High Gas Prices: 5 Best Cars To Own

On Monday oil prices hit a nine-month high after Iran stopped exports to Britain and France. The new fear is that higher gas prices will be seen shortly. According to CNN, gas prices are "already up nealy 9 percent from the start of the year."

Unleaded gasoline is expected to hit $4 nationwide by summer, and some even believe that their is the possibility of gasoline spiking to $5. Dan Dicker, oil trader, and author of "Oil's Endless Bid," told CNN that their is a one-in-three chance of gas reaching $5 a gallon.

With gas prices already high and expected to explode even more, now is a better time than ever to take a look at fuel efficient cars. Car manufacturers like Honda and Toyota are advancing the mileage on their hybrid and electric vehicles. The gas prices may be high, but the prices on these cars don't have to be. The Honda Insight, which features an electric motor, starts off at only $18,350.

Take a look at the slideshow for the 5 best cars to own during high gas prices.

The Honda Insight, starting at $18,350, features the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA). This electric motor works with the gasoline engine to supply additional power and torque. Besides IMA, the 2012 Insight is equipped with Eco Assist, technology for fuel-efficiency enhancement. This tool allows the driver to “modify various vehicle systems, minimize energy use and increase fuel efficiency." Based on the 2012 EPA mileage estimates, Honda’s Insight boasts 41 mpg city and 44 mpg highway.

Starting at $32,000, the Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid gets an estimated 95 miles per gallon gasoline equivalent (MPGE), and 50 estimated hybrid mode mpg. The car has a charge time of 3 hours from a standard 120V AC household outlet.

The 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid gets an estimated 41 city mpg, and 36 highway mpg. Combined, the Fusion Hybrid has an impressive 39 mpg. Starting at $20,705, the vehicle features a nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) battery, and the 2.5L Atkinson-cycle I-4 gas engine. On electric alone, the Fusion can go up to 47 miles per hour. The gas engine steps in when extra power is needed over 47 mph.

Similar to the Honda INSiGHT, the Ford Fusion Hybrid also features a LCD Smart Gauge with EcoGuide. This gauge allows the driver to get the most efficiency out of the car.

The electric car from General Motors starts at $31,645. Chevrolet describes the Volt as a “never-been-done-before car that exists alone.” Volt owners can drive gas-free for around 35 miles, and an onboard gas generator “produces electricity so you can go up to a total of 375 additional miles” while on a full tank of gas. The vehicle gets 94 mpge (electric), and in gas gets 35 mpg city, and 40 mpg highway.

Starting at $25,700, the Kia Optima Hybrid gets up to 35 mpg city, and 40 mpg highway. Currently the 2012 Optima Hybrid is not available in all states, but is expected to be within a couple months.