The 16 Most Fuel-Efficient New Cars
March 24th, 2008 Posted in Car ReviewsBy Eric Peters, Automotive Columnist
Gas prices are putting the hurting on us all — but you can ease the pain at the pump if you’re driving one of these:
Ultracompacts
1) 2008 Smart For Two
The Smart is a two-seater designed principally for in-city driving. Its small size makes it very easy to park in tight spaces and ideal for negotiating busy urban traffic environments. Its unusual “short and tall” styling will also draw lots of attention. However, its two-seater configuration and minimal (8 cubic foot) cargo capacity limits its day-to-day practicality - while its standard three-cylinder, 70 horsepower engine lacks sufficient reserve power for extended highway driving.
MSRP: $11,590 (Pure coupe w/manual transmission)
EPA mileage: 33 city/40 highway
2) 2008 Toyota Yaris
The Yaris is Toyota’s smallest, least expensive - and most economical car. It is available in both three-door hatchback and sedan configrations. Though smaller than traditional subcompacts, the Yaris is still viable for general use and not limited to in-city driving like the Smart car. Its standard 1.5 liter four-cylinder engine has adequate power (103 hp) for highway driving and there is room inside for four people - although backseat occupants will find the space a little tight. Of all the so-called “B cars” that began appearing last year (including the Honda Fit and Nissan Versa) the Yaris is the most economical (by several MPGs) and also has the lowest base price.
MSRP: $11,350 (hatchback coupe with manual transmission)
EPA mileage: 29 city/36 highway
Subcompacts
3) 2008 BMW Mini Cooper
The Mini Cooper is something of an oddball in that it’s among the most economical new cars you can buy yet also extremely appealing on an emotional level. People buy this car as much for its gas mileage as they do its outsized personality and retro-themed styling. Like the original Mini of the 1960s, the current car is much larger on the inside than you’d expect from the outside and can comfortably accommodate occupants well over six feet tall up front. The back seats are less roomy - but still serviceable for kids. For 2008, the Mini range has been expanded with a new wagon-like Clubman model that offers almost twice the cargo capacity with the same high fuel efficiency as the standard coupe.
MSRP: $18,050 (coupe with manual transmission)
EPA mileage: 28 city/37 highway
4) 2008 Scion xD
The xD is a new Scion model that replaces the slow-selling xA. It’s a five-door hatchback aimed at younger buyers - and so has a distinctive cube-like exterior shape and available high-end audio/entertainment equipment on the inside - including an integrated GPS/stereo system with flat panel display and jacks for hooking up external accessories such as iPods. Audio and video files can be downloaded an played on the system. The youth-oriented Scion is also sportier than may cars in this segment thanks to its standard 18. liter, 128 horsepower engine. Like all Scion models, the xD may be personalized with a variety of dealer-installed optional equipment, including a Toyota Racing Development (TRD) performance exhaust system that bumps up the output of the xD’s engine by approximately five more horsepower.
MSRP: $14,550 (hatchback sedan with manual transmission)
EPA mileage: 27 city/33 highway
Compacts
5) 2009 Toyota Corolla
Though a bit on the drab and doughty side, the Corolla can’t be faulted on either economy or value. The version on sale now has just been heavily updated and is larger inside than any previous Corolla. It also offers features such as GPS navigation that were formerly available only in higher-priced cars. One big difference between the Corolla and its chief rival, Honda’s Civic, is that Toyota only offers the Corolla in sedan form while the Civic is available as both a sedan and a coupe. Of the two, the Toyota is the less sporty-feeling - but it has a softer, more comfortable ride, as well as class-leading fuel efficiency.
MSRP: $15,250 (sedan with manual transmission)
EPA mileage: 28 city/37 highway
6) 2008 Honda Civic
The Civic approaches the mileage capability of smaller, less practical subcompacts and has one of the lowest depreciation rates of any car of its type you could buy. Available as a coupe or sedan, the Civic’s standard 1.8 liter four-cylinder engine is also powerful for a car of this type, with 140 hp on tap. While most economy-oriented cars are not especially fun to drive, the Civic delivers sporty acceleration and crisp handling along with very high fuel economy. A new natural gas-burning GX version is also available for 2008; it can be refueled at home (with a CNG hook-up) and produces virtually no harmful emissions - and frees you from worries about the price of a gallon of gasoline. A hybrid version is also available (see below).
MSRP: $14,810 (coupe with manual transmission)
EPA mileage: 26 city, 34 highway
Buyer’s note: Later in 2008/early 2009, Subaru will be introducing a first-ever diesel engine for the Impreza sedan/wagon that should be capable of at least 40 mpg on the highway.
Mid-size
7) 2008 Nissan Altima
The Altima sedan is comparable to the Maxima sedan (with which it shares its basic chassis) in terms of interior space and overall size — but unlike the Maxima, offers a more economical four-cylinder standard engine (vs. a V-6 in the Maxima). The Altima is a roomy, 5-passenger sedan with a good-sized (15.3 cubic foot) trunk and peppy performance from its 2.5 liter, 175 horsepower engine - with highway fuel economy approaching that of smaller economy-compacts and better than its two chief rivals, the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. For 2008, a hybrid version is also available.
MSRP: $18,330 (sedan with manual and four-cylinder engine)
EPA mileage: 23 city/32 highway
8) 2009 Hyundai Sonata
Hyundais have been great values for many years now - offering more features for less money than similar models from other manufacturers - along with industry-best warranty coverage on top of that. Now you can also get some of the best-available fuel economy, too. The just-redesigned ‘09 Sonata is a large, exceptionally well-equipped sedan (AC, traction and stability control, side-impact air bags are included in the car’s $18k base price) that is also easier on gas than former class leaders like the Camry and Accord. And its 10 year/100,000 mile powertrain coverage (and five year/60,000 mile basic warranty) are still the best in the business.
MSRP: $18,120 (sedan with manual transmission)
EPA mileage: 22 city/32 highway
Buyer’s note: Later in 2008/early 2009, VW will reportedly be offering a diesel version of the Passat sedan/wagon that should be capable of 40-plus MPG on the highway.
Full-size
9) 2008 Toyota Avalon
The Avalon is one of the few large sedans that can approach 30 mpg on the highway without hybrid power; its front-drive layout also gives it an edge in snow/wet weather over rear-drive large sedans such as the Chrysler 300 - which costs several thousand dollars more ($24,595) to start and also burns more fuel (18 city/26 highway). But the Avalon doesn’t sacrifice power to achieve high economy; its standard 3.5 liter, 268 horsepower V-6 is one of the strongest engines in this class (the more expensive/less efficient 300 comes standard with a 2.7 liter, 178 hp V-6) that provides easy merging/passing power - along with good gas mileage.
MSRP: $28,720
EPA mileage: 19 city/28 highway
10) 2008 Chevy Impala
You’ll like the Impala for the same reasons it’s popular with police departments all over the country; room for six, a huge (19 cubic foot) trunk, comfortable ride, reasonable price - and great gas mileage for a car this big. In fact, the Impala’s highway mileage is slightly better than the Avalon’s - and its city mileage only slightly less. Yet it’s a bigger, roomier car than the five-passenger Toyota. The Impala’s standard 3.5 liter V-6 is the most economical, but the optional 3.9 liter V-6 provides more power (233 hp vs. 211 hp) with only a slight fuel economy penalty (18 city/28 highway) courtesy of cylinder deactivation technology that shuts off three of the engine’s six cylinders when they’re not needed.
MSRP: $21,650 (3.5 liter V-6/automatic transmission)
EPA mileage: 18 city/29 highway
Luxury
11) 2008 Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec
All the size, luxury, power and performance of a Mercedes E-Class mid-sized luxury sedan, but with much better economy than the gas-burning versions of this car. “Bluetc” is Mercedes’ term for its new line of high-efficiency/low-emissions diesels - which unlike previous diesel passenger cars from Mercedes (and other manufacturers) are available in all 50 states. Equipped with the 3.0 liter turbo-diesel engine, an E320 has a highway range of nearly 700 miles on a full tank of fuel - vs. just over 500 miles for the gas-burning E350.
MSRP: $52,200
EPA mileage: 23 city/32 highway
12) 2008 Lexus ES350
Ten years ago, more than half the luxury cars on the market were front-wheel-drive; today, most are rear-wheel-drive - and burn more fuel. (The rear-drive layout adds weight because of the additional components, including a separate axle and transmission.) The ES350, however, remains front-wheel-drive - and continues to be at the top of the fuel efficiency ladder. The FWD layout also provides better traction in poor weather than RWD (and for less money than AWD, all else being equal). Finally, the ES350 doesn’t try to be sporty, so its suspension is very forgiving over rough roads - and its ride especially soft and comfortable compared with other cars of this type.
MSRP: $33,820
EPA mileage: 19 city/27 highway
Buyer’s note: Later in 2008 or early 2009 Mercedes-Benz will be offering a diesel powered version of the C-Class capable of 35-plus MPGs on the highway. BMW will likewise be offering a high-efficiency diesel version of the popular 3-Series sedan.
SUVs
13) 2008 Jeep Compass/Patriot
The Compass (and its cousin, the Patriot) are among the most fuel-efficient small SUVs on the market, especially in terms of their city mileage. Buyers should be aware, however, that these vehicles are unlike traditional Jeep models in that they are based on light-duty car-type platforms and don’t have truck-type four-wheel-drive with Low range gearing. Base models are front-wheel-drive, with a light duty all-wheel-drive system available optionally.
MSRP: $16,475 (2.0 liter four-cylinder, 2WD with manual transmission)
EPA mileage: 23 city/28 highway
14) 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL320
Diesel power allows this full-size, seven-passenger 4WD SUV to deliver 30-40 percent better economy than gas-powered equivalents (and the same mileage as the smaller, 5-passenger Mercedes M-Class ML320 SUV). Most similar in size/capacity/power SUVs have best-case mileage in the mid-high teens and don’t even offer the option of a diesel powerplant. Standard GL320 amenities include automatic fold-flat third row seats and a load-leveling suspension, as well as full-time 4WD. This vehicle can tow 7,500 lbs. and has more than 83 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the second and third row seats folded down.
MSRP: $53,400
EPA mileage: 18 city, 24 highway
Hybrids
15) 2008 Toyota Prius
The first mass-produced hybrid is still the most fuel efficient new vehicle you can buy. Though other hybrids, like the Civic hybrid, can approach its highway mileage, the Prius’ near-50 mpg capability in city driving is significantly better than that offered by any other car on the market, hybrid or otherwise. And because it is also a fairly large (almost mid-sized) car, the Prius is viable as a family’s main or even only car - eliminating the need for a second car altogether.
MSRP: $21,100
EPA mileage: 48 city, 45 highway
16) 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid
The Civic hybrid ranks high on the mileage scale, but not as high as the Prius - and only a few mpg higher than some of the most efficient (and non-hybrid) small cars currently available, including the Scion xD and Toyota Corolla. It is also more expensive than the larger, more efficient Prius.
MSRP: $22,600
EPA mileage: 40 city, 45 highway
Buyer’s note: There are more hybrids available to day than ever before, including hybrid versions of SUVs such as the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner and large ultra-luxury sedans such as the Lexus LS600h. However, many of these new hybrids aren’t built specifically to improve fuel economy to the greatest extent possible but rather to provide a middle ground between the economy of, for example, a four-cylinder engine and the power/performance of a V-6. Buyers should be aware that the gas mileage advantage of many of these may not be enough to overcome the often much higher purchase price (relative to non-hybrid versions of the same vehicle).
For more info, see: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bestworst.shtml
Comments?
www.ericpetersautos.com
Additional Note:
Lists like this always generate heated discussion about vehicles that people feel should be on the list and were omitted. Check the comments for further discussion and feel free to suggest vehicles that you think have been overlooked.
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41 Responses to “The 16 Most Fuel-Efficient New Cars”
By Schwinn on Mar 24, 2008
Where is the Focus (24/37) which gets better mileage than the Civic or the Scion in your list? It must fit in one of these two categories!
By Schlimmer on Mar 25, 2008
Isn’t it sad that there are so few choices from American companies?
By George on Mar 25, 2008
The automated transmission/clutch in the Smart FourTwo is really off putting. That is probably the deal breaker.
The Toyota Yaris could use Toyota’s new 1.6 liter I4 engine (1ZR-FE, a shortened stroke version of the new 1.8) and a 6 speed stick or 5 speed automatic.
The Scion xD could use a 6 speed stick & 5 speed automatic also.
The new Corolla could use a 6 speed stick & 5 speed auto with the 1.8 I4. The 2.4 has a 5 speed stick & 5 speed auto.
The Impala with the 3.5 V6 has taller gearing than the 3.9V6. The 3.5 V6 is way too slow.
The Focus is listed at fueleconomy.gov at 24/35 with the stick, 24/33 auto.
The Civic is listed as 26/34 stick, 25/36 auto.
So the Focus does not get better mileage.
By Norm on Mar 25, 2008
And people wonder why our economy is where it is. PLEASE for our own country and econimic health BUY AMERICAN we all need it……ps.look in my garage: 1 Dodge 1 G M C 1 Chevy 5 Ford’s Norm
By Schwinn on Mar 26, 2008
It’s no one else’s fault that American cars are not on the list - they spent too much time making trucks and SUVs to even bother with cars. Add to that their generally slow fuel economy development (the last “useful” tech they implemented is cylinder deactivation… and it’s only used on the big engines) is reason enough for their poor showing.
Note that this also has little to do with our “economy”. I’ll buy American again when they can make a compelling CAR product again.
As for the Focus, it’s funny that the .gov site lists it at 35mpg, but Ford’s website lists an EPA rating of 37mpg highway. I wonder who’s wrong!
By Robert Bashore on Mar 27, 2008
You should list the VW Jetta TDI ( turbo diesel). I get 45-48 mpg regularly. It has plenty of power with the economy. Even at the high cost of diesel fuel on a per mile basis it is better than a 30 mpg car.
By Tammy on Mar 27, 2008
We only drive Fords. We just purchased a Ford Focus and we get great gas mileage — anywhere from 30-39 mpg.
You are incorrect stating that buying foreign cars has little to do with our economy. It has a huge impact on our economy. When I was younger I drove a Honda Accord and it was a good car but as I got older I realized that I need to support our country and buy American cars. If you take care of your cars, they will last, regardless of the make and model!
By Larry Drozan on Mar 27, 2008
What is it with the media’s love affair with all the foreign brands. You left a great deal more than the Ford Focus off this very biased list. Chevy alone has 6 or 7 models that easily fit into this list. My HHR gets 24 in the city easily and over 30 on the Hwy. Yet you have the nerve to list a Mercedes Gl320 that gets 18 city and 24 hwy. Shame on you.
By Norm on Mar 28, 2008
schwinn: have you ever heard the statement as the auto makers go so goes the nation????? this means more now than ever
By Anne Drummey on Mar 28, 2008
What ever happened to the Honda CRX back in the 70’s and 80’s this car got 50 miles per gallon. What did they do with that motor is what I want to know!!! It was a cute car but the kids stole it. That was the best motor any car maker ever made. WHERE IS IT NOW???
Tell me the oil people didn’t have something to do with that! It is still better than any other car! Find that motor because I want one. My 1985 Honda Civic got 35 miles per gallon so what is the problem? They get less NOW! Ricidulous!!!! Oil People? I don’t know but something is VERY WRONG!
By jb on Mar 31, 2008
This list is quite inaccurate.
No mention at all of the VW Diesels, the Ford Focus etc….
Poorly done, you might want to rethink this list as it makes the motorists.org sit to have no ability in projecting the truth.
By Warren on Mar 31, 2008
I think that some of you misread the post concerning the economy. I believe that the writer was refering to the fact that the economy has little to do with whether or not people buy American cars. People buy foreign cars because foreign makers offer what they want.
While buying foreign cars certainly effects our economy, the effect is not as great as it used to be now that most foreign auto makers manufacturer a large portion of the cars here in the states. As for those of you who advocate buying American, particularly Ford and Chrysler/Dodge owners, I suggest you check the country of origin stickers. The last time that I checked a large amount of American car content is manufactured in foreign countries (yes, Canada is a foreign country).
By Gunner on Apr 1, 2008
I drive a Chevy Silverado 1500 and the mileage is killing me. I will not get rid of it though. In my research I have found other alternatives like the “new” Ford Focus, Kia Spectra & Spectra 5, Kia Rio & Rio 5. The new Dodge Journey is estimated at 19/25, hmmm… another american alternative. The Dodge Caliber estimates are 24/25. Bottom line, I do not believe this article is completely researched. Most cars mentioned here are popular brands, but there is much more out there. If you are looking for a car, do your own research. These articles are just a start.
By James Johnston on Apr 1, 2008
have a dodge caliper.
gets 30 miles per gallon.
Why is this not on the list?
By Gunner on Apr 1, 2008
James, If you look at my posting, I added it to my list. It is one of the cars in my now “short” list to consider. I’ve heard many good things about this car.
To Warren’s point, not only are may of our “american cars” made with foreign parts, but, are even assembled overseas. For Example the Sebring I used to drive was assembled in Canada, the PT Cruiser is made in Mexico, etc.
While it may seem patriotic to purchase “american” while our government continues to tax the bejesus out of us, I will buy what protects my pocket and my family, “american” or not.
By Charles on Apr 1, 2008
Several people said we should by American cars…I assume they mean North American…I live in Niagara Falls NY.. On rt 31 1 mile east of I290 there is a lot with about 1000 GM cars & trucks parked there….Every one of these cars comes from Canada…Last week I passed 9 truckloads of cars coming into the USA from Canada…Each car is required to have a sticker stating where the largest percentage of the car parts come from…Most of the parts are made here then shipped to Canada to be turned into cars. So buy American no longer means buying a car made in the USA. I’d much rather see UAW workers making the cars then CAW…..
By Frank on Apr 1, 2008
Why isn’t the Pontaic Vibe at the top of the list. I have a 2006 Vibe and get 36 miles to the gallon.
By John on Apr 1, 2008
Funny how my 1996 Saturn SL2 gets as good or better mpg than the Yaris and has a more powerful engine, better suspension, and much more room.
By steve garland on Apr 1, 2008
my 04 3.8 liter 6cyl impala gets 24 mpg around town and 33 mpg interstate [70 mph] since i purchased it in 04. mpg does drop to 20 &30 if i use 10% ethanol.
By Bill on Apr 1, 2008
Frank, Maybe the Vibe wasn’t listed because it’s made by Toyota and they didn’t want too many Toyotas on the list (4 of 16 when you count the Scion xD)
Can’t compare a 70s or 80s CRX to current models. Much more emission controls, A/C, power windows and doors, safety equipment, etc. My ‘81 Plymouth TC3 got 35 city/44 highway but was hell in S. Carolina in the summer!
By Tom on Apr 1, 2008
I think all of this is hilarious and a farce. Of course, the Focus should be listed. Why isn’t it? Because of the anti-American bias in every element of the auto media. What makes this all so funny to me is that I have a 1998 Ford Escort which gets, overall, 34 miles to the gallon, not at 55 mph, but at speeds averaging, on the highway, around 70 mph. Let’s quit lying to ourselves about American cars.
By Gary on Apr 2, 2008
I have a 2000 Echo with 318,000 miles on it and still average 35mpg running 75mph on the highway. Only problems Mass air flow and oxygen sensors. Been replaced and still running great.
By rich on Apr 3, 2008
Hey, What about my 2006 VW Jetta Turbo Diesel?
It gets 38 city and 42 Hwy.!!!
By WALT on Apr 4, 2008
YOU WANT AN AMERICAN DESIGNED CAR THAT GETS MORE THAN 100 MPG?– THE TESLA ROADSTER!!
YOU WANT AN AMERICAN DESIGNED CAR THAT GOES FROM O TO 60 MPH IN ABOUT 4 SECONDS?–THE TESLA ROADSTER!! YOU WANT AN AMERICAN DESIGNED CAR THAT CORNERS LIKE A LOTUS?– THE TESLA ROADSTER!!IMPOSSIBLE YOU SAY.–CHECK OUT THIS WEB SITE. THE TESLA ROADSTER.COM
By WALT on Apr 4, 2008
IF YOU INSTALL A SOLAR SYSTEM FOR ELECTRICAL POWER AS I HAVE THEN YOUR MILAGE WILL BE UNLIMITED. WILL ALL OF THESE MIRACLES COME FREE? ABSOLUTELY NOT. YOU WILL FORK OUT 100K PLUS. IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO GET IN THE GAME THEN SHUT UP OR PASS.
By Jerry on Apr 6, 2008
Do your homework, people–compute gas mileage between 15 mpg and 30 mpg and figure about 1500 mi per month, times a gas cost of $3.50 per gallon, and see if the extra cost of low mileage vehicle justifies spending $20,000 plus, plus added Ins of $200 per month, plus added $300 per year registration, is all that feasable to justify a newer vehicle???? I think, still-gas is the cheaper of all evils!!! (30mpg-15mpg=50 gal@$3.50=$175 x 12mo=$2100 annually). Hocking the farm for a new mileage-getter????—hmmmm.
By Saddlesore on Apr 6, 2008
Gary, being that the 1st generation xB is based on the Toyota/Echo platform.. I now look forward to well over 300k of trouble free use of the 2 “toasters” we own.
Yes they are square,
Yes they are ugly
Yes they are cheap
Yes they are a bit under powered
And yes they are fun to drive
We bought these because no other mfg had anything even close in interior room, mpg, durability or price.
2 Toyota/Scion xB’s. both ‘06.5’s
average mileage for the manual trans = 33mpg
average for the auto trans. =36mpg
By Apollo on Apr 6, 2008
How does the Honda Fit apply to be an economically friendly car and the mpfg??
By autox on Apr 9, 2008
If you all really worked in the automotive trade, you would see how dumb you sound. There is hardly “american only cars”, there are Fords (Mexico) and Dodges(Canada), that are far more foreign than some Toyotas built here. Also the Ford Focus only gets good gas mileage becaue its being towed or pushed!
By Autowkr on Apr 10, 2008
To Autox: True about the Fords (Mexico) and Dodges(Canada) But the “profits” stay Here. Where Do you think Toyota invests its profits???? In your Social Security Check? I doubt it.
Very sorry to hear you made a Dumb purchase of a Focus. That could only be the reason you’re so dead set against them.
By Bigg J on Apr 18, 2008
Just go out and get an original Honda Accord from the mid 70’s. They came stock at around 45 mpg and with a Weber carb kit they have seen right at 80 mpg. Can’t do that with all the weight of the safety features on these new cars. That’s the problem. As the engines keep getting slightly more efficient, car companies are continually being forced to add more safety features which means more weight, which means less efficiency. Personally I’ll take the efficiency.
By rebecca on May 15, 2008
What about the Cambry Hybrid? I like it so far. Anything I should know about in the future about this car?
By Terri on May 15, 2008
Why is it that in Europe & the UK cars get 65 to 74 MPG. We need that here in the states.
By Ken on May 18, 2008
I have been driving a 2008 Toyota Camry Hybred (rated 33/34) since August. Initially, I was getting 36 mpg. Now I expect to get 34 in town and 38-40 mpg. out on the freeway. Mileage continues to get better the more miles I drive. Its made in Kentucky.
By don lock on May 22, 2008
Im a domestic car person at heart, and I can feel alot of the other comment givers pain. but in all reality. our own american companies short change its own workers and it’s consumers,by moving our job’s to other country’s.(mexico). Big rich companies do this to us and themselves to try to save a dollar. so how can u make americans buy american…rich will be rich,and poor will alwayse complain. People buy what they can afford and what is economical for them and there family. now the big three, (chevy)(ford)(dodge) have there work cut out for them to get there people back. plus forien countries have all of our money now that is why they come here to build there auto’s they can afford to buy up our property and set up shop.now that much of there money is worth double in our country.(yen)etc. “Main thing” “Do the best you can do with what you have”.Life is short,quit b*tchen and just be happy! thx don
By tony on Jun 8, 2008
The Ford Focus was not listed because the japanesse sponsor this website and artice thats why….. why wasnt the volkswagen Turbo Diesel listed that is the most gas efficient vehicle in the world right now the new 2009 that will be comming to the usa in the summer of 2008 will get you 60 miles to the gallon on highway and low 50s mpg in city. Put that in your pipes and smoke them japanese
By Corey Johanssen on Jun 30, 2008
As Americans, we constantly hear how we lead the world, how we have the brightest minds, when other countries are in need, we are the first to help, how we are the innovators and the best at everything. Spend some time in other parts of the world and you will hear the truth about our country, our big mistakes, our own poverty that goes ignored, and how America set itself up for a spiraling economic decline.
It is amazing how 3rd world countries have easy access to vehicles that get 50 MPG. I know I have rented them while abroad. We were never interested in these vehicles because bigger was better, gas was cheap, as cheap as 1.00 a gallon only 9 years ago. So we ignored all the warnings that came with global warming and greener vehicles.
What have the big “3″ US auto makers thinking the last 10 years with big SUV’s, 2 passenger pick up trucks with 5.7 gas engines? Our TV sets have bombarded us every day with Silverado and Hummer commercials. These vehicles are the size of Garbage trucks.
The fuel efficient alternatives have existed for almost a century now. We can blame Exxon, Shell, Sunoco, Mobil and Texaco along with General Motors, Ford and Chrysler and their lobbyists and politicians for keeping the technology at bay and off of America’s car lots. They have milked our pockets for decades, when are we going to wake up and say “ENOUGH”? Enough with oil consumption, enough with gas guzzling vehicles.
It is time our Government penalize and tax the super rich oil companies and American car companies for not investing in alternative fuels and technologies. Times are not changing, they have already changed and many countries are advancing rapidly, when will America wake up and STOP producing wasteful citizens, cars, homes and government.
It is our people that must change whether we like it or not by making conservation efforts and refusing to purchase products that consume excessively. What will it take? Most Americans are tapped and cannot afford to live comfortably anymore. We are overtaxed and overburdened with increases on everything except our paychecks. It is time we stand up.
We have a MAJOR CRISIS here at home like we have never had before in the History of the United States. I am deeply saddened by our times. My family has sold our second family car, we purchased 5 bicycles to get into town and the rail and bus station, we purchased a motorized gas scooter that seats 2 and gets 80 miles to the gallon for local trips. It seems it has all become about conservation.
We stopped watering our lawn last year and are currently shopping for a 200 gallon PVC tank that we plan to bury underground in our backyard, this tank will catch rainwater coming off the gutters of the house and will then be pumped out to water our lawn and garden when needed.
I have shared my story with you in the hopes that you too, your children and grandchildren will waste less resources in daily life.
By Hubcap on Jun 30, 2008
Corey Johanssen,
Great rant and so very correct. But nothing is going to happen because this country is full of conservative red-state twits who will continue to vote against their own best interests. (Because, you know, Obama’s a secret Muslim and the president should be a stupid white guy you can have a beer with)
The number one factor that is driving jobs out of the US is that every other industrilized country has nationalized health care and nationalized energy.
And guys like tony who instead of looking real problems in the face, make absurd claims like “the japanesse (sic) sponsor this website .”
By Tom on Jul 13, 2008
My 2 cents: Americans need to buy smaller cars, period. The consumer will decide which one is better.
By yaz on Jul 17, 2008
Hi I am looking for the most fuel efficent 7 seater. At the moment I have a voyager and its killing me!!!I am due to have another car in april, so I am doing my homework now. I have six children so I do need a safe fuel efficent car. have you got any ideas?
Thanks
By Fleet Admiral on Jul 17, 2008
You’re not going to find one. Unless it’s a German diesel wagon, like an Audi (gas only in US), and has the rear facing seats in the trunk for small children.
Other than that, look for a Mercedes.. I mean haha /dodge/ Sprinter van with a diesel engine, at 20mpg.