What are the best green cars available to consumers in 2008? The Toyota Prius certainly springs to mind, and that model is in fact KBB's top choice in their new Top Green Cars of 2008 list. Six of KBB's top ten choices are hybrids, which is not surprising given their comparatively low fuel consumption numbers. There are three gasoline powered cars on the list, the Honda Fit, smart ForTwo and the Mini Cooper -- all find choices as far as we are concerned, and each sitting in a slightly different market niche. Lastly, a single model from Mercedes-Benz represents the few diesels currently available in America. That particular model is the E320 BlueTEC, a sedan which sort of falls under the new classification of Clean Diesels due to its use of some exhaust-scrubbing technology (MB has a waiver to lease the E320 in California and four other states for 2 years).

This list was launced in conjunction with KBB Green, a new site from Kelley Blue Book which focuses in on the emerging green-scene in the automotive realm. Hey, we were there first! We kid, of course (we weren't the very first). It's great to see a major player like KBB jump into the fray, giving consumers ever more eco-friendly information related to their next car purchase. Thanks for the tip, Ashley!

[Source: KBB Green via eMercedesBenz]

When we were brainstorming ideas for Earth Day posts, we thought about featuring the ten most exciting green cars we wish we could buy today. It turns out that there are at least twice as many green rides on the horizon that we'd really like to have today, so the list has expanded. We'd like to note that this list is far from complete; the green sector of the automotive industry is growing in leaps and bounds. Start here and join us for a guided preview of our future garages or jump ahead by clicking on a number below. Either way, enjoy!

• Number 20
• Number 19
• Number 18
• Number 17
• Number 16
• Number 15
• Number 14
• Number 13
• Number 12
• Number 11
• Number 10
• Number 9
• Number 8
• Number 7
• Number 6
• Number 5
• Number 4
• Number 3
• Number 2
• Number 1

There you have it. Take a look at our list and, as always, feel free to share your own favorites in the comments.