Toyota Prius (MPG Rating: 48 City/45 Highway) 21,000 USD
There’s no way that you can continue with any hybrid discussion without mentioning the Toyota Prius. It has been so successful that it may be considered the Volkswagen Beetle of this generation. After 10 years when it was initially launched, the Toyota Prius’ revolutionary technology is a pioneer in the hybrid industry. Basically, this car has a 1.5-liter double overhead cam four-cylinder engine, which can produce 76 horsepower. That is enough power to let you go around the town or city. The best part about this car is that it looks great and that it makes everyone inside of it really comfortable. The Toyota Prius will stay here for a while, unless of course there’s a serious challenge by some automakers out there.
Toyota Camry Hybrid (MPG Rating: 34 City/32 Highway) 25,000 USD
The Toyota Camry was already a best-selling car even before its Hybrid version was launched. When the eco-friendly version was released, it only made the entire model better. Indeed, Toyota seems to be releasing a hybrid for every model that they have and it worked out perfectly so far. Utilizing Toyota’s tried and tested Hybrid Synergy Drive system, the Toyota Camry Hybrid can generate as much as 187 horsepower from its gasoline/electric engine. Just like any true hybrid, the Toyota Camry can travel in short bursts in electric mode and for long stretches in gasoline mode.
Ford Escape Hybrid (MPG Rating: 34 City/30 Highway) 27,000 USD
Ford is really doing well especially with its just-recently-launched hybrid program. If you still think that it still does not have what it takes to compete with the likes of Toyota, the gap is certainly getting really close. Basically, the Ford Escape is very quiet and it is big enough to let several people get inside without any problems. It’s essentially an SUV that can work in an electric/gasoline engine. To be more specific, it uses a 2.4-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder gas engine and an electric motor that can churn out 94 horsepower in a jiffy. If you’ve been scared of buying SUVs because of the high cost of fuel, then now is the right time by picking this.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid (MPG Rating: 27 City/25 Highway) 38,000 USD
The Toyota Highlander is already a family car when it was first launched. However, Toyota’s penchant for converting successful models into Hybrid struck again as it launched the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Basically, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid provides a decent mileage that anyone can appreciate. Aside from that, it has a lot of space and it’s very comfortable inside. When it comes to power, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid gets it from 3.3-liter double overhead cam engine and an electric motor, which are designed to provide as much as 270 horsepower. The best part about this car is that you can press an “EV” button and you can instantly shift to electric power at a lower speed.
Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec (MPG Rating: 23 City/32 Highway) 53,000 USD
No doubt, the Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec is the most expensive car in this list and for a very good reason. That’s because it looks like any other luxury sedan, but it is earth friendly at the same time. Without a doubt, the Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec is the first one to be sold with a “clean” diesel technology. In addition to that, it has massive 3.0-liter engine that can produce as much as 210 horsepower.+
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Tags: fuel-economy cars
My Favorite Fuel Economy Cars Part 1
Posted on 13 January 2009
It’s no longer something new seeing people craving for green cars these days. Indeed, the choices have become numerous from just a handful a couple of years ago. However, you still need to know which cars can give you the best way to save gas. Especially right now when the demand is growing, there is a lot of need to scrutinize the next car that you’re going to park in your garage.
So to give you guys some ideas, I have listed a couple of cars that stand out when it comes to mileage and price. I selected cars from the 15,000-30,000 range, while also taking into account the drivability and comfort that they offer. So here they are and have a quick look at what they can offer and what you’re actually going to get from them.
The Honda Fit ( MPG Rating: 28 City/34 Highway) 14,000 USD
Classified as a small station wagon, the Honda Fit is considered one of the best fuel-savings cars in its class. It looks small, although it’s just one of those cars that are really big inside, so you won’t have any trouble with getting a few people at the same time. The best part about the Honda Fit is that you can extend a gallon of your gasoline to 28 miles in the city and 34 miles in the highway, respectively. Aside from that, its 109-horsepower engine isn’t a pushover either. At 14,000 dollars, it’s a solid pick from the many choices out there.
The Ford Focus (MPG Rating: 24 City/35 Highway) 14,300 USD
I can’t believe that something from Ford can go this cheap. Indeed, tough economic times have forced Ford to go green and as of late. It’s better late than not joining in the green car craze at all. Meanwhile, the Ford Focus comes in a 2.0-liter four cylinder engine, while looking like a sporty sedan that you can bring anytime and anywhere. This is arguably Ford’s most fuel-saving car in years and if you have some change to spare, this one is one great pickup.
The Chevrolet Malibu (MPG Rating: 22 City/30 Highway) 20,000 USD
So what exactly does the Chevrolet Malibu have that makes it more expensive than the Ford Focus? Well it boasts of a superb traction control, four-wheel ABS, XM satellite radio, and an automatic transmission. In addition to that, it has a 2.4-liter double overhead cam Ecotec engine that just won’t fail no matter what. It looks better than the Ford Focus, although when you compare prices, the Chevrolet Malibu seems to be quite expensive.
The Nissan Rogue (MPG Rating: 22 City/27 Highway) 19,250 USD
When you talk about crossover vehicles, a lot of people would mention that the Nisan Rogue is right up there and rightfully so. Despite of its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, it is able to get as much as 22-27 miles from a gallon of gasoline. That’s a huge number considering how big this vehicle really is. Unlike most SUVs out there, the Nissan Rogue is easier to park. Aside from that, it can handle all kinds of weather with ease. Power-wise, the Nissan Rogue has more than enough in its tank and in fact, it can generate as much as 170-horsepower.
The Honda Civic Hybrid (MPG Rating: 40 City/45 Highway) 23,000 USD
The Honda Civic Hybrid is one serious contender when it comes to fuel mileage. One expert even said that it’s the measuring stick for all economy cars out there. At just above 20 thousand dollars, the Honda Civic Hybrid can extend your gallon of fuel from 40-45 miles. Seriously, you don’t see that kind of number everyday and what’s even surprising is that you didn’t expect the Civic to get really good.
