Japanese auto makers have developed a reputation for making some of the most efficient vehicles in the world. With the environment becoming an increasing factor of everyday life, people are looking for more ways they can do their part. The following list covers the greenest car manufacturers of the 21st century, some you might choose from when trying to reduce your carbon footprint.

Toyota

The Toyota Prius is considered a pioneer in the Hybrid auto market. Since making its debut in the late 1990s, this trim car has evolved into four door sedan and hatchback designs. A combined Fuel Economy of more than 50 mpg is common in most Toyota Prius models. The Prius is also available in plug-in editions that use traditional hybrid designs with electrical compatibility. Toyota also offers hybrid models for the Camry, RAV4 and Highlander.

Nissan

The Nissan Leaf is a true electric car that was introduced in 2010. This compact model is available in a hatchback design that can get more than 125 miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent in city conditions. A synchronous electric motor can generate just over 100 hp in the Nissan Leaf, which has zero carbon emissions. The Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid is considered to be one of the most fuel efficient full size SUVs on the auto market. Combined with a 15 kW electric motor, a lightweight supercharged engine powers this family vehicle.

Mitsubishi

The Mitsubishi i-MiEV is one of the most successful electric cars of the 21st century. Since making a debut in 2009, this compact four door hatchback has been improved to offer more than 110 miles per gallon gasoline equivalent. In fact, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV has been recognized as the The Greenest Vehicle of 2012 by the American Council for An Energy Efficient Economy. This 100 percent electric model also comes with an 8 year warranty on the battery pack. According to car dealerships in Lansing, with a fuel economy of more than 40 mpg on the highway, the Mitsubishi Mirage is considered one of the most efficient and affordable gas powered compact cars.

Honda

Some of Honda’s best selling models have been modified into hybrid and plug-in models. For example, the Accord sedan is available in a hybrid edition that gets up to 50 mpg in the city. With a fuel economy of nearly 110 MPGe, the plug-in Honda Accord has claimed the 2014 Green Car of The Year award from Green Car Journal. Honda’s green designs are also included in the Civic sedan, which is available in Hybrid and natural gas editions.

Hybrid, electric, or plug-in technology makes a car green. The future of the auto industry is all about improving fuel economy and reducing emissions. These manufacturers have shown us the future of green technology is not far off.