Guide To Fuel Efficient Cars Listed By Price
By Green Car Journal Editors
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 |
| | |