Best Gas Mileage Car - 2008

The 2008 Toyota Prius' 1.5 Liter 4 Cylinder engine is mated with an Automatic (CVT) transmission. The new EPA estimates for the Prius are 48 MPG city, 45 MPG highway, and 46 MPG combined, running on regular gasoline. (The old EPA estimates for the Toyota Prius are 60, 55, and 51, respectively.)

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.