The Ten Most Fuel Efficient Cars (According to the Man)

Ten Most Fuel Efficient Cars

With so many car companies advertising high mileage vehicles it sometimes gets confusing as to which cars are best when it comes to fuel economy. In this post I will help answer that question.

According to the Feds, the most fuel efficient car in America is the Toyota Prius with a 51 mpg average in the city and a 48 mpg average on the highway. (link to Government Prius Page)

The following vehicles are the two top cars in each category. (city/hwy)

Two Seaters: Honda CRZ (auto) (35/39), Honda CRZ (manual) (31/37)

Minicompact (Gov's term not mine): Mini Cooper (manual) (29/37), Mini Cooper (auto) (28/36)

Subcompact: Ford Fiesta (auto) (29/40), Toyota Yaris (manual) (29/36)

Compact Cars: Lexus CT 250 H (auto) (43/40), Volkswagen Golf (manual) (30/42), Volkswagen Jetta (manual) (30/42)

Midsize Cars:  Toyota Prius Hybrid (51/48), Hyundai Elantra (manual) (29/40)

Large Cars:  Hyundai Sonata (manual) (24/35), Honda Accord (auto) (23/34)

Small Station Wagons: Audi A3 (auto) (30/42), Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen (manual) (30/42)

Midsize Station Wagons: Kia Rondo (auto) (20/27)

And the Least Fuel Efficient...

The least fuel efficient car in America according to the US government is....here are some hints:
It weights in at 4,162 lbs, is powered by a quad turbocharged  8 liter W16, has a 0-60 time of 2.5 seconds, and a top speed of 253.81 mph.

 

....Give up?...

The $1.7 million Bugatti Veyron (8/15)

To see this information in its original format click here

For a list of the least fuel efficient cars in America click here

By: Chris McCarthy

Cheat the New Fuel Economy Rules

Cheat the New Fuel Economy Rules


In NASCAR it’s called "gettin' competitive." In research and development groups, it's termed “innovation” or “disruptive technology.” In sports they say, “That’s the way the game is played,” until the official calls a penalty. The self-righteous call it “cheating,” unless they’re doing it themselves. To meet the new 35.5-miles per gallon Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standard, engineers at car companies must do something similar—come up with technological breakthroughs and push the gray areas of the regulations, perhaps to the breaking point. As in racing, sports and politics, it’s not cheating unless you get caught. read more

By: Mac Demere / autoMedia.com

Biodiesel Benefits

What's the next "Big Thing?" Well, clearly our energy problems seem to grow as fast as the prices at the pump, so finding an alternative fuel is now a national priority, and a common topic of conversation. For instance, just a few years ago if you mentioned the word "biodiesel" you'd probably get either a blank stare or a sarcastic remark about the exhaust smelling like french fries. Today, though, biodiesel is no joke. It's now an established alternative fuel, and becoming a mainstream commodity. In fact, the latest Energy Bill that's being signed into law will significantly increase the use of biodiesel in the United States. 

Production
The rate of biodiesel production has already been ramping up at a rapid rate: Back in 2005, some 75 millions gallons of biodiesel were produced. In 2006, that figure more than tripled to 250 million, and it's expected to jump to as high as 350 million in 2007, according to Jenna Higgins, spokesperson for the National Biodiesel Board (NBB). And she points out that in Europe, where diesels are much more the norm, production is 1.5 billion gallons per year. In addition, about 700 major fleets nationwide, including all four branches of the U.S. Military, use biodiesel. And about 1,100 retail pumps nationwide also make the fuel available to the public. read more

By: Steve Temple / autoMedia.com

Electric Vehicles: Pros and Cons

In the early days of automotive history, electric cars were more popular than the other alternatives, gasoline and steam-powered vehicles. Gasoline was volatile, highly flammable, scary to store and tote around in a tank. (Ever wonder why early garages were on the other side of the lots from car-owners’ homes?) Scalding-hot steam was nearly as frightening, and not much fun to use, or fast to make.

 

Transfer of Power
Electric volts, by contrast, were easy to store and use and cheap to replace. EVs didn’t go very far or fast, but who needed to at the time? Just turn the switch and step on the pedal. Folks didn’t hear or smell you coming or going. Once there, switch it off and plug it in.

While the nearly 4,200 motorcars built in 1900 were roughly one third each electric, steam and gasoline, enthusiasm for steam cars soon waned, while gas and electric cars grew. The former offered higher speeds, longer range and much quicker refueling; mostly women enjoyed the latter for local use. But electrics faded fast after electric starters eliminated engine cranking, enabling anyone to operate a gas-powered car, and internal combustion engines (ICEs) have dominated ever since.

Now, growing concern for national security and the environment and unpredictable, sometimes sky-high, fuel prices have revived strong interest in volt-powered vehicles. read more

By: Gary Witzenburg / autoMedia.com

Getting Paid to Save: Hybrid Vehicle Tax Credits

Hybrid Vehicle Tax Credits

Skyrocketing gas prices and fears of global warming jump started sales of hybrids and fuel-efficient vehicles last year. In an effort to swell green showroom traffic, the Federal Government offered a tax carrot to seal the deal. Tucked into the Energy Policy Act of 2005 are tax credits for consumers who purchase various advanced technology vehicles, including hybrid-electric and diesel-powered cars and light trucks. The provision, which became effective in January 2006, differs from previous federal incentives for these vehicles by utilizing tax credits rather than deductions. 

Tax credits typically result in greater savings for consumers. The Feds are offering a tax credit to buyers of hybrid and clean diesel vehicles of $250 to $3,400, depending on the energy efficiency of the model, although none of the current 32 models qualify for the top credit this year. read more

By: Cathy Nikkel / autoMedia.com

Four Paths to Fuel Efficiency

Four Paths to Fuel Efficiency

Plenty of people claim they want fuel-efficiency, yet many shun higher-efficiency cars unless they see a tangible economic benefit. Many of us are environmentally concerned, but only when it doesn't cost us much—if anything.

When gasoline prices shot skyward in mid-2008, hybrids and small fuel-efficient cars suddenly experienced new-found popularity. Dealers ran out of Toyota Priuses and Honda Civic Hybrids, and those on sale commanded prices well above sticker. As gasoline sunk back below $2 a gallon later in the year, those sensible cars lost a sizable share of their appeal.

As conventional gasoline engines start to lose their dominance, no one knows what will take their place. Already, we have several competitive approaches: hybrids, diesels, full-electrics, and—more experimentally—fuel cells. Plug-in hybrids are coming soon, making five prospects. read more

By: James M. Flammang / autoMedia.com

Chevy Volt vs. Nissan Leaf: An Armchair Debate

Chevy Volt vs. Nissan Leaf
When I visited the LA Auto Show two weeks ago it seemed that there were two definitive, yet conflicting themes: American muscle and electric vehicles.  While I could spend hours dissecting the sociological and historical implications of such polar opposite vehicles—one which seeks to smoke its tires and beat its rivals to the next light while the other wafts from signal to signal treading lightly on the environment—I, however, will focus on the car I feel is best for the consumer on an overall basis.

I will admit straightaway that I have driven neither car, seeing as Chevrolet and Nissan are both rather reluctant to allow aspiring writers to take spins in their vehicles. That said, here we go.
In this debate I figure the most crucial elements are 1) price 2) vehicle range 3) interior capacity (both seating and carrying) and 4) what you are gaining over a normal fossil fuel vehicle.  

Let’s Start with the Leaf
The Nissan Leaf is a five-door, five passenger vehicle that costs approximately $33,000 without the government rebate. With the rebate, Nissan claims that you can get the base model for around $25,000. The Leaf is rated for about a 100-mile range at an EPA-estimated 99 mpg equivalent. As for cargo capacity, Nissan the Leaf will be able to carry two golf bags in the trunk. In addition, the seats will fold down in a 60/40 configuration.

Now for the Volt
The Chevy Volt costs around $32,000, with a government tax credit, and can carry four occupants including the driver. It also boasts a cargo capacity of roughly 10.6 cubic feet with the seats up. To put this in perspective, the 2011 Honda Civic has 12 cubic feet of cargo space. While not class leading, the Volt it is definitely big enough for a couple of golf bags. Range is where the Volt really starts to gain some ground. The Volt using only battery power is rated to 35 miles, 65 less than the leaf. However, once the gasoline engine kicks in the Volts range increases by an astonishing 340 miles.

My Verdict
Around town and for short trips there is no question that the Leaf is the better option. It’s cheaper and can carry more people than the Volt. However, the biggest failing of the Leaf is the area in which the Volt excels the most—its range. The Volt manages to go 370 miles between fill ups/recharges, a distance that the Leaf can’t match. While the Volt might have a lower battery range, it makes up for it by being able to continue operating on past the 370-mile range in a matter of minutes, rather than having to wait four hours to recharge. It is for this reason that I believe the Volt to be the better of the two vehicles and is the one I would choose.

By: Chris McCarthy on Monday, December 13, 2010 02:52

Car Care for Better Mileage

Car Care for Better Mileage

Remember when gas was less than $2 a gallon? While it would be nice to see those prices again, there are several easy and inexpensive things you can do to your vehicle to get the maximum miles per gallon, adding up to considerable savings over a full year of driving.

Reduce parasitic losses, maximize engine efficiency and change your driving style.
There are three areas to consider when trying to attain or beat the EPA mileage claims for your vehicle—reducing parasitic losses, maximizing engine efficiency and changing your driving style. Don't look to any single item for a massive mileage increase. It's a game that requires discipline to find many small improvements that will add up to possibly a 10-15 percent overall increase in fuel economy.

What are the parasitic losses that affect fuel mileage? Anything that impedes the movement of the vehicle down the road such as (tire) rolling resistance, wind resistance, brake drag, wheel alignment and driveline friction. Some items like wind resistance are difficult to avoid. However, tire rolling resistance, brake drag, wheel alignment and driveline friction can all be optimized for a sizeable gain in mileage. read more

By: Leonard Emanuelson / autoMedia.com