When shopping for a vehicle, you balance numerous considerations, including price, safety features, dependability, size and fuel economy. Which of these become most important depends on individual needs and preferences. In today's market, though, you can find a model that provides what you need and want, and that is best among its competition with regard to emissions and fuel economy ? the two dominant influences over an automobile's environmental footprint.

'Within each vehicle class, there are a number of standout models that allow you to make an eco-friendly ? or at least eco-friendlier ? decision without sacrificing features,' say James Kliesch, principal vehicle analyst for the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) and lead author of ACEEE's annual environmental guide to cars and trucks. 'First, consider your needs for the vehicle, as well as your price range. Once you have those down, begin shopping with the environment in mind.'

Consider whether your needs will be ongoing (room for the whole family) or only occasional (four-wheel drive for off-road activities), Kliesch adds. For those occasional situations, it's more cost-effective to rent an appropriate vehicle. Also, don't pigeonhole yourself into one class ? for example, several sedans, station wagons and smaller SUVs offer the functionality of their larger competitors, but they guzzle less gas and spew less pollution.

When weighing your final choices, pick the greener vehicle. The decision will save you hundreds of dollars a year in fuel costs, and you'll contribute less to pollution and our oil dependence. Plus, you'll send a powerful signal to automakers: Green means go.

Go to Mother Earth Shopping to purchase ACEEE's Green Book: The Environmental Guide to Cars & Trucks.

For more information on green transportation options, visit the Alternative Transportation Page, hosted by Mother Earth News.