Gas Mileage and Gas Prices » Gas Mileage

Top 3 Cars In 2010 For Best Gas Mileage

Fuel Economy Advisor — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 17:05:48 +0000

The top pick for highest gas mileage car is the 2010 Toyota Prius. At around twenty thousand dollars you can expect to get 48 miles per gallon on the highway and 45 in town (with some reporting it breaks the 50 MPG barrier). This car is powered by a 16 valve four cylinder engine. The 110 peak horse power out of this four cylinder engine will give great response when passing. These cars are offered in the United States at Toyota dealerships all over the country. The Toyota Prius is a smaller sedan that is offered in four door and seats five people. These are great for carpooling making great use of the seating capacity.

The second pick for highest gas mileage in a car is the 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid. With a base price around 22,000 dollars you can expect to get 45 miles to the gallon on the highway and 40 miles per gallon in town. This car is powered by a 1.8 liter eight valve four cylinder backed by electric power to help in being more economic. This power plant will get you around with 110 peak horse power. These are smaller sedans that can seat five comfortably.

The third pick in top gas mileage cars is the Smart Car. This car has a one liter three cylinder engine that has a peak horse power rating of 70hp and gets around 40 MPG. The base price on the Smart Car starts out at around 11,500 dollars. This will make it affordable from the start with years of savings on fuel. These cars will run best when using premium higher octane gasoline. With seats for two people these cars make the perfect commuter. All the comforts of the larger cars will be found in the Smart Car just in a smaller package. The biggest advantage over gas mileage for this car is the maneuverability which is do to the short wheel base.

Hybrid MPG: Toyota Prius vs. Nissan Altima vs. Honda Civic

Fuel Economy Advisor — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 21:50:10 +0000

Now that we are hearing more and more about fuel saving hybrid cars that run on batteries, we wanted to know how the top contenders compare in fuel consumption and value. So we took at the look at the 3 Hybrids rated the most fuel effecient for 2009: The 2009 Toyota Prius Hybrid, the 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid and the 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid.

All of these figures are based on the assumption that you have driven the car at least 1500 miles to break it in. Assuming 1500 miles annually and gas prices at $2.44 per gallon, combined MPG (Miles Per Gallon) and the assumption that you refill when the tank is at 10% full.

The Toyota Prius Hybrid does the best in the city at a whopping 45 MPG, but breaks even when it comes to the highway at 45 MPG and again takes the lead in the combined gas mileage at 46 MPG. It should cost you about $1.33 to drive 25 miles, while only using only .54 of a gallon of gas. This car will cost about $794.00 to fill up on a yearly basis.

The Nissan Altima Hybrid does not do as well as either car, as it only gets 35 miles in the city and 33 on the highway. It only pulls a combined 34 MPG. To drive 25 miles would cost you $1.79 and only gets 612 miles on a tank of gas.
You’re looking at $1076.00 in annual fuel cost based on 612 miles per tank fill up.

The Honda Civic Hybrid comes in about even with the Honda Prius with 40 miles in the city and 45 on the highway. It pulls a combined 42 MPG, it cost $1.45 to drive 25 miles, while only using .60 of a gallon. To fill this car up it will cost you $43.92, while getting 612 miles off of a fill up, and a yearly fuel cost of $871.00.

The Top 3 Hybrids of 2009 for the Best Gas Mileage

Fuel Economy Advisor — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 21:25:45 +0000

The 2009 Toyota Prius Hybrid is hands-down the highest rated of the hybrid vehicles. Gas mileage, the most important consideration for many, is 48 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on the highway. This Toyota was designed from scratch as a hybrid, not modified from a conventional vehicle, and is considered by many the best blend of efficiency, dependability and affordability. It’s roomy design seats up to 5 people and maximizes interior space. At $21,100 it is a good value for all that it offers.

The 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid has excellent gas mileage at 40 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on the highway. Its price is competitive with the Prius at $22,600. The Civic Hybrid is a roomy, 4-door style sedan with a number of trims and options available. This hybrid vehicle is considered reliable and affordable, all-in-all an excellent value. Plus Honda has an award-winning extended warranty program which is standard for most vehicle purchases.

The new kid on the block, coming out this fall, is the 2009 Smart Fortwo. The Fortwo is a small, affordable 2-seater, designed more for around-town than for long trips. It’s base price of only $11,590 is very affordable, and it gets great gas mileage: 33 in the city and 41 on the highway. Although this Smart car is definitely not for everyone, it is easy to park anywhere and it’s low fuel consumption will definitely save you money.

For those who need a more conventional vehicle, the Volkswagen Jetta may be a better alternate choice than these hybrids in a slightly bigger class. It is not an alternative fuel or hybrid vehicle; it gets great gas mileage through efficient design. It gets 30 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway, with some variation between specific models. Available in a coupe or a sportwagon, the VW Jetta boasts quality design and construction for a long lasting vehicle, starting about $17,500.

Advantages of Better Gas Mileage in the 2009 Chevy Aveo

Fuel Economy Advisor — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 04:42:09 +0000

Fuel economy is an important factor to consider when purchasing a vehicle. For instance the Chevy Aveo, in addition to its many other features, boasts a remarkable EPA estimated 34 mpg (miles per gallon). With the higher gas prices experienced this year, along with the current economic downslide, making sure you get the most value for your dollar is essential when buying a new car. Not only will the high gas mileage save you money every day that you own the vehicle, but cars with higher gas mileages tend to have higher resale values, protecting your investment over time.

The secret behind the improved fuel economy in the Chevy Aveo lies in the new ECOTEC engine. Without sacrificing performance, the variable valve timing on the engine results in 27 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, with the manual transmission, and 25 city, 34 highway, using a four speed automatic. Chevy is breaking away from the typical gas guzzling vehicles many Americans associate with previous models. The Aveo is the same American quality you have come to expect, but now with the gas mileage you would expect from an import. When looking for your new car, consider the Chevrolet Aveo and feel what it is like to save money every time you start the engine.

Top 3 Cars With The Best Gas Mileage In 2008

Fuel Economy Advisor — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 04:33:38 +0000

With gas prices in constant flux everyone shopping for a new car is very cognizant of the gas mileage of the vehicles they are looking at. Car manufacturers themselves have also become very concerned with this and as such have begun developing cars specifically to meet this need. In 2008 three cars stood out from the rest and earned the reputation as the vehicles with the best gas mileage.

The standout car for the year was the 2008 Toyota Prius. This car posted some amazing numbers and was by far and away the leader of all vehicles in all classes. It is classified as a mid sized car which puts it above the small compacts and below the full size vehicles. Still it has enough room to sit four people comfortably and put something in the trunk. The mileage rating on this vehicle is a tremendous 48 miles per gallon city and 45 mile per gallon highway. The big draw back on this car is the price and the availability. If you can find one at sticker price though they are by far the best deal going.

The runner up for the best gas mileage is the 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid. This vehicle is significantly smaller than the Prius and has worse fuel economy, although not by much. This vehicle gets 40 miles per gallon in the city and 45 mile per gallon on the highway. While the city numbers are significantly less, the highway numbers stay right with the Prius. One selling point in favor of the Civic is the fact that the actual vehicle is based around a car that has been in production for some time. All the kinks have been worked out of the Civic line and it makes this car very accessible.

The last vehicle that can be counted as won of the winners is the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid. While the fuel economy is not anywhere near the mid size and compact cars it does offer a significant space upgrade over the other vehicles. The gas mileage on the Escape Hybrid is better than most mini compact and subcompact cars so it really is an achievement. This car comes in with gas mileage of 34 city and 30 highway, highly respectable for a vehicle with this much room.

How Hybrid Cars Produce Better Gas Mileage

Fuel Economy Advisor — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 21:16:10 +0000

The computerized Hybrid vehicles detect when to alternate the power from gas to electric. Your benefits are cost effective in fuel or gas, and using a rechargeable battery. In addition, there is less emission produce in hybrid cars opposed to conventional automobiles, which is better for the environment and the economy. Depending on the economy it may produce more jobs having more hybrids in production. It seems that hybrids are here to stay being that it is low cost and easy to maintain.

Hybrid cars have better gas mileage, as it uses both the engine and motor it converts gas to energy and it automatically stores in the rechargeable battery. When you completely brake or make a full stop using the brakes the Hybrid car recreates energy into electricity storing it in the battery. Like any other car the engine and motor forces the vehicle to move forward, backward and so forth. While cruising in the hybrid car the engine shuts down and the battery does all the work saving you a whole lot of fuel.

If you purchased a Hybrid after December 31, 2005 you may qualify for a tax break up to $3,400, so ask your accountant or tax professional for more information.

Rising Gas Prices: Fuel Economy and Your Next Car Purchase?

Fuel Economy Advisor — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 06:31:13 +0000

The Associated Press reported that oil prices fell Tuesday as fresh signs of a deepening U.S. recession trumped tensions in the Middle East and worries over natural gas shortages in Europe. Light, sweet crude for February delivery fell 23 cents, to $48.58 a barrel, in trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

The five-month slide in gasoline prices has come to an abrupt halt, with gasoline rising by several cents in recent days amid indicators that the national average could jump to $2 a gallon or higher this spring.

So we’re facing rising gas prices — how does that impact new car purchases, specifically hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles?

Automotive analysts expect consumers, who are still wary over the shaky state of the economy, to buy between 10 million and 12.4 million new cars and trucks in 2009. That’s down substantially from the 16.7 million in annual sales the industry has averaged over the past decade. And it’s even lower than the dismal 13 million or so in sales expected for 2008.

So the question is, at what point does fuel economy and better gas mileage become an issue again? A lot of consumers have simply stopped purchasing new cars due to the poor economy. Once car sales begin to pick up, though, it will be a new market out there. Consumers will want cars which get better gas mileage and more miles to the gallon. Next years answer may come from Ford:

The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, and its twin, the 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid, are mid-to-full-size sedans that seat five in surprising comfort and offer a full-size trunk measuring around 12 cubic feet. They measure 190.6 inches and weigh a goodly 3,720 pounds. The gas-electric output is 191 horsepower and 0-60 mph acceleration is under 9 seconds.

With the cost of gas increasing to $2 in the next few months, more and more consumers will take another look at hybrids and alternative fuel vehicles.

Cars with the Best Gas Mileage Tested

Fuel Economy Advisor — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 13:56:55 +0000

Cars.com announced yesterday the results of it’s gas mileage car tests, and the results are interesting. The cars tested were:

2008 Ford Focus SES sedan: 2.0-liter four-cylinder, five-speed manual; 24/35 mpg city/highway (28 mpg combined)
2009 Honda Civic EX-L sedan: 1.8-liter four-cylinder, five-speed auto; 25/36 mpg city/highway (29 mpg combined)
2009 Pontiac G5 XFE coupe: 2.2-liter four-cylinder, five-speed manual; 25/37 mpg city/highway (30 mpg combined)
2009 Toyota Corolla XLE sedan: 1.8-liter four-cylinder, four-speed auto; 27/35 mpg city/highway (30 mpg combined)

They fueled all 4 cars up at the same pump, then took them on a 300 mile test drive. Here’s the gas mileage results:

2009 Toyota Corolla XLE sedan: 36.4 mpg
2009 Honda Civic EX-L sedan: 34.6 mpg
2009 Pontiac G5 XFE coupe: 33.1 mpg
2008 Ford Focus SES sedan: 31.0 mpg

I’m not too surprised that the Corolla performed well, as Toyotas are known for their gas mileage. In fact I’m not surprised that the Japanese cars ranked better overall. But I am surprised that the Ford Focus did so poorly, not even reaching its advertised highway MPG. 31 mpg is nothing to sneeze at, but considering the compromises Ford made to make the Focus (small, smaller engine, less features) it makes it a much less attractive car purchase.

Oil Changes, Gas Prices, AC: Better Gas Mileage Answers

Fuel Economy Advisor — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 16:52:27 +0000

Today I decided to run a question and answer type of blog post, since I read this one over on Mercury News which answered some great questions as to why gas stations of the same brand sell gas at different prices.

By the way, it’s because every gas station gets their gas from different suppliers or zones. Those and other factors can mean a gas station of the same brand a few miles apart can still have different gas prices.

Q. Does an Oil Change Help Fuel Economy?

A. Yes, it definitely can. You will certainly get better gas mileage with clean oil than with dirty oil. As with just about any other type of maintenance you can perform on your car, the less you service it the more work your car’s engine has to do. Running oil clean is not only healthy for your engine, it also makes it run better and more smooth, which translates to better gas mileage for you.

Also consider using synthetic oil, rather than petroleum oil. I’ve seen lab tests state that you can gain as much as a 5% to 7% increase in gas mileage with synthetic oil. It can be a bit more expensive, but may be worth it in the long run.

Now this doesn’t mean go changing your oil every thousand miles just to get better gas mileage; it’s not worth it if you spend a fortune in oil. I would suggest an oil change every 5,000 miles for petroleum oil and every 10,000 for synthetic. Modern autos can probably run fine for more miles than that without an oil change, but those are good guidelines to follow for better gas mileage.

Q. Does Removing the AC in a Vehicle Help Gas Mileage?

A. Technically, yes, but for the same reason not turning your AC on will help gas mileage. Running your car’s AC puts an increased load on your car’s engine, which in turn uses more gas. You will usually get less power and poor gas mileage out of a car with the AC running. But that doesn’t mean you have to remove the entire AC system from the car. Just don’t turn it on!

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Russia And Iran Form Gas Cartel; Evil Axis Controls US Fuel

Fuel Economy Advisor — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 01:55:49 +0000

OK, first the really good news. CNN reported yesterday that gas prices dropped so much over the past 2 weeks (.53 cents) that they’ve set another record. And gas prices will continue to drop, albeit at a slightly slower pace. That’s good news whether you’re getting 10 miles to the gallon with a v8 SUV or if you’re getting better gas mileage with a zippy new hybrid.

Now the bad news. Remember the Axis of Evil? Iran was one of them. Still are. Remember the Cold War, when Americans feared Russia and nuclear nightmare more than any terrorist group? Well India Times reported today that Russia and Iran, along with Qatar, have decided to form an exclusive Gas Cartel, along the same lines as the OPEC group. Russia, Iran and Qatar currently account for over 60% of global natural gas reserves, so they have a lot of gas. So why are they doing this?

They want gas prices up. Period. The summer months found that many U.S. travellers simply stayed home, and the demand for gas decreased. As a result, we’re seeing gas prices drop in record declines. So guess who doesn’t like that? The new “Big Gas Troika” as they’re being called. They want prices back up over $3/gallon. Preferably $4.

This impacts Americans in several ways. First of all, we’ve been on shaky ground lately with Russia anyway. (Can you say ungrateful?) Secondly, since President Bush has targetted Iran as one of our biggest enemies in the Axis of Evil, we’re also on extremely wary diplomatic grounds with them.

And what would happen if America felt it needed to invade Iran and Russia was one of it’s biggest commercial allies? Let’s just say the best thing that could come of that scenario is gas prices at $5+ per gallon.

Currently there a lot of obstacles in their way; even if they form a Gas Cartel they can’t regulate gas prices on their own. And Moscow is still saying it’s only a “talking club” and its membership is not binding on its members. We’ll just have to wait and see how this develops.

Gas Mileage and Gas Prices » Gas Mileage

Top 3 Cars In 2010 For Best Gas Mileage

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