From Guest Blogger Karen Boyarsky: The Five Worst Cars for the Environment

Every year, GreenerCars.org releases a list of cars that are rated according to their Green Score. While many potential car buyers look to this list for environmentally-sound automobile choices, we thought it would be more entertaining to peruse the list for the cars with the lowest green ratings. Here are five vehicles that would make any decent environmentalist lose sleep.

1. Bugatti Veyron

This multimillion-dollar car is about as sexy as they come. With curves that can make even the Victoria’s Secret models jealous, this car is an amazing piece of machinery. The amazing acceleration of the Veyron can take it from 0 to 60 in under three seconds and may very well burn half of a tank of gas in the process. You can expect to earn just eight miles to the gallon tooling around the city (Monte Carlo, of course) and only 15 mpg on the highway. If you’re green, forget your dreams of owning this environmental monstrosity.

2.Chevrolet G2500 Cargo Van

“If this van’s a rockin’, don’t come a knockin'” is the ages old saying that will ring through your head when you see this windowless wonder. Unless you’re a lovesick teenager or a delivery driver, this van should be avoided at all costs. With an average mpg of ten miles in the city and 16 on the highway, this gas guzzler received a Green Score of only 20; making it one of the top ten worst cars on the list. If you have use for a cargo van, look for an alternative that is friendlier to the planet.

3. Mercedes-Benz G550

Never mind that this vehicle looks like a shoe box on steroids, there are many who would love to get their hands on one. Thanks to its rugged looks, the vehicle is touted as the luxurious choice for those who can’t live without an SUV. Unfortunately, the vehicle has earned a Green Score of only 21, thanks, in part, to its measly 11 mpg city fuel-efficiency rating. And how much will it cost you to wreak havoc on the environment? Several years’ salary is the answer to that question. At $105,000, you won’t be seeing many of these vehicles parked in your neighbors’ driveways.

4. Bentley Mulsanne

Is there any vehicle in the world more gorgeous than a Bentley? With their stunning good looks, the Bentley line of cars is enough to make even a grown man squeal like a little girl. Unfortunately, the sleek, beautiful Mulsanne is the kind of vehicle tree-huggers fear most. With an average city fuel-efficiency rating of 11, you’ll spend thousands of dollars per year at the gas station for the privilege of driving like the rich and famous.

5. Ford Expedition

The choice of lumberjacks, farmers and haulers everywhere, the Ford Expedition earns a Green Score of 23, making it one of the worst cars for the environment. Thanks to its massive amount of towing power, the Expedition is popular with drivers who need to cart around things like boats and horse trailers. It’s also a popular car, thanks to its powerful four-wheel-drive engine, for those who live in areas where winter seems to last all year long. Unfortunately, drivers will only realize 13 mpg in the city; not a number to call home about.

If this list brings tears to your eyes, you aren’t alone; our dreams of winning the lottery and sailing around town in a Bentley have been utterly crushed. If you’ve gone green, you have to go all the way. Unfortunately, “all the way” includes the vehicle that you park in your driveway. If you’re in the market for a new car, make sure that none on this list get a second glance. For more information on cars and car insurance, visit www.carinsurance.org.uk

Karen Boyarsky is an avid blogger. You can follow her on Twitter @boyarskykareni.