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Guide To Fuel Efficient Cars Listed By Price

by Green Car Journal Editors

10/01/2007

As time goes on, it becomes increasingly apparent that high gas prices are here to stay. To help deal with this unsettling reality, we present Green Car Journal's Guide to High MPG Vehicles. This guide features a wide variety of vehicles – at least one example from each EPA size class – organized into five price ranges. With the vast multitude of new vehicle options that exist today, there are likely multiple models that meet the transportation requirements and budgetary constraints of every buyer. This guide is designed to filter out the most efficient choice so new car buyers needn't make any compromises on their way to maximizing fuel economy.

UNDER $15,000

Ford Ranger 4x2
The first vehicle on a guide to fuel economy is a pickup truck? Though it may be unexpected, efficiency-minded buyers looking for a pickup truck won't find a better deal than the Ford Ranger. The Ranger has been a popular pick for a long time, and probably not just because of its mileage numbers. Nevertheless, in its regular cab, two-wheel drive form, the Ranger offers remarkable fuel economy for a pickup truck.	Vehicle Type/EPA Size Class	Rear-wheel drive, 3-passenger, 2-door / standard pickup truck
	Engine	2.3-liter 4 cyl.
	Transmission	5-speed manual
	Fuel Type	Gasoline, regular
	EPA City/Hwy	24/29 mpg
	MSRP	$14,425

Honda Civic HX Coupe
Honda's Civic has long been associated with high fuel economy, and for good reason. Civics have consistently ranked among the most efficient vehicles available. If you're looking for a Civic in two-door guise, consider the HX Coupe. This car's 1.7-liter VTEC-E Lean Burn engine maintains a lean air-fuel ratio at low revs to increase fuel economy, making it the most efficient Civic this side of the Hybrid. A continuously variable transmission is available for those unwilling to row their own gears, but it comes with a 1 mpg city/4 mpg highway fuel mileage penalty.	Vehicle Type/EPA Size Class	Front-wheel drive, 5-passenger, 2-door / compact car
	Engine	1.7-liter 4 cyl.
	Transmission	5-speed manual
	Fuel Type	Gasoline, regular
	EPA City/Hwy	36/44 mpg
	MSRP	$13,960

Scion xA
Toyota created the Scion brand to attract younger buyers, but the fuel mileage achieved by these cars can appeal to everybody. The xA is slightly smaller and more conventionally-styled than the breadbox-like xB. Though EPA classifies the xA as a subcompact, its well-packaged interior offers quite a bit of room to go along with that fuel economy. Opting for the automatic transmission will decrease the city rating and increase the highway rating by 1 mpg each.	Vehicle Type/EPA Size Class	Front-wheel drive, 5-passenger, 5-door / subcompact car
	Engine	1.5-liter 4 cyl.
	Transmission	5-speed manual
	Fuel Type	Gasoline, regular
	EPA City/Hwy	32/37 mpg
	MSRP	$12,480

Scion xB
The xB's shape is best characterized as, well, polarizing. Some like its clean, simple lines; others consider it no more appealing than a 5/8ths scale bread van. The vehicle's respectable efficiency credentials aren't open for debate. In this case, the automatic transmission is the more efficient pick. Going for the manual reduces the highway rating by 1 mpg, but saves you $800. Your call.	Vehicle Type/EPA Size Class	Front-wheel drive, 5-passenger, 5-door / small station wagon
	Engine	1.5-liter 4 cyl.
	Transmission	4-speed automatic
	Fuel Type	Gasoline, regular
	EPA City/Hwy	31/35 mpg
	MSRP	$13,680

Toyota Echo
Toyota's small car strategy is a bit curious. The popularity of the Scions listed above may very well push the Echo out of the market. But don't overlook the Echo just yet. With the same engine as the xA and xB but far less mass to move, the Echo offers some of the highest non-hybrid, non-diesel fuel mileage numbers around. Opting for the four-door over the coupe costs only $530 and doesn't affect the fuel economy rating.	Vehicle Type/EPA Size Class	Front-wheel drive, 5-passenger, 2-door / compact car
	Engine	1.5-liter 4 cyl.
	Transmission	5-speed manual
	Fuel Type	Gasoline, regular
	EPA City/Hwy	35/42 mpg
	MSRP	$10,355

Toyota Matrix
A step up in size from the Scion xA and xB is the Toyota Matrix. Fortunately, the boost in cargo-capacity isn't accompanied by a significant loss in fuel economy. Based on the Corolla platform, the Matrix offers the versatile interior packaging and tall body style of a crossover vehicle. Choosing the manual transmission not only maximizes mileage, but also lets you shift with a joystick-like gearshift mounted high up on the dash.	Vehicle Type/EPA Size Class	Front-wheel drive, 5-passenger, 5-door / small station wagon
	Engine	1.8-liter 4 cyl.
	Transmission	5-speed manual
	Fuel Type	Gasoline, regular
	EPA City/Hwy	30/36 mpg
	MSRP	$14,760

$15,000 - $20,000

Honda Civic Hybrid
If you're looking for the efficiency of a hybrid in a package that won't give you away, the Civic Hybrid may be the ticket. Available only as a four-door sedan, the appearance of the Civic Hybrid does little to distinguish this Civic from any other?but the fuel economy rating sure stands out. Either with the manual transmission as listed, or with the $1,000 continuously variable transmission option yielding 48/47 mpg, the Civic Hybrid goes easy on the fuel. Buyers in California and some Northeastern states will pay $150 extra for PZEV certification.	Vehicle Type/EPA Size Class	Front-wheel drive, 5-passenger, 4-door / compact car
	Engine/Motor	1.3-liter 4 cyl. / integrated 10-kw motor-generator
	Transmission	5-speed manual
	Fuel Type	Gasoline, regular
	EPA City/Hwy	46/51 mpg
	MSRP	$19,900

Honda Insight
Honda's Insight is the undisputed fuel efficiency champ, appealing to those who are looking to maximize their fuel economy regardless of the vehicle type. As a tiny two-seater, the Insight is limited in its versatility, but as an efficient commuter it is unmatched. An Insight with air conditioning pushes the price past the $20k mark to $20,380. A continuously variable transmission iteration is also available, for $21,380, but that brings the city/highway fuel mileage rating down to 57/56 mpg.	Vehicle Type/EPA Size Class	Front-wheel drive, 2-passenger, 3-door / two seater
	Engine/Motor	1.0-liter 3 cyl. / integrated 10-kW motor-generator
	Transmission	5-speed manual
	Fuel Type	Gasoline, regular
	EPA City/Hwy	61/66 mpg
	MSRP	$19,180

Mazda B2300 4x2
Mazda's B2300 is a twin to the Ford Ranger, and thus earns the same fuel economy rating. Set apart by subtle styling and trim differences, both the B2300 and Ranger offer their drivers a lot of utility in an efficient package. If you prefer the look of the Mazda, or are willing to pay a little bit extra to see the Mazda emblem on the grille, opt for the B2300. Either way, you'll be driving the most fuel efficient pickup truck available.	Vehicle Type/EPA Size Class	Rear-wheel drive, 3-passenger, 2-door / standard pickup truck
	Engine	2.3-liter 4 cyl.
	Transmission	5-speed manual
	Fuel Type	Gasoline, regular
	EPA City/Hwy	24/29 mpg
	MSRP	$15,340

Mini Cooper
The Mini Cooper has been praised for its reinventing of the premium small car segment, offering sporty handling dynamics and a unique style. For such a small car, it's not surprising that fuel economy is good as well. BMW, which designs and builds the Mini, says its 1.6-liter engine is designed to run smoothly on gasoline rated anywhere from 87 to 93 octane. Since its EPA fuel economy numbers were achieved with pricier premium fuel, that's the grade specified here.	Vehicle Type/EPA Size Class	Front-drive, 4-passenger, 3-door / mini-compact car
	Engine	1.6-liter 4 cyl.
	Transmission	5-speed manual
	Fuel Type	Gasoline, premium
	EPA City/Hwy	28/36 mpg
	MSRP	$16,950

Pontiac Vibe
Though essentially the same as the Toyota Matrix, the recently updated styling of the Pontiac Vibe does much to set it apart. The fender flares, fog lamps, and integrated roof rack are designed to make this crossover vehicle appeal to the SUV crowd. So while buyers may feel like their driving an SUV, they'll be getting economy-car like fuel economy. Be sure to choose the two-wheel drive, manual transmission model to get the most out of each fill-up.	Vehicle Type/EPA Size Class	Front-wheel drive, 5-passenger, 5-door / small station wagon
	Engine	1.8-liter 4 cyl.
	Transmission	5-speed manual
	Fuel Type	Gasoline, regular
	EPA City/Hwy	30/36 mpg
	MSRP	$17,130

Toyota RAV4
If you don't want to pay the entry fee for the Ford Escape Hybrid but still want a sport-utility vehicle, consider the Toyota RAV4. This vehicle's relatively light weight and small size, combined with an efficient four-cylinder engine that also does duty in the Camry, makes for fuel economy you might not expect from an SUV. The least efficient RAV4 with four-wheel drive and an automatic transmission still gets 22/27 mpg city/hwy, but selecting the options listed here will bump those numbers up even higher.	Vehicle Type/EPA Size Class	Front-wheel drive, 5-passenger, 5-door / sport utility vehicle
	Engine	2.4-liter 4 cyl.
	Transmission	5-speed manual
	Fuel Type	Gasoline, regular
	EPA City/Hwy	24/30 mpg
	MSRP	$18,550

VW Golf GL TDI
Volkswagen is the only manufacturer to offer a wide range of diesel-powered models in the U.S., and the least expensive among them is the Golf TDI. Available only in five-door hatchback form, this car's 1.9-liter turbocharged, direct-injection diesel engine offers fuel economy that, besides the hybrids and the other VW diesels, is simply untouchable. New diesel passenger vehicles are not sold in California, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, or Vermont due to emissions regulations, but cleaner diesel fuel is on the way that should change that by next year. Fuel economy this good really should be available nationwide.	Vehicle Type/EPA Size Class	Front-wheel drive, 5-passenger, 5-door / compact car
	Engine	1.9-liter 4 cyl., turbocharged
	Transmission	5-speed manual
	Fuel Type	Diesel
	EPA City/Hwy	38/46 mpg
	MSRP	$17,450

$20,000 - $25,000

Chevrolet Impala
The Chevrolet Impala offers some of the best fuel economy available in the full-size sedan class. The base model, with a 3.4-liter V-6 and automatic transmission, is the most efficient setup in the Impala line. Due for a major redesign next year, the 2005 model is still an attractive option for families looking for lots of interior room and good gas mileage.	Vehicle Type/EPA Size Class	Front-wheel drive, 5- or 6-passenger, 4-door / large car
	Engine	3.4-liter 6 cyl.
	Transmission	4-speed automatic
	Fuel Type	Gasoline, regular
	EPA City/Hwy	21/32 mpg
	MSRP	$22,350

Toyota Prius
The Prius needs no introduction, in this magazine or anywhere else. Its impressive combination of space and fuel efficiency, as well as an aerodynamic body that clearly conveys the environmental awareness of its driver, has made the Prius a runaway hit. Of course, that means it will be nigh impossible to buy a new one for the suggested retail price listed here. Despite dealer markups and waiting lists, as a fuel economy trend-setter the Prius is hard to beat.	Vehicle Type/EPA Size Class	Front-wheel drive, 5-passenger, 5-door / midsize car
	Engine/Motor	1.5-liter 4 cyl. / 50-kW electric motor
	Transmission	Electronically-controlled continuously variable
	Fuel Type	Gasoline, regular
	EPA City/Hwy	60/51 mpg
	MSRP	$20,875

VW Jetta TDI
The redesigned Jetta heralds a new look for Volkswagen cars. While the new corporate grille and overall shape may be new, the highly efficient diesel engine from last year's model carries over. The Jetta offers high-quality interior materials, sporty handling and, with the diesel engine, class-leading fuel economy. Later in the year, the TDI model will be optionally available with VW's efficient DSG automated manual transmission system.	Vehicle Type/EPA Size Class	Front-wheel drive, 5-passenger, 4-door / compact car
	Engine	1.9-liter 4 cyl., turbocharged
	Transmission	5-speed manual
	Fuel Type	Diesel
	EPA City/Hwy	38/46 mpg
	MSRP	$21,385

VW New Beetle GLS TDI
For those aiming to place themselves behind the wheel of this modern interpretation of an automotive icon, why not make it diesel-powered? Unlike other VWs, the New Beetle TDI is only available in the feature-rich GLS trim level, which adds such niceties as alloy wheels and clear lens halogen fog lamps. If around-town driving dictates an automatic transmission, VW offers a six-speed in the New Beetle that adds $1,075 to the price tag and brings fuel economy down to 36/42 mpg city/hwy.	Vehicle Type/EPA Size Class	Front-wheel drive, 4-passenger, 3-door / subcompact car
	Engine	1.9-liter 4 cyl., turbocharged
	Transmission	5-speed manual
	Fuel Type	Diesel
	EPA City/Hwy	38/46 mpg
	MSRP	$20,010

VW Passat GL TDI
Volkswagen offers the Passat as a German-built alternative for family car buyers. For families looking to reduce long-term fuel costs, the Passat becomes even more attractive. Furthermore, the Passat GL TDI is the least expensive Passat model currently offered, though the diesel engine can also be had in the more expensive GLS trim level. If cargo-carrying capacity needs a boost, Passat buyers can order the Passat wagon with a diesel as well, which adds 24 cubic feet of cargo room to the sedan's 15. While the wagon costs $1,000 more than the sedan, the excellent fuel economy is unchanged.	Vehicle Type/EPA Size Class	Front-wheel drive, 5-passenger, 4-door / midsize car
	Engine	2.0-liter 4 cyl., turbocharged
	Transmission	5-speed automatic
	Fuel Type	Diesel
	EPA City/Hwy	27/38 mpg
	MSRP	$23,360

$25,000 - $30,000

Ford Escape Hybrid
The first hybrid sport-utility vehicle on the market is also the most fuel-efficient. Even though the four-wheel drive option decreases fuel economy to 33/29 mpg city/hwy and increases the price tag to $28,435, it still yields better gas mileage than any other SUV. With a towing capacity of 1,000 pounds, acceleration comparable to that of the gasoline-engine Escape, and interior space largely unhindered by the electric propulsion system, Ford claims its Escape hybrid is just as capable as the conventional model.	Vehicle Type/EPA Size Class	Front-wheel drive, 5-passenger, 5-door / sport utility vehicle
	Engine/Motor	2.3-liter 4 cyl. / 65-kW electric motor plus 28-kW generator
	Transmission	Electronically-controlled continuously variable
	Fuel Type	Gasoline, regular
	EPA City/Hwy	36/31 mpg
	MSRP	$26,810

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Extended Cab
Though the approximate 10 percent improvement in fuel economy offered by the Chevy Silverado hybrid over the conventional model is relatively small for a hybrid, it's a move in the right direction. It's also enough to make the Silverado hybrid and its GMC twin the most fuel-efficient full-size pickup trucks on the market. These two hybrid pickups are available in limited quantities in California, Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Nevada and Florida.	Vehicle Type/EPA Size Class	Rear-wheel drive, 5-passenger, 4-door / standard pickup truck
	Engine/Motor	5.3-liter 8 cyl. / integrated 14-kW motor-generator
	Transmission	Four-speed automatic
	Fuel Type	Gasoline, regular
	EPA City/Hwy	18/21 mpg
	MSRP	$27,995

GMC Sierra 1500 Extended Cab
The differences between conventional GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado pickups are mostly cosmetic, and the same is true for these hybrid models. Most of the fuel savings come from the electric motor's ability to shut off the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop and restart quickly once it's underway again. The electric motor also serves as a mobile electricity generator with four 120-volt/20-amp auxiliary power outlets in the cab and bed, a feature that GM hopes will make these hybrids even more appealing to pickup truck buyers.	Vehicle Type/EPA Size Class	Rear-wheel drive, 5-passenger, 4-door / standard pickup truck
	Engine	5.3-liter 8 cyl. / integrated 14-kW motor-generator
	Transmission	Four-speed automatic
	Fuel Type	Gasoline, regular
	EPA City/Hwy	18/21 mpg
	MSRP	$28,675

Over $30,000

Honda Accord Hybrid
Honda's Accord Hybrid represents a shift in the hybrid vehicle paradigm, away from a purely efficiency-maximizing option toward a performance-enhancing upgrade. It's a sign of things to come, which is fine with us as long as fuel economy keeps going up. While the additional 20 lbs-ft of torque and 15 horsepower from the electric motor improve the Accord's acceleration, the hybrid system's idle-stop function and regenerative braking give the Accord fuel mileage closer to that of the 4-cylinder Civic. The 5-speed automatic is the only available transmission.	Vehicle Type/EPA Size Class	Front-wheel drive, 5-passenger, 4-door / midsize car
	Engine/Motor	3.0-liter 6 cyl. / integrated 12-kW motor-generator
	Transmission	5-speed automatic
	Fuel Type	Gasoline, regular
	EPA City/Hwy	29/37 mpg
	MSRP	$30,140

Honda Odyssey EX
What makes Honda's people mover more efficient than the competition is its Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system, which also contributes to the Accord Hybrid's gas mileage credentials. The system switches the V-6 engine between 6- and 3-cylinder operation depending on driving conditions to maximize fuel economy. To get the VCM system, buyers need to opt for the EX with leather, listed here, or the Touring model priced at $34,695. Doing so improves the fuel economy by 1 mpg and 3 mpg for city and highway, respectively.	Vehicle Type/EPA Size Class	Front-drive, 8-passenger, 5-door / minivan
	Engine	3.5-liter 6 cyl.
	Transmission	5-speed automatic
	Fuel Type	Gasoline, regular
	EPA City/Hwy	20/28 mpg
	MSRP	$30,495

Mercedes E320 CDI
Drivers looking to cruise for long distances in the lap of luxury should strongly consider the E320 CDI. With its 21.1 gallon fuel tank and 2.4 gallon reserve, Mercedes claims this mid-size sedan will travel nearly 800 highway miles on a single fill-up. Try that with your gas-powered luxury car. Mercedes' refined yet torquey turbocharged inline-6 makes for a quiet and remarkably quick ride.	Vehicle Type/EPA Size Class	Rear-wheel drive, 5-passenger, 4-door / midsize car
	Engine	3.2-liter 6 cyl. turbocharged
	Transmission	5-speed automatic
	Fuel Type	Diesel
	EPA City/Hwy	27/37 mpg
	MSRP	$50,350