Due to the fluctuating nature of gas prices, many consumers have decided to invest in a hybrid car to help save money and ensure a predictable monthly budget. Prospective car buyers in the market for a used hybrid vehicle in New Jersey may want to check out the Honda Civic Hybrid and the 2006 Lexus RX 400h, two of the best selling, most energy-efficient cars manufactured in 2006.

Honda completely redesigned the Civic Hybrid in 2006, adding supplementary safety, performance and refinement features. New standard equipment includes side curtain airbags, front-seat airbags, four-channel anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution and a telescoping steering wheel.

The ’06 Civic Hybrid is powered by Honda’s integrated motor assist system, which consists of a 1.3-liter V4 gas engine combined with an electronic motor and a continuously variable transmission, according to MSN Autos.

The new powertrain is capable of producing 110 horsepower and is even more fuel efficient than the previous year’s model. Honda’s most popular hybrid gets 50 miles to the gallon in the city and on the highway.

Meanwhile, consumers who are looking to purchase a slightly more sophisticated energy-efficient vehicle may be interested in the Lexus RX 400h, which was the most popular luxury hybrid sports utility vehicle manufactured in 2006.

The super ultra low efficient vehicle-rated (SULEV) RX 400h is equipped with a new hybrid system that combines a 3.3-liter V6 engine with three electric motor-generators, according to Edmunds.com.

The hybrid SUV’s powertrain produces 268 horsepower and boasts a EPA rating of 33 miles per hour in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The RX400h can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 7.2 seconds, an impressive number considering the fuel-efficient nature of the vehicle.

What sets the ’06 Lexus apart from other hybrids is its plethora of standard features, including “dual-zone climate control, GPS navigation, power seats, power windows, a power liftgate, rear-seat DVD, a megawatt audio system by Mark Levinson,” the news source reports. “You can run all that stuff at the same time without any fears of draining the battery.”