteristic of our country, and I would not want to live in this country without that. Double-edged sword it seems like.

Although freedom to do as you please even if it is selfish...

Selfishness has many faces, though. If I'm "green", it's not from altruistic motives. I like clean air & water, and wide open spaces filled with interesting species of plants & animals, and I want to preserve them for my own enjoyment. Pure selfishness. Same with driving: I like small, nimble cars - always have - and being able to still drive more than 700 miles on a tank that costs me less than $40. I have fun driving, and keep money in my pocket. Just plain selfish, I am :-)

Great paragraph in this article. I think this is what will hold our country back from rapid fuel economy and emissions progress. Although freedom to do as you please even if it is selfish is also a defining characteristic of our country, and I would not want to live in this country without that. Double-edged sword it seems like.

I've put forth that the freedom to do something includes the responsibilities for acting on that freedom. After all, you chose to do it, you have to live with the result.

I looked on the web site given by nissynis. A Prius (2006 and 2002) was rated at an 8, not a 9.5. My 2002 Insight CVT was rated a 6, and a 5 speed Insight was a 2.
:-(

Something strange in the scale, but it sounded like I was in the right place.

The lean burn abilities of the Insight 5-speed will lead to more NOx which hurts it in the air pollution score. These ancient diesels need to be replaced ASAP with modern clean ones, the emissions from the older ones are not helping diesel's image.

The worst polluter on our list, the Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI, emits 83 percent less nitrogen oxide and 89 percent less carbon monoxide than the average vehicle built in 1970, according to EPA historical data.

Lamebuns has it exactly right. Cars before catalytic converters were amazing polluters.

Along with most lawnmowers and motorcycles up to the present, I must also add. Sorry.

DAS

Along with most lawnmowers...

Not mine. Rechargable electric. No fussing with gas cans (or the teenager down the street who wants to "borrow" some gas), no pull-starting (or not starting), about half as much noise...

Not mine. Rechargable electric. No fussing with gas cans (or the teenager down the street who wants to "borrow" some gas), no pull-starting (or not starting), about half as much noise...

He did say MOST mowers. I mow my front yard with a reel mower and the back with a corded electric...I knew he wasn't talking about me. Sometimes it's hard to not whip out your green-peen. ;)

You misunderstand: I think rechargable mowers are great, and was hoping more people would take a look at them.