Monday, April 14, 2008
Best Gas Mileage Large Sedan
While the Toyota Avalon may have technically grabbed the top honors in the Best Gas Mileage Large Sedan category, this year's crown goes to the iconic Chevrolet Impala. More than just because ... Chevy nailed down four of the top ten spots. Keep in mind that the road trip in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream could have never taken place in a Toyota. But where is the big red convertible Chevy of today?
But lets not forget the fans of the blue oval. Although the Ford Five Hundred may have a forgettable name, it deserves an honorable mention. Perhaps they'll decide to change the name to Taurus and crank up the MPGs for 2008.
Toyota Avalon 6 cylinder 3.5 liter Automatic (S5) Regular 20 city 28 highway
Ford Five Hundred FWD 6 cylinder 3 liter Automatic (6) Regular 19 city 26 highway
Mercury Montego FWD 6 cylinder 3 liter Automatic (6) Regular 19 city 26 highway
Chevrolet Impala 6 cylinder 3.5 liter Automatic (4) Regular 18 city 28 highway
Chevrolet Impala 6 cylinder 3.5 liter Automatic (4) 400-425 Gasoline 18 city 28 highway
Chevrolet Impala 6 cylinder 3.5 liter Automatic (4) 400-425 E85 14 city 21 highway
Chevrolet Malibu Maxx 6 cylinder 3.5 liter Automatic (4) Regular 18 city 28 highway
Chevrolet Impala 6 cylinder 3.9 liter Automatic (4) Regular 18 city 26 highway
Chrysler 300/SRT-8 6 cylinder 2.7 liter Automatic (4) Regular 18 city 26 highway
Dodge Charger 6 cylinder 2.7 liter Automatic (4) Regular 18 city 26 highway
Buick Lucerne 6 cylinder 3.8 liter Automatic (4) Regular 17 city 26 highway
Chrysler 300/SRT-8 6 cylinder 3.5 liter Automatic (5) Regular 17 city 24 highway
Dodge Charger 6 cylinder 3.5 liter Automatic (5) Regular 17 city 24 highway
Kia Amanti 6 cylinder 3.8 liter Automatic (5) Regular 17 city 24 highway
Ford Five Hundred AWD 6 cylinder 3 liter Automatic (CVT) Regular 17 city 23 highway
Mercury Montego AWD 6 cylinder 3 liter Automatic (CVT) Regular 17 city 23 highway
Chevrolet Impala 8 cylinder 5.3 liter Automatic (4) Premium 16 city 24 highway
Buick Lucerne 8 cylinder 4.6 liter Automatic (4) Regular 15 city 23 highway
Ford Crown Victoria 8 cylinder 4.6 liter Automatic (4) Regular 15 city 23 highway
Mercury Grand Marquis 8 cylinder 4.6 liter Automatic (4) Regular 15 city 23 highway
Ford Crown Victoria 8 cylinder 4.6 liter Automatic (4) RNG=380 Gasoline 15 city 23 highway
Ford Crown Victoria 8 cylinder 4.6 liter Automatic (4) RNG=380 E85 11 city 16 highway
Mercury Grand Marquis 8 cylinder 4.6 liter Automatic (4) RNG=380 Gasoline 15 city 23
highway
Mercury Grand Marquis 8 cylinder 4.6 liter Automatic (4) RNG=380 E85 11 city 16 highway
Chrysler 300/SRT-8 8 cylinder 5.7 liter Automatic (5) Regular 15 city 23 highway
Dodge Charger 8 cylinder 5.7 liter Automatic (5) Regular 15 city 23 highway
Chevrolet Malibu Maxx 6 cylinder 3.9 liter Automatic (S4) Regular 15 city 22 highway
Chrysler 300 AWD 6 cylinder 3.5 liter Automatic (5) Regular 15 city 22 highway
Chrysler 300 AWD 8 cylinder 5.7 liter Automatic (5) Regular 15 city 22 highway
Dodge Charger AWD 6 cylinder 3.5 liter Automatic (5) Regular 15 city 22 highway
Dodge Charger AWD 8 cylinder 5.7 liter Automatic (5) Regular 15 city 22 highway
Chrysler 300/SRT-8 8 cylinder 6.1 liter Automatic (5) Premium 13 city 18 highway
Dodge Charger 8 cylinder 6.1 liter Automatic (5) Premium 13 city 18 highway
Best Gas Mileage Luxury Sedan
The 2007 Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec is the hands-down MPG winner in the Luxury Sedan class. Mated to an electronically controlled seven-speed automatic transmission, the E320's 24-valve 3.0 liter V-6 diesel engine, delivers a very respectable 23 city and 32 highway miles per gallon. With 208 horsepower (at 3,800 rpm) and net torque of 388 lb-ft (between 1,600 and 2,400 rpm) the MB E320 has plenty of ooomph off the line and on the highway.
Decade after decade, Mercedes-Benz's diesel-powered sedans have set the standard for fuel economy with luxury. The E320 Bluetec, along with its 4WD SUV diesel-powered brothers -- GL320 CDI, ML320 CDI SUV, and R320 CDI SUV -- give all every other automaker something to shoot for ... should those manufacturers ever get off their duffs and choose to compete in an American marketplace hungry for the ever-obvious benefits of domestically produced biodiesel.
Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec 6 cylinder 3 liter Automatic (L7) Diesel 23 city 32 highway
Lexus GS 450h 6 cylinder 3.5 liter Automatic (6) HEV Premium 22 city 25 highway
Lexus ES 350 6 cylinder 3.5 liter Automatic (6) Premium 19 city 27 highway
Lexus GS 350 6 cylinder 3.5 liter Automatic (6) Premium 19 city 26 highway
BMW 525i 6 cylinder 3 liter Automatic (6) Premium 18 city 28 highway
BMW 530i 6 cylinder 3 liter Automatic (6) Premium 18 city 28 highway
BMW 525i 6 cylinder 3 liter Manual (6) Premium 18 city 28 highway
BMW 530i 6 cylinder 3 liter Manual (6) Premium 18 city 28 highway
Audi A6 6 cylinder 3.1 liter Automatic (CVT) Premium 18 city 27 highway
Lexus GS 350 AWD 6 cylinder 3.5 liter Automatic (6) Premium 18 city 25 highway
BMW 525xi 6 cylinder 3 liter Manual (6) Premium 17 city 26 highway
BMW 530xi 6 cylinder 3 liter Manual (6) Premium 17 city 26 highway
Jaguar S-Type 3.0 Litre 6 cylinder 3 liter Automatic (6) Premium 17 city 26 highway
BMW 525xi 6 cylinder 3 liter Automatic (6) Premium 17 city 25 highway
BMW 530i 6 cylinder 3 liter Automatic (6) SMG TRANS Premium 17 city 25 highway
BMW 530xi 6 cylinder 3 liter Automatic (6) Premium 17 city 25 highway
Audi A6 Quattro 6 cylinder 3.1 liter Automatic (6) Premium 17 city 25 highway
Lexus LS 460 8 cylinder 4.6 liter Automatic (S8) Premium 17 city 25 highway
Mercedes-Benz E350 6 cylinder 3.5 liter Automatic (L7) Premium 17 city 24 highway
Jaguar Vdp Lwb 8 cylinder 4.2 liter Automatic (6) Premium 16 city 25 highway
Jaguar XJ8 8 cylinder 4.2 liter Automatic (6) Premium 16 city 25 highway
Jaguar XJ8L 8 cylinder 4.2 liter Automatic (6) Premium 16 city 25 highway
Jaguar S-Type 4.2 Litre 8 cylinder 4.2 liter Automatic (6) Premium 16 city 24 highway
Acura RL 6 cylinder 3.5 liter Automatic (S5) Premium 16 city 24 highway
Lexus LS 460 L 8 cylinder 4.6 liter Automatic (S8) Premium 16 city 24 highway
Mercedes-Benz E350 4matic 6 cylinder 3.5 liter Automatic (5) Premium 16 city 23 highway
Infiniti M35 6 cylinder 3.5 liter Automatic (S5) Premium 16 city 23 highway
Lexus GS 430 8 cylinder 4.3 liter Automatic (6) Premium 16 city 23 highway
Audi A6 Quattro 8 cylinder 4.2 liter Automatic (6) Premium 16 city 23 highway
Audi A8 8 cylinder 4.2 liter Automatic (6) Premium 16 city 23 highway
Audi A8 L 8 cylinder 4.2 liter Automatic (6) Premium 16 city 23 highway
Jaguar X-Type 6 cylinder 3 liter Automatic (5) Premium 16 city 22 highway
Jaguar X-Type Sport Brake 6 cylinder 3 liter Automatic (5) Premium 16 city 22 highway
Infiniti M35x 6 cylinder 3.5 liter Automatic (S5) Premium 16 city 22 highway
Infiniti M45 8 cylinder 4.5 liter Automatic (S5) Premium 16 city 21 highway
BMW 550i 8 cylinder 4.8 liter Automatic (6) Premium 15 city 23 highway
Cadillac DTS 8 cylinder 4.6 liter Automatic (4) Regular 15 city 23 highway
Lincoln Town Car 8 cylinder 4.6 liter Automatic (4) Regular 15 city 23 highway
Lincoln Town Car 8 cylinder 4.6 liter Automatic (4) RNG=380 Gasoline 15 city 23 highway
Lincoln Town Car 8 cylinder 4.6 liter Automatic (4) RNG=380 E85 11 city 16 highway
BMW 650ci 8 cylinder 4.8 liter Automatic (6) Premium 15 city 23 highway
BMW 750i 8 cylinder 4.8 liter Automatic (6) Premium 15 city 23 highway
BMW 750li 8 cylinder 4.8 liter Automatic (6) Premium 15 city 23 highway
BMW 550i 8 cylinder 4.8 liter Manual (6) Premium 15 city 22 highway
Cadillac DTS 8 cylinder 4.6 liter Automatic (4) Regular 15 city 22 highway
Jaguar Super V8 8 cylinder 4.2 liter Automatic (6) Premium 15 city 22 highway
Jaguar XJR 8 cylinder 4.2 liter Automatic (6) Premium 15 city 22 highway
BMW 650ci 8 cylinder 4.8 liter Manual (6) Premium 15 city 22 highway
Jaguar S-Type R 8 cylinder 4.2 liter Automatic (6) Premium 15 city 22 highway
Mercedes-Benz S550 8 cylinder 5.5 liter Automatic (L7) Premium 14 city 22 highway
Mercedes-Benz E550 8 cylinder 5.5 liter Automatic (L7) Premium 14 city 21 highway
Mercedes-Benz S550 4matic 8 cylinder 5.5 liter Automatic (L7) Premium 14 city 21 highway
Cadillac STS 8 cylinder 4.6 liter Automatic (6) Premium 14 city 21 highway
BMW Alpina B7 8 cylinder 4.4 liter Automatic (6) Premium 14 city 21 highway
BMW 550i 8 cylinder 4.8 liter Automatic (6) SMG TRANS Premium 14 city 20 highway
Mercedes-Benz CLS550 8 cylinder 5.5 liter Automatic (L7) Premium 14 city 20 highway
Mercedes-Benz E550 4matic 8 cylinder 5.5 liter Automatic (5) Premium 14 city 20 highway
BMW 650ci 8 cylinder 4.8 liter Automatic (6) SMG TRANS Premium 14 city 20 highway
Audi S6 10 cylinder 5.2 liter Automatic (6) Premium 14 city 19 highway
BMW 760li 12 cylinder 6 liter Automatic (6) Premium 13 city 20 highway
Cadillac Limousine 8 cylinder 4.6 liter Automatic (4) Regular 13 city 19 highway
Audi S8 10 cylinder 5.2 liter Automatic (6) Premium 13 city 19 highway
Audi A8 L 12 cylinder 6 liter Automatic (6) Premium 13 city 19 highway
Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG 8 cylinder 6.2 liter Automatic (S7) Premium 12 city 19 highway
Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG 8 cylinder 6.2 liter Automatic (S7) Premium 12 city 18 highway
Mercedes-Benz CL600 12 cylinder 5.5 liter Automatic (5) Premium 12 city 18 highway
Maserati Quattroporte/QP Sport GT 8 cylinder 4.2 liter Automatic (6) Premium 12 city 17
highway
Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG 12 cylinder 6 liter Automatic (S5) Premium 11 city 18 highway
Rolls-Royce Phantom 12 cylinder 6.7 liter Automatic (6) Premium 11 city 18 highway
Rolls-Royce Phantom EWB 12 cylinder 6.7 liter Automatic (6) Premium 11 city 18 highway
Mercedes-Benz S600 12 cylinder 5.5 liter Automatic (5) Premium 11 city 17 highway
BMW M5 10 cylinder 5 liter Manual (6) Premium 11 city 17 highway
BMW M5 10 cylinder 5 liter Automatic (S7) SMG TRANS Premium 11 city 17 highway
Maserati Quattroporte/QP Sport GT 8 cylinder 4.2 liter Automatic (6) Premium 11 city 16
highway
Bentley Continental GT 12 cylinder 6 liter Automatic (6) Premium 10 city 17 highway
Bentley Continental GTC 12 cylinder 6 liter Automatic (6) Premium 10 city 17 highway
Bentley Continental Flying Spur 12 cylinder 6 liter Automatic (6) Premium 10 city 17 highway
Maybach 57 12 cylinder 5.5 liter Automatic (5) Premium 10 city 16 highway
Maybach 57S 12 cylinder 6 liter Automatic (5) Premium 10 city 16 highway
Maybach 62 12 cylinder 5.5 liter Automatic (5) Premium 10 city 16 highway
Maybach 62S 12 cylinder 6 liter Automatic (5) Premium 10 city 16 highway
Ferrari 612 Scaglietti 12 cylinder 5.7 liter Manual (6) Premium 10 city 15 highway
Bentley Arnage 8 cylinder 6.7 liter Automatic (6) Premium 10 city 15 highway
Bentley Arnage LWB 8 cylinder 6.7 liter Automatic (6) Premium 10 city 14 highway
Ferrari 612 Scaglietti 12 cylinder 5.7 liter Automatic (6) Premium 9 city 16 highway
Best Gas Mileage Family Sedan
It's of little surprise that the 2007 Toyota Prius' walks away with the title in the all-important Best Gas Mileage Family Sedan category. While there's a solid showing from automakers across the board in this category, we need to see the numbers come up dramatically in the middle of the pack. This is only a start. The figures from both domestics and imports have room for plenty of improvement.
Toyota Prius 4 cylinder 1.5 liter Automatic (CVT) HEV, Regular 48 city 45 highway
Nissan Altima Hybrid 4 cylinder 2.5 liter Automatic (CVT) HEV, Regular 35 city 33 highway
Toyota Camry Hybrid 4 cylinder 2.4 liter Automatic (CVT) HEV, Regular 33 city 34 highway
Hyundai Elantra 4 cylinder 2 liter Automatic (4) Regular 25 city 33 highway
Hyundai Elantra 4 cylinder 2 liter Manual (5) Regular 24 city 33 highway
Honda Accord Hybrid 6 cylinder 3 liter Automatic (5) HEV, Regular 24 city 32 highway
Saturn Aura Hybrid 4 cylinder 2.4 liter Automatic (4) Regular 24 city 32 highway
Nissan Altima 4 cylinder 2.5 liter Manual (6) Regular 23 city 32 highway
Kia Spectra 4 cylinder 2 liter Automatic (4) Regular 23 city 32 highway
Honda Accord 4 cylinder 2.4 liter Manual (5) Regular 23 city 31 highway
Nissan Altima 4 cylinder 2.5 liter Automatic (CVT) Regular 23 city 31 highway
Kia Spectra 4 cylinder 2 liter Manual (5) Regular 23 city 30 highway
Toyota Camry 4 cylinder 2.4 liter Manual (5) Regular 21 city 31 highway
Hyundai Sonata 4 cylinder 2.4 liter Manual (5) Regular 21 city 31 highway
Chevrolet Malibu 4 cylinder 2.2 liter Automatic (4) Regular 21 city 31 highway
Honda Accord 4 cylinder 2.4 liter Automatic (5) Regular 21 city 31 highway
Kia Optima 4 cylinder 2.4 liter Automatic (5) Regular 21 city 31 highway
Kia Optima 4 cylinder 2.4 liter Manual (5) Regular 21 city 31 highway
Toyota Camry 4 cylinder 2.4 liter Automatic (5) Regular 21 city 30 highway
Hyundai Sonata 4 cylinder 2.4 liter Automatic (4) Regular 21 city 30 highway
Volkswagen Passat 4 cylinder 2 liter Manual (6) Premium 21 city 29 highway
Mazda 6 4 cylinder 2.3 liter Manual (5) Regular 21 city 29 highway
Chrysler Sebring 4 cylinder 2.4 liter Automatic (4) Regular 21 city 29 highway
Mazda 6 4 cylinder 2.3 liter Automatic (S5) Regular 21 city 28 highway
Pontiac G6 4 cylinder 2.4 liter Automatic (4) Regular 20 city 30 highway
Ford Fusion 4 cylinder 2.3 liter Automatic (5) Regular 20 city 29 highway
Ford Fusion 4 cylinder 2.3 liter Manual (5) Regular 20 city 29 highway
Mercury Milan 4 cylinder 2.3 liter Automatic (5) Regular 20 city 29 highway
Mercury Milan 4 cylinder 2.3 liter Manual (5) Regular 20 city 29 highway
Subaru Legacy AWD 4 cylinder 2.5 liter Automatic (S4) Regular 20 city 28 highway
Kia Optima 6 cylinder 2.7 liter Automatic (5) Regular 20 city 28 highway
Mitsubishi Galant 4 cylinder 2.4 liter Automatic (S4) Regular 20 city 27 highway
Subaru Outback AWD 4 cylinder 2.5 liter Automatic (S4) Regular 20 city 26 highway
Nissan Altima 6 cylinder 3.5 liter Automatic (CVT) Premium 20 city 26 highway
Chevrolet Malibu 6 cylinder 3.5 liter Automatic (4) Regular 19 city 30 highway
Toyota Camry 6 cylinder 3.5 liter Automatic (6) Regular 19 city 28 highway
Volkswagen Passat 4 cylinder 2 liter Automatic (6) Premium 19 city 28 highway
Nissan Altima 6 cylinder 3.5 liter Manual (6) Premium 19 city 27 highway
Chrysler Sebring 6 cylinder 2.7 liter Automatic (4) Gasoline 19 city 27 highway
Chrysler Sebring 6 cylinder 2.7 liter Automatic (4) E85 13 city 20 highway
Subaru Legacy AWD 4 cylinder 2.5 liter Manual (5) Regular 19 city 26 highway
Nissan Maxima 6 cylinder 3.5 liter Automatic (CVT) Premium 19 city 25 highway
Pontiac G6 6 cylinder 3.5 liter Automatic (4) Regular 18 city 28 highway
Saturn Aura 6 cylinder 3.5 liter Automatic (4) Regular 18 city 28 highway
Pontiac Grand Prix 6 cylinder 3.8 liter Automatic (4) Regular 18 city 28 highway
Hyundai Sonata 6 cylinder 3.3 liter Automatic (5) Regular 18 city 27 highway
Honda Accord 6 cylinder 3 liter Manual (6) Regular 18 city 27 highway
Pontiac G6 6 cylinder 3.5 liter Automatic (S4) Regular 18 city 26 highway
Ford Fusion 6 cylinder 3 liter Automatic (6) Regular 18 city 26 highway
Honda Accord 6 cylinder 3 liter Automatic (5) Regular 18 city 26 highway
Mercury Milan 6 cylinder 3 liter Automatic (6) Regular 18 city 26 highway
Subaru Legacy AWD 4 cylinder 2.5 liter Manual (5) Premium 18 city 25 highway
Ford Taurus 6 cylinder 3 liter Automatic (4) Regular 18 city 25 highway
Buick Lacrosse/Allure 6 cylinder 3.8 liter Automatic (4) Regular 17 city 27 highway
Pontiac G6 6 cylinder 3.6 liter Automatic (6) Regular 17 city 26 highway
Saturn Aura 6 cylinder 3.6 liter Automatic (6) Regular 17 city 26 highway
Volkswagen Passat 6 cylinder 3.6 liter Automatic (6) Premium 17 city 26 highway
Pontiac Grand Prix 6 cylinder 3.8 liter Automatic (4) Premium 17 city 26 highway
Pontiac Grand Prix 6 cylinder 3.8 liter Automatic (S4) Premium 17 city 26 highway
Hyundai Azera 6 cylinder 3.8 liter Automatic (5) Regular 17 city 26 highway
Buick Lacrosse/Allure 6 cylinder 3.6 liter Automatic (4) Regular 17 city 25 highway
Mazda 6 6 cylinder 3 liter Manual (5) Regular 17 city 25 highway
Mazda 6 6 cylinder 3 liter Automatic (6) Regular 17 city 25 highway
Subaru Legacy AWD 4 cylinder 2.5 liter Manual (6) Premium 17 city 24 highway
Ford Fusion AWD 6 cylinder 3 liter Automatic (6) Regular 17 city 24 highway
Mercury Milan AWD 6 cylinder 3 liter Automatic (6) Regular 17 city 24 highway
Subaru Outback AWD 6 cylinder 3 liter Automatic (S5) Premium 17 city 23 highway
Subaru Legacy AWD 4 cylinder 2.5 liter Automatic (S5) Premium 17 city 23 highway
Mazda 6 4 cylinder 2.3 liter Manual (6) Premium 17 city 23 highway
Chrysler Sebring 4 cylinder 3.5 liter Automatic (6) Regular 16 city 26 highway
Pontiac G6 6 cylinder 3.9 liter Manual (6) Regular 16 city 25 highway
Mitsubishi Galant 6 cylinder 3.8 liter Automatic (S5) Premium 16 city 25 highway
Pontiac Grand Prix 8 cylinder 5.3 liter Automatic (S4) Premium 16 city 25 highway
Volkswagen Passat 4motion 6 cylinder 3.6 liter Automatic (6) Premium 16 city 24 highway
Chevrolet Malibu 6 cylinder 3.9 liter Automatic (S4) Regular 16 city 23 highway
Pontiac G6 6 cylinder 3.9 liter Automatic (S4) Regular 15 city 22 highway
Best Gas Mileage Diesel
While Mercedes-Benz continued to offer diesel engines in the 2007 model year, Volkswagen took a year off to gear up with a new diesel powerplant for the Jetta. Mercedes-Benz takes the Best Gas Mileage Diesel and Best Gas Mileage Luxury Sedan crowns with the six-cylinder E320 Bluetec.
Jeep was the only American automaker to offer a diesel engine in anything other than a full-fledged truck. The diesel-equipped Jeep Grand Cherokee struggled to reach mileage comparable to the 4WD Mercedes-Benz 320s.
The ten-cylinder Volkswagen Touareg is a diesel horse of a different color. Sharing underpinnings with the Porsche Cayenne, the Touareg isn't focused on high-MPG, rather than the ooomph: monster torque and horsepower.
Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec 6 cylinder 3 liter Automatic (L7) Diesel 23 city 32 highway
Mercedes-Benz R320 CDI 4matic 6 cylinder 3 liter Automatic (L7) Diesel 19 city 26 highway
Mercedes-Benz ML320 CDI 4matic 6 cylinder 3 liter Automatic (L7) Diesel 19 city 24 highway
Jeep Grand Cherokee 2WD 6 cylinder 3 liter Automatic (5) Diesel 18 city 23 highway
Mercedes-Benz GL320 CDI 4matic 6 cylinder 3 liter Automatic (L7) Diesel 18 city 23 highway
Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD 6 cylinder 3 liter Automatic (5) Diesel 17 city 22 highway
Volkswagen Touareg 10 cylinder 5 liter Automatic (6) Diesel 15 city 20 highway
Best Gas Mileage Coupe
The 2.2 liter four-cylinder Pontiac G5 delivers 22 city, 31 highway with a five-speed manual transmission, achieving a tie for the top spot with the automatic 2.4 liter four-cylinder Toyota Camry Solara. The Best Gas Mileage Coupe category proved to be fortunate to General Motors overall, with a fair number of Pontiac G5s and G6s near the top of the chart, along with a pair of Chevrolet Monte Carlos.
Pontiac G5/Pursuit 4 cylinder 2.2 liter Manual (5) Regular 22 city 31 highway
Toyota Camry Solara 4 cylinder 2.4 liter Automatic (S5) Regular 22 city 31 highway
Toyota Camry Solara 4 cylinder 2.4 liter Manual (5) Regular 21 city 31 highway
Pontiac G5/Pursuit 4 cylinder 2.2 liter Automatic (4) Regular 21 city 29 highway
Pontiac G6 4 cylinder 2.4 liter Automatic (4) Regular 20 city 30 highway
Hyundai Tiburon 4 cylinder 2 liter Manual (5) Regular 20 city 28 highway
Hyundai Tiburon 4 cylinder 2 liter Automatic (4) Regular 20 city 27 highway
Chevrolet Monte Carlo 6 cylinder 3.5 liter Automatic (4) 400-425 Regular 19 city 29 highway
Chevrolet Monte Carlo 6 cylinder 3.5 liter Automatic (4) 400-425 E85 14 city 21 highway
Chevrolet Monte Carlo 6 cylinder 3.5 liter Automatic (4) Regular 19 city 28 highway
Chrysler Crossfire Coupe 6 cylinder 3.2 liter Automatic (5) Premium 19 city 25 highway
BMW Z4 Coupe 6 cylinder 3 liter Automatic (6) Premium 18 city 28 highway
BMW Z4 Coupe 6 cylinder 3 liter Manual (6) Premium 18 city 28 highway
Pontiac G6 6 cylinder 3.5 liter Automatic (4) Regular 18 city 28 highway
Toyota Camry Solara 6 cylinder 3.3 liter Automatic (S5) Regular 18 city 27 highway
Pontiac G6 6 cylinder 3.5 liter Automatic (S4) Regular 18 city 26 highway
Pontiac G6 6 cylinder 3.6 liter Automatic (6) Regular 17 city 26 highway
Porsche Carrera 2 S Coupe 6 cylinder 3.8 liter Automatic (5) Premium 17 city 24 highway
Porsche Carrera 2 Coupe 6 cylinder 3.6 liter Automatic (5) Premium 17 city 24 highway
Hyundai Tiburon 6 cylinder 2.7 liter Manual (5) Regular 17 city 24 highway
Porsche Carrera 4 Coupe 6 cylinder 3.6 liter Automatic (5) Premium 17 city 24 highway
Hyundai Tiburon 6 cylinder 2.7 liter Automatic (4) Regular 17 city 24 highway
Infiniti G35 Coupe 6 cylinder 3.5 liter Manual (6) Premium 17 city 23 highway
Porsche Carrera 4 S Coupe 6 cylinder 3.8 liter Automatic (5) Premium 17 city 23 highway
Jaguar XK 8 cylinder 4.2 liter Automatic (6) Premium 16 city 25 highway
Pontiac G6 6 cylinder 3.9 liter Manual (6) Regular 16 city 25 highway
Porsche Carrera 4 Coupe 6 cylinder 3.6 liter Manual (6) Premium 16 city 24 highway
Porsche Carrera 2 S Coupe 6 cylinder 3.8 liter Manual (6) Premium 16 city 24 highway
Porsche Carrera 2 Coupe 6 cylinder 3.6 liter Manual (6) Premium 16 city 24 highway
Chevrolet Monte Carlo 8 cylinder 5.3 liter Automatic (4) Premium 16 city 24 highway
Hyundai Tiburon 6 cylinder 2.7 liter Manual (6) Regular 16 city 24 highway
Lexus SC 430 8 cylinder 4.3 liter Automatic (6) Premium 16 city 23 highway
Infiniti G35 Coupe 6 cylinder 3.5 liter Automatic (S5) Premium 16 city 23 highway
Porsche Carrera 4 S Coupe 6 cylinder 3.8 liter Manual (6) Premium 16 city 23 highway
Chrysler Crossfire Coupe 6 cylinder 3.2 liter Manual (6) Premium 15 city 23 highway
BMW 650ci 8 cylinder 4.8 liter Automatic (6) Premium 15 city 23 highway
Jaguar XKR 8 cylinder 4.2 liter Automatic (6) Premium 15 city 23 highway
Pontiac G6 6 cylinder 3.9 liter Automatic (S4) Regular 15 city 22 highway
Porsche 911 GT3 6 cylinder 3.6 liter Manual (6) Premium 15 city 22 highway
Porsche 911 GT3 RS 6 cylinder 3.6 liter Manual (6) Premium 15 city 22 highway
BMW 650ci 8 cylinder 4.8 liter Manual (6) Premium 15 city 22 highway
BMW Z4 M Coupe 6 cylinder 3.2 liter Manual (6) MOTORSPORT Premium 15 city 22 highway
Roush Performance Stage 3 Mustang Coupe 8 cylinder 4.6 liter Manual (5) Premium 15 city 20
highway
Mercedes-Benz CL550 8 cylinder 5.5 liter Automatic (L7) Premium 14 city 21 highway
BMW 650ci 8 cylinder 4.8 liter Automatic (6) SMG TRANS Premium 14 city 20 highway
Lamborghini Gallardo Coupe SL 10 cylinder 5 liter Automatic (6) Premium 11 city 19 highway
Lamborghini Gallardo Coupe SL 10 cylinder 5 liter Manual (6) Premium 11 city 18 highway
Aston Martin DB9 Coupe 12 cylinder 5.9 liter Automatic (6) Premium 11 city 18 highway
Lamborghini Gallardo Coupe 10 cylinder 5 liter Automatic (6) Premium 11 city 17 highway
BMW M6 10 cylinder 5 liter Automatic (S7) SMG TRANS Premium 11 city 17 highway
BMW M6 10 cylinder 5 liter Manual (6) Premium 11 city 17 highway
Lamborghini Gallardo Coupe 10 cylinder 5 liter Manual (6) Premium 10 city 17 highway
Aston Martin DB9 Coupe Manual 12 cylinder 5.9 liter Manual (6) Premium 10 city 16 highway
Best Gas Mileage Convertible
The remarkably fun-to-drive Mini Cooper Convertible delivers more smiles and miles per gallon than any other ragtop, stateside. Mini's four-seat go-kart uses a 1.6 liter four banger to provide plenty of ooomph as it achieves 23/32 with a five-speed manual and 22/30 with an automatic. (The 6-speed Mini Cooper S comes in at 21/28 for the stick shift and 20/29 for the automatic.)
While close, none of the other convertibles break the 30 MPG highway figure.
And if you've succumbed to the charms of the gas-slurping 10 cylinder Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder or eight cylinder Bentley Azure, you needn't worry about the poor MPG figures. At least they made it into the double digits.
Mini Cooper Convertible 4 cylinder 1.6 liter Manual (5) Premium 23 city 32 highway
Mini Cooper Convertible 4 cylinder 1.6 liter Automatic (CVT) Premium 22 city 30 highway
Mazda MX-5 4 cylinder 2 liter Manual (5) Premium 22 city 27 highway
Volkswagen Eos 4 cylinder 2 liter Manual (6) Premium 21 city 29 highway
Audi A4 Cabriolet 4 cylinder 2 liter Automatic (CVT) Premium 21 city 29 highway
Mazda MX-5 4 cylinder 2 liter Manual (6) Premium 21 city 28 highway
MINI Cooper S Convertible 4 cylinder 1.6 liter Manual (6) Premium 21 city 28 highway
Volkswagen Eos 4 cylinder 2 liter Automatic (6) Premium 20 city 29 highway
MINI Cooper S Convertible 4 cylinder 1.6 liter Automatic (6) Premium 20 city 29 highway
Mazda MX-5 4 cylinder 2 liter Automatic (6) Premium 20 city 28 highway
Pontiac Solstice 4 cylinder 2 liter Manual (5) Premium 19 city 28 highway
Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible 5 cylinder 2.5 liter Automatic (6) Regular 19 city 28 highway
Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible 5 cylinder 2.5 liter Manual (5) Regular 19 city 28 highway
Saturn SKY 4 cylinder 2 liter Manual (5) Premium 19 city 28 highway
Audi A4 Cabriolet Quattro 4 cylinder 2 liter Automatic (6) Premium 19 city 27 highway
Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder 4 cylinder 2.4 liter Manual (5) Regular 19 city 26 highway
Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder 4 cylinder 2.4 liter Automatic (S4) Regular 19 city 26 highway
Volkswagen Eos 6 cylinder 3.2 liter Automatic (6) Premium 19 city 26 highway
Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible 4 cylinder 2.4 liter Manual (5) Regular 19 city 26 highway
Pontiac Solstice 4 cylinder 2 liter Automatic (5) Premium 19 city 26 highway
Saturn SKY 4 cylinder 2 liter Automatic (5) Premium 19 city 26 highway
Chrysler Crossfire Roadster 6 cylinder 3.2 liter Automatic (5) Premium 19 city 25 highway
Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible 4 cylinder 2.4 liter Manual (5) Premium 19 city 25 highway
Saturn SKY 4 cylinder 2.4 liter Automatic (5) Premium 19 city 24 highway
Pontiac Solstice 4 cylinder 2.4 liter Automatic (5) Premium 19 city 24 highway
Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible 4 cylinder 2.4 liter Automatic (4) Regular 19 city 24 highway
Volvo C70 Convertible 5 cylinder 2.5 liter Automatic (S5) Premium 18 city 27 highway
Volvo C70 Convertible 5 cylinder 2.5 liter Manual (6) Premium 18 city 27 highway
Saab 9-3 Convertible 4 cylinder 2 liter Manual (6) Premium 18 city 27 highway
Saab 9-3 Convertible 4 cylinder 2 liter Automatic (S5) Premium 18 city 27 highway
BMW 328ci Convertible 6 cylinder 3 liter Automatic (6) Premium 18 city 27 highway
Pontiac G6 6 cylinder 3.5 liter Automatic (S4) Regular 18 city 26 highway
Toyota Camry Solara Convertible 6 cylinder 3.3 liter Automatic (S5) Regular 18 city 26 highway
BMW 335ci Convertible 6 cylinder 3 liter Automatic (6) Premium 18 city 26 highway
Mercedes-Benz SLK280 6 cylinder 3 liter Automatic (L7) Premium 18 city 24 highway
BMW 328ci Convertible 6 cylinder 3 liter Manual (6) Premium 17 city 27 highway
Saturn SKY 4 cylinder 2.4 liter Manual (5) Premium 17 city 26 highway
Pontiac Solstice 4 cylinder 2.4 liter Manual (5) Premium 17 city 26 highway
BMW 335ci Convertible 6 cylinder 3 liter Manual (6) Premium 17 city 26 highway
Mercedes-Benz SLK280 6 cylinder 3 liter Manual (6) Premium 17 city 25 highway
Mercedes-Benz CLK350 (Cabriolet) 6 cylinder 3.5 liter Automatic (L7) Premium 17 city 25 highway
Ford Mustang 6 cylinder 4 liter Manual (5) Regular 17 city 25 highway
Audi A4 Cabriolet Quattro 6 cylinder 3.1 liter Automatic (6) Premium 17 city 25 highway
Porsche Carrera 2 S Cabriolet 6 cylinder 3.8 liter Automatic (5) Premium 17 city 24 highway
Porsche Carrera 2 Cabriolet 6 cylinder 3.6 liter Automatic (5) Premium 17 city 24 highway
Nissan 350z Roadster 6 cylinder 3.5 liter Manual (6) Premium 17 city 24 highway
Porsche Carrera 4 Cabriolet 6 cylinder 3.6 liter Automatic (5) Premium 17 city 24 highway
Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible 4 cylinder 2.4 liter Automatic (4) Premium 17 city 24 highway
Mercedes-Benz SLK350 6 cylinder 3.5 liter Automatic (L7) Premium 17 city 23 highway
Porsche Carrera 4 S Cabriolet 6 cylinder 3.8 liter Automatic (5) Premium 17 city 23 highway
Nissan 350z Roadster 6 cylinder 3.5 liter Automatic (S5) Premium 17 city 23 highway
Chevrolet Corvette 8 cylinder 6 liter Manual (6) Premium 16 city 26 highway
Saab 9-3 Convertible 6 cylinder 2.8 liter Manual (6) Regular 16 city 26 highway
Jaguar XK Convertible 8 cylinder 4.2 liter Automatic (6) Premium 16 city 25 highway
Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder 6 cylinder 3.8 liter Automatic (S5) Premium 16 city 24 highway
Ford Mustang 6 cylinder 4 liter Automatic (5) Regular 16 city 24 highway
Porsche Carrera 4 Cabriolet 6 cylinder 3.6 liter Manual (6) Premium 16 city 24 highway
Porsche Carrera 2 S Cabriolet 6 cylinder 3.8 liter Manual (6) Premium 16 city 24 highway
Porsche Carrera 2 Cabriolet 6 cylinder 3.6 liter Manual (6) Premium 16 city 24 highway
Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder 6 cylinder 3.8 liter Manual (6) Premium 16 city 24 highway
Mercedes-Benz SLK350 6 cylinder 3.5 liter Manual (6) Premium 16 city 23 highway
Lexus SC 430 8 cylinder 4.3 liter Automatic (6) Premium 16 city 23 highway
Porsche Carrera 4 S Cabriolet 6 cylinder 3.8 liter Manual (6) Premium 16 city 23 highway
Saab 9-3 Convertible 6 cylinder 2.8 liter Automatic (6) Regular 15 city 26 highway
Chevrolet Corvette 8 cylinder 6 liter Automatic (6) Premium 15 city 25 highway
Cadillac XLR 8 cylinder 4.6 liter Automatic (6) Premium 15 city 24 highway
Ford Mustang 8 cylinder 4.6 liter Manual (5) Regular 15 city 23 highway
Jaguar XKR Convertible 8 cylinder 4.2 liter Automatic (6) Premium 15 city 23 highway
Chrysler Crossfire Roadster 6 cylinder 3.2 liter Manual (6) Premium 15 city 23 highway
Jaguar XKR 8 cylinder 4.2 liter Automatic (6) Premium 15 city 23 highway
BMW 650ci Convertible 8 cylinder 4.8 liter Automatic (6) Premium 15 city 23 highway
Ford Mustang 8 cylinder 4.6 liter Automatic (5) Regular 15 city 22 highway
Pontiac G6 6 cylinder 3.9 liter Automatic (S4) Regular 15 city 22 highway
BMW Z4 M Roadster 6 cylinder 3.2 liter Manual (6) MOTORSPORT Premium 15 city 22 highway
Mercedes-Benz CLK550 (Cabriolet) 8 cylinder 5.5 liter Automatic (L7) Premium 15 city 22 highway
Chevrolet Corvette 8 cylinder 7 liter Manual (6) Premium 14 city 24 highway
Audi S4 Cabriolet 8 cylinder 4.2 liter Automatic (6) Premium 14 city 21 highway
BMW 650ci Convertible 8 cylinder 4.8 liter Manual (6) Premium 14 city 21 highway
Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG 8 cylinder 5.4 liter Automatic (S7) Premium 14 city 20 highway
Ford Mustang 8 cylinder 5.4 liter Manual (6) Premium 14 city 20 highway
Mercedes-Benz SL550 8 cylinder 5.5 liter Automatic (L7) Premium 13 city 21 highway
Cadillac XLR 8 cylinder 4.4 liter Automatic (6) Premium 13 city 20 highway
Audi S4 Cabriolet 8 cylinder 4.2 liter Manual (6) Premium 13 city 19 highway
BMW 650ci Convertible 8 cylinder 4.8 liter Automatic (6) SMG TRANS Premium 13 city 19 highway
Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG (Cabriolet) 8 cylinder 6.2 liter Automatic (S7) Premium 12 city 18 highway
Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG 8 cylinder 5.4 liter Automatic (S5) Premium 12 city 17 highway
Mercedes-Benz SL600 12 cylinder 5.5 liter Automatic (5) Premium 11 city 18 highway
Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG 12 cylinder 6 liter Automatic (S5) Premium 11 city 18 highway
BMW M6 Convertible 10 cylinder 5 liter Automatic (S7) SMG TRANS Premium 11 city 17 highway
BMW M6 Convertible 10 cylinder 5 liter Manual (6) Premium 11 city 17 highway
Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder 10 cylinder 5 liter Automatic (6) Premium 10 city 16 highway
Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder 10 cylinder 5 liter Manual (6) Premium 10 city 15 highway
Bentley Azure 8 cylinder 6.7 liter Automatic (6) Premium 10 city 15 highway
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Toyota Yaris Gas Mileage
The 2008 Yaris is available as both a four-door sedan (for the more sedate) and a three door liftback (for the more daring). The Yaris Liftback S (shown above) and Sedan S (shown below) add a bit of sporting demeanor, with front and rear under-bumper spolers, side rocker panels, larger (15-inch) wheels, and a sound-system that features the all-important MP3 player jack.
The 2008 Toyota Yaris is fitted with a 1.5 liter DOHC four cylinder engine producing 106 horsepower (HP) and 103 foot pounds of torque. The Yaris is equipped with a five-speed manual transmission as standard equipment; a four-speed electronically controlled automatic with overdrive is available as an option.
Toyota Prius Gas Mileage
The 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid's 1.3 Liter 4 Cylinder engine is coupled to an Automatic (CVT) transmission. The new EPA estimates for the Civic Hybrid are 40 MPG city, 45 MPG highway, and 42 MPG combined, running on regular gasoline. (The old EPA estimates for the Honda Civic Hybrid are 49, 50, and 51, respectively.)
Best Gas Mileage Car - 2008
The 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid's 1.3 Liter 4 Cylinder engine is coupled to an Automatic (CVT) transmission. The new EPA estimates for the Civic Hybrid are 40 MPG city, 45 MPG highway, and 42 MPG combined, running on regular gasoline. (The old EPA estimates for the Honda Civic Hybrid are 49, 50, and 51, respectively.)
While some may prefer the futuristic look of the Prius, a good number of Honda owners eschew the obvious ("I drive a hybrid look") and prefer the low-key, understated design of the Civic. The Prius takes the edge in both MPG and interior space, however.
Volkswagen's diesel-powered Jetta TDI, a long time top-three Best Gas Mileage Car contender, is absent from the 2008 high MPG race. VW has retooled their turbo diesel engine to meet stricter exhaust emissions requirements. The Jetta Sportwagen TDI is now slated to return as a 2009 model.
Toyota Corolla Gas Mileage
While the Corolla’s gas mileage peaked in the 1984 model year, a clean used Corolla of any vintage can be an excellent choice for folks on a tight budget. The most economical version of the 2008 Toyota Corolla delivers a high of 37 miles per gallon on the highway when equipped with a five-speed manual transmission.
Toyota Camry Gas Mileage
Today’s mid-size Camry produces acceptable gas mileage, with the Camry Hybrid the clear standout at 33 city / 34 highway miles per gallon. While not nearly as economical as Toyota’s Prius Hybrid, the Camry Hybrid offers a considerably higher level of comfort.
Suzuki SX4 Gas Mileage
The SX4 has an Italian heritage … its handsome lines were penned by Turin-based Italdesign (perhaps best known for their work with Maserati and Lamborghini) while the vehicle itself was developed in conjunction with Fiat. By the looks of the SX4, un’unione bella! While we don’t usually get hung up on Manufacturer Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP), we’ll make an exception for the SX4 Crossover. At a base price of $14,270, the five-door hatchback SX4 is the least expensive four wheel drive vehicle sold in America today. Chart-topping all wheel drive gas mileage at entry-level prices make the Suzuki SX4 worth a look for budget-minded folks in colder climates.
In America, the SX4 is equipped with a five-speed manual transmission, mated to a 16-valve DOHC 2.0 liter four cylinder engine, producing 143 horsepower (HP) and 136 foot pounds of torque. A 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission is optional.
While a diesel engine is not currently offered in the States, two diesel front-wheel-drive SX4 variants are sold internationally. With a five-speed manual transmission, the 1.6 liter DDiS four-cylinder pumps out 215 foot pounds of torque and delivers 44.1 urban miles per British gallon / 61.4 extra urban, equating to roughly 36.7 city / 51.1 highway in US gallons. Equipped with a six-speed tranny, the more powerful 1.9 liter DDiS four-banger cranks out 280 foot pounds of torque, while providing 36.2 urban miles per British gallon and 51.4 extra urban. This is roughly 30.1 city / 42.8 highway in US gallons.
Saturn Aura Gas Mileage
The 2008 Saturn Aura is available in four levels of trim, each with a specific power plant.
Aura XE - 2.4 liter DOHC four cylinder engine, producing 169 horsepower (HP) and 160 foot pounds of torque, mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. Gas mileage ratings: 22 city / 30 highway MPG.
Aura XE V6 - 3.5 liter V6 engine, producing 219 HP and 219 foot pounds of torque, mated to a four-speed automatic. Gas mileage ratings: 18 city / 29 highway MPG.
Aura XR (shown above)- 3.6 liter V6 engine, producing 252 HP and 251 foot pounds of torque, mated to a six-speed TAPshift automatic. Gas mileage ratings: 17 city / 26 highway MPG.
Aura Green Line - 2.4 liter four cylinder engine with hybrid propulsion, producin 164 HP and 159 foot pounds of torque, mated to a four-speed automatic. Gas mileage ratings: 24 city / 32 highway MPG.
Pontiac Vibe Gas Mileage
The Vibe is designed to be a people and cargo hauler. Fuel economy, cargo room, and flexible interior configurations are the hatchback’s biggest draws.
An all-wheel-drive (AWD) version of the Vibe was available from 2003 through 2006, only to vanish in the 2007 model year. An AWD Vibe will reappear as a 2009 model (shown above), when the first major redesign hits the streets.
The 2008 Pontiac Vibe is equipped with a 1.8 liter four cylinder engine that produces 126 horsepower (HP) and 122 foot pounds of torque. The Vibe can be fitted with either a five-speed manual or four-speed electronically controlled transmission, with overdrive. The manual transmission model delivers 26 city / 33 highway MPG, while the automatic provides 25 city / 31 highway.
Pontiac G6 Gas Mileage
The Pontiac G6 Convertible is available with two different V6 engines, each mated to a four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission:
3.5 liter V6, producing 217 horsepower (HP) and 217 foot pounds of torque. Gas mileage: 17 city / 26 highway.
3.9 liter V6, producing 222 HP and 238 foot pounds of torque. Gas mileage: 15 city / 22 highway.
The Pontiac G6 Coupe is available with two different V6 engines:
3.5 liter V6, producing 219 HP and 219 foot pounds of torque. Gas mileage: 17 city / 26 highway.
3.6 liter V6, producing 252 HP and 251 foot pounds of torque. Gas mileage: 17 city / 26 highway.
The G6 Coupe can be configured with the four- or six-speed electronically controlled automatic (with overdrive). The six-speed is standard on the GXP model. The G6 Convertible is a good bit heavier than the Coupe, with the GT Coupe weighing in at 3415 lbs., the GXP Coupe weighing in at 3487 lbs., and the Convertible tipping the scales at 3855 lbs.
The Pontiac G6 Sedan is available with three different engines and the choice of a four- or six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission, with overdrive:
2.4 liter four cylinder engine, producing 169 HP and 162 foot pounds of torque. Gas mileage: 22 city / 30 highway.
3.5 liter V6, producing 217 HP and 217 foot pounds of torque. Gas mileage: 17 city / 26 highway.
3.6 liter V6, producing 252 HP and 251 foot pounds of torque. Gas mileage: 17 city / 26 highway.
Pontiac G5 Gas Mileage
The 2008 G5 Coupe is available in base model and GT trim, with the base model scoring slightly higher gas mileage. The G5 GT (shown above) boasts a larger and more powerful engine, along with four-wheel disc brakes, StabiliTrak (a vehicle stability enhancement system), fog lamps, rocker moldings, front and rear body-color fascias, a sport-tuned suspension, and 17-inch alloy rims.
The 2008 Pontiac G5 base model is fitted with a 2.2 liter DOHC four cylinder engine producing 148 horsepower (HP) and 152 foot pounds of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, while a four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with overdrive is optional.
The 2008 Pontiac G5 GT is equipped with a 2.4 liter DOHC four cylinder engine producing 171 HP and 167 foot pounds of torque. As with the base model, a five-speed manual transmission is standard on the GT, while a four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with overdrive is optional. The GT uses a lower axle ratio than the base model (3.91 vs 3.63).
Nissan Versa Gas Mileage
The 2008 Nissan Versa is equipped with a 1.8 liter DOHC four cylinder engine, producing 122 horsepower (HP) and 127 foot pounds of torque. The front-wheel drive Versa can be fitted with a six-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.
Internationally, the Versa is also known as the Nissan Tiida. A high-MPG 1.5 liter common rail diesel is available in some markets abroad. The Renault-sourced diesel produces 105 HP and 240 Nm of torque, as well as remarkable mileage ratings (by American standards).
Nissan formed an agreement with Chrysler in January 2008 to begin distribution of the Versa in South America. This may open the door for Chrysler to sell a Dodge-branded version of the Versa in the USA.
Nissan Sentra Gas Mileage
The Sentra SE-R (pictured above) model offers a nice combination of performance and fuel-efficiency for the budget-minded auto enthusiast. The SE-R’s 4-banger produces 177 horsepower (on regular unleaded, no less), and is mated with a continuously variable transmission controlled via paddle shifter.
Nissan Altima Gas Mileage
The Altima Hybrid (pictured above) is the most fuel efficient model in the current range, pairing a 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine with electric propulsion, to deliver gas mileage ratings of 35 city and 35 highway MPG. The non-hybrid Altima is available with either the 2.5 liter four cylinder or the more powerful (and premium-fuel thirsty) 3.5 liter six.
Mini Cooper Gas Mileage
The 2008 Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper Convertible models are fitted with a 1.6 liter four cylinder engine producing 118 horsepower (HP) and 114 foot pounds of torque. Mini claims a 0-60 time of 8.5 seconds and a 1/4 mile time of 16.6 seconds for the hardtop and 8.9/16.5 for the convertible.
The 2008 Mini Cooper S is fitted with a dramatically stronger turbocharged 1.6 liter four cylinder engine producing 172 HP and 177 foot pounds of torque. Mini claims a 0-60 time of 6.7 seconds and a 1/4 mile time of 15.1 seconds.
The turbo four banger in the 2008 Mini Cooper S Convertible provides 168 HP and 162 foot pounds of torque, enough to propel the little ragtop to 60 MPH in seven seconds flat, while turning the quarter mile in 15.6 seconds.
The Minis can be equipped with a six-speed Getrag manual transmission or a six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission with paddle shifters.
A 1.6 liter diesel engine is available in the Mini abroad. The mileage figures are so high for the diesel Mini that if we publish them, your head might explode. Think we’re kidding? Okay, we’ll give in … the manual transmission Mini Cooper D is rated at 60.1 urban / 80.7 extra urban … (in miles per British gallon) with 0-62 times of 9.9 seconds.
That works out to roughly 50 city / 67 highway here in the States …
Mercury Mariner Gas Mileage
The 2008 Mariner Hybrid is equipped with a 2.3 liter four-cylinder engine producing 133 horsepower (HP) and 124 foot pounds of torque, along with an electric motor that cranks out 94 HP (for a stated 155 HP combined). Non-hybrid Mariners are available with the owner’s choice of a 2.3 liter four-cylinder engine that produces 153 HP and 152 foot pounds of torque or a 3.0 liter V-6 that provides 200 HP and 193 foot pounds of torque.
Mercedes-Benz E320 Gas Mileage
Decade after decade, Mercedes-Benz's diesel-powered sedans have set the standard for fuel economy with luxury. The E320 Bluetec, along with its 4WD SUV diesel-powered brothers -- GL320 CDI, ML320 CDI SUV, and R320 CDI SUV -- give all every other automaker something to shoot for ... should those manufacturers ever get off their duffs and choose to compete in an American marketplace hungry for the ever-obvious benefits of domestically produced biodiesel.
Mazda Tribute Gas Mileage
The standard 2008 Mazda Tribute can be fitted with either a 2.3 liter DOHC four-cylinder engine that delivers 153 HP and 152 foot pounds of torque or a 3.0 liter DOHC V-6 that produces 200 HP and 193 foot pounds of torque. While a four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission is standard for either the four or the six cylinder Tributes, the four-banger can also be fitted with a five-speed manual transmission.
Mazda3 Gas Mileage
The Mazda3 4-door “i” Model is equipped with a 2.0 liter DOHC four cylinder engine, producing 148 horsepower (HP), while the “s” Model is fitted with the larger and slightly more powerful 2.3 liter four cylinder engine, producing 156 horsepower and 150 foot pounds of torque. The i Model delivers 24 city / 32 highway miles per gallon (MPG), while the s Model provides 22 city / 29 highway MPG.
The Mazda3 5-door “s” Model is fitted with the same 2.3 liter engine as the 4-door s Model. (Mileage estimates are identical, as well.) The i Models are equipped with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed electronically controlled automatic. The s Models are available with either the 5-speed manual or a 5-speed electronically controlled automatic.
The top-of-the-line MazdaSpeed3 5-door is unquestioningly intended for the enthusiast. The little hot rod wagon’s turbocharged Direct Injection Spark Ignition version of the 2.3 liter four cranks out a whopping 263 HP and 280 foot pounds of torque. The MazdaSpeed3 is exclusively equipped with a six speed manual transmission; an automatic is not available. Mileage estimates are 18 city / 26 highway, on premium fuel.
European Mazda3’s can also be fitted with 1.6 or 2.0 liter diesel engines, resulting in a remarkable increase in fuel efficiency over the gas-engined models.
Kia Spectra Gas Mileage
The top-of-the-line Spectra5 SX includes a sport-tuned suspension, spoilers, fog lights, and 16-inch alloy wheels … for sport-minded drivers on a budget.
Both the 2008 Kia Spectra and Spectra5 are fitted with a 2.0 liter DOHC four cylinder engine, producing 138 horsepower (HP) and 136 foot pounds of torque. The Spectra and Spectra5 can be equipped with a five-speed manual transmission with overdrive or an electronically controlled four speed automatic transmission with overdrive.
Kia Rio Gas Mileage
The 2008 Rio is offered as a four-door sedan and a five door hatchback (known as the Rio5). Fitted with a 1.6 liter DOHC four cylinder engine that produces 110 horsepower (HP) and 107 foot pounds of torque, the front-wheel-drive Rio is equipped with either a five-speed manual or an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission, each with overdrive.
While the US-spec Rio’s gas mileage ratings are impressive, there’s a whole lot more to come.
Abroad, the Rio can be equipped with a 1.5 liter common rail turbodiesel engine, producing 108.6 HP and 173.3 foot pounds of torque, with a 0-62 mile per hour time of 11.5 seconds. The European turbodiesel hauls down 49.6 urban / 68.9 extra urban miles per British gallon … that equates to roughly 41 city / 57 highway here in the States.
Kia is developing a hybrid version of the Rio, as well. When the rubber finally meets the road, the hybrid Rio just might be the least expensive hybrid available .
Kia Optima Gas Mileage
The Optima was introduced to America in the 2002 model year and was redesigned for 2006. The 2008 Optima is based on the Hyundai Elantra platform.
The 2008 Kia Optima can be fitted with one of two engines:
-2.4 liter DOHC four cylinder engine, producing 162 horsepower (HP) and 164 foot pounds of torque, mated to a five-speed manual or five-speed electronically controlled Sportmatic transmission. Gas mileage ratings: 21 city / 31 highway MPG.
-2.7 liter V6 engine, producing 185 HP and 182 foot pounds of torque, mated to a five-speed electronically controlled Sportmatic transmission. Gas mileage ratings: 20 city / 28 highway MPG.
Hyundai Sonata Gas Mileage
American Sonata buyers can choose either a 2.4 liter four cylinder, producing 162 horsepower (HP) and 164 foot pounds of torque, or a 3.3 liter V-6, producing 234 HP and 226 foot pounds of torque.
While Hyundai Sonatas may be fitted with diesel engines abroad, diesels are not currently available in the States. In the UK, Hyundai offers a 2.0 liter common rail turbo diesel that produces 305 foot pounds of torque while delivering 34.4 urban / 56.5 extra urban miles per British gallon when mated with the manual transmission (that’s roughly 28.6 city / 47 highway).
Hyundai Elantra Gas Mileage
The 2008 Hyundai Elantra is fitted with a 2.0 liter DOHC four cylinder engine. Performance specs differ slightly between the Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV) and Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) versions. The ULEV engine is rated at 138 horsepower (HP) and 136 foot pounds of torque, while the PZEV engine is rated at 132 HP and 133 foot pounds of torque. The Elantra is equipped with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.
Hyundai Accent Gas Mileage
Both the three-door hatchback and four-door Hyundai Accent sedan are fitted with a 1.6 liter four-cylinder engine, producing 110 horsepower and 106 foot pounds of torque. All models are available with a five-speed manual as standard issue; a four-speed automatic with overdrive is optional.
The SE hatchback, designed for the entry-level boy (and girl) racer at heart, is equipped with a B&M Racing sport shifter, sport tuned suspension, and 16-inch alloy wheels.
Does Hyundai fit a common rail turbo-diesel in the Accent abroad? Sure thing, but not here in the States … yet …
Honda Fit Gas Mileage
An all-wheel-drive version of the Fit is available in Japan. There’s no word if or when an AWD Fit will become available here in the States.
Honda Civic Gas Mileage
From its launch in the early 1970s, the Honda Civic has earned its reputation as a frugal choice for drivers on a tight budget. The Honda Civic’s gas mileage figures have consistently topped the charts over the years, even as the car has grown in size, weight, and engine displacement. While not the most miserly with gas, current Civic Si models come with high-performance 2.0 liter engines … a far cry from the tiny 1100cc engines found in the earliest (and equally tiny) Civics.
Today’s Civic Hybrid, on the other hand, uses a much smaller 1.3 liter gasoline engine in tandem with its electric motor. While the current Civic Hybrid’s performance can’t match the Si, its gas mileage figures are quite respectable at 51 highway (reflecting the EPAs newly adjusted mileage rating system).
The Civic Coupe HF and Civic CRX HF of the late 1980s are in particularly high demand from Honda enthusiasts and prices can be quite elevated, given the model year. Part of the secret behind the the high-MPG HF models is their low weight … the HF cars are lighter than their stable mates making them particularly attractive for the drag racing crowd. The power-to-weight ratio that delivers excellent gas mileage can be easily raised with an engine swap that delivers remarkable times in the quarter mile.
Honda Accord Gas Mileage
The Honda Accord first rolled off a boat onto American shores in 1976, and grew quickly in popularity to become one of America’s best-selling cars. Honda’s legendary reputation for providing exceptional quality at a reasonable price took the Accord to the top of the charts. Fuel economy played a big part in that success. The Accord’s gas mileage figures have consistently been in line with expectations for a mid-sized family sedan. But like its older (yet smaller) brother the Civic, the Accord has grown quite a bit in size and weight over the years.
Just how big? Believe it or not, the Marysville, Ohio-built 2008 Accord is classified as a large sedan.
Some of the gas mileage figures for the smaller 1.6 and 1.8 liter Accords of the late 1970s and early 1980s were astronomical in comparison to the fuel economy figures for today’s much larger cars. It all comes down to the weight. A typical late 70s Accord weighed in at roughly 2,000 lbs. … just enough that it could be pulled around by 70 horsepower. By comparison, the top of the line 2008 Accord EX-L V-6 weighs approximately 3600 pounds and is powered by a 3471cc V-6 that provides 268 horsepower and delivers 19 city / 29 highway. (The slightly more fuel-efficient 2354 cc inline four cylinder version of the 2008 Accord in LX or EX trim delivers 22 city / 31 highway with a manual transmission and 21 city / 31 highway with an automatic.)
While Honda has dropped the Accord Hybrid from the lineup for 2008, upcoming model years should see a big jump in MPG figures as Honda adapts the highly-efficient engine that’s already under the hood of the Accord diesel.
Ford Focus Gas Mileage
The domestic 2008 Ford Focus is powered by a 2.0 liter inline four cylinder gasoline engine that produces 140 horsepower. The manual transmission-equipped 2008 Focus achieves 24 city and 35 highway miles per gallon. By contrast, the most fuel efficient European Focus uses a 1.6 Duratorq TDCi Diesel to deliver 45.6 urban / 70.6 extra urban British miles per gallon … that equates to roughly 38 city / 58.8 highway here in the States.
Ford Escape Gas Mileage
The 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid (shown above) is the most fuel efficient SUV sold in the United States, with the front wheel drive version delivering 34 city and 30 highway miles per gallon, while the four wheel drive version hauls down 29 city and 27 highway. The non-hybrid Escape is available with either a 2.4 liter four cylinder or a 3.0 liter six.
Dodge Avenger Gas Mileage
In the US, the 2008 Dodge Avenger can be equipped with one of three power plants:
-2.4 liter DOHC four-cylinder engine, delivering 173 horsepower (HP) and 166 foot pounds of torque
-2.7 liter DOHC six-cylinder engine, delivering 189 HP and 191 foot pounds of torque
-3.5 liter SOHC V-6 engine with the AutoStick six-speed automatic transmission and duel exhaust, delivering 235 HP and 232 foot pounds of torque
In International markets, the Avenger can be fitted with Volkswagen’s 2.0 liter common rail turbodiesel four cylinder engine. The VW four produces 138 HP and 229 foot pounds of torque, and is mated to a six-speed manual transmission. With the turbodiesel and six-speed manual, the European Avenger cranks out a 0-62 mile per hour time of 12.0 seconds. The real attraction, of course, is the turbodiesels fuel efficiency: 34.4 urban / 55.4 extra urban miles per British gallon … which works out to US estimates of approximately 28.6 city / 46.1 highway … rather remarkable mileage for a vehicle of the Avenger’s proportions.
Chrysler Sebring Gas Mileage
The domestic 2008 Chrysler Sebring can be fitted with one of three engines:
-2.4 liter DOHC four-cylinder engine, producing 173 horsepower (HP) and 166 foot pounds of torque
-2.7 liter DOHC six-cylinder engine, producing 189 HP and 191 foot pounds of torque
-3.5 liter high output SOHC V-6 engine with the AutoStick six-speed automatic transmission and duel exhaust, producing 235 HP and 232 foot pounds of torque
Internationally, the Sebring can be ordered with a 2.0 liter Volkswagen common rail turbodiesel producing 138 HP and 229 foot pounds of torque, mated to a six-speed manual transmission. With the turbodiesel and six-speed manual, the European Sebring produces a 0-62 mile per hour time of 12 seconds flat, with 34.4 urban / 55.4 extra urban miles per British gallon … that equates to roughly 28.6 city / 46.1 highway here in the States.
Chevrolet Malibu Gas Mileage
While the sun set on the Malibu in the mid-1980s, it rose again in the 1997 model year. It’s clear that Chevrolet is seeking to regain those glory days with the latest redesign, and fuel efficiency is part and parcel in the effort. While the 2008 Malibu delivers acceptable gas mileage figures for a family sedan - with the highest ratings produced by the Malibu Hybrid at 24 city / 32 highway - there’s still plenty of room for improvement in the MPG category.
Chevrolet HHR Gas Mileage
The performance-oriented HHR SS (pictured above) doesn’t just haul stuff … it just flat out hauls, with a 2.0 liter turbocharged inline four that produces a formidable 260 horsepower. That’s a hefty jump over the 2.2 and 2.4 liter non-turbo four-bangers that produce 149 and 175 horsepower, respectively.
Chevrolet Cobalt Gas Mileage
The Cobalt shares its platform with the Chevy HHR and Pontiac G5
The 2008 Chevy Cobalt is available with two DOHC four cylinder ECOTEC engines: a 2.2 liter producing 148 horsepower (HP) and 152 foot pounds of torque, and a 2.4 liter producing 171 HP and 167 foot pounds of torque. Both engines are red lined at 6500 RPM. While the 2.2 liter gets by with regular unleaded fuel, premium is recommended for the more powerful 2.4 liter. The 2.2 liter is found under the hood of all models, with the exception of the Cobalt Sport Coupe and Sedan (formerly known as the Cobalt SS). In addition to the 2.4 liter engine, the Sport Coupe and Sedan are fitted with four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes. (All other models are anti-lock, but with front discs and rear drums.)
Chevrolet Aveo Gas Mileage
The 2008 Chevy Aveo is available in both four-door (shown above) and five-door configurations. All models are fitted with a 1.6 liter DOHC four cylinder engine that produces 103 horsepower and 107 foot pounds of torque.
Audi A4 Gas Mileage
US-spec 2008 Audi A4 s are fitted with either a 2.0 liter intercooled turbocharged four cylinder engine, producing 200 horsepower and 207 foot pounds of torque or a 3.2 literDOHC V-6 engine, producing 255 HP and 243 foot pounds of torque. Engines can be mated with six-speed manual or automatic transmissions (in Multitronic or Tiptronic form).
Audi has a made a substantial investment in diesel technology of late, and it should come as no surprise that the company is set to unleash a series of torque-laden diesels upon America in the very near future. The A4 is fitted with a range of TDI diesel engine variations abroad, in both four-cylinder and V-6 configurations. Gobs of torque, fuel efficiency, and a unique level of luxury are bound to spell success.