Fuel-Efficient Commuter Car

The Honda Accord Hybrid is excellent, but expensive. The mid-level EX-L might squeeze under your limit.

The Ford Fusion Hybrid has a nicer interior than the Accord, but isn't as quick or as efficient, and might not be as reliable. It should be less expensive, though. I've compared the two here.

Hyundai is making big improvements to the Sonata Hybrid for 2016. This car will be available in early summer. I believe incentives are already high on remaining 2015s, so the price could be attractive.

Toyota has updated the Camry Hybrid for 2015. I'm not crazy about this car's styling or handling, but it should be reliable.

I would have suggested a Prius, but they specified a sedan and seemed interested in something midsize. The Accord's fuel economy isn't far off that of the Prius, despite being much larger and quicker.