DGREEN

_GUIDE BUYING GUIDE
Cars
Beat record fuel costs with high-mileage, low-emissions vehicles.
As gas prices rise and we grow used to the idea that we may never see a cheap tankful again,
fuel-efficient cars are performing better than ever. No longer the rough-handling pint-size
vehicles of yesteryear, new models offer high levels of comfort, performance, luxury and style.

By Ron Cogan • Infographic by 5W

 

Auto manufacturers have made substantial progress in their efforts to boost fuel economy with lighter, more aerodynamic designs and improved tires, engines and transmissions. We invited Ron Cogan, editor of Green Car Journal, to give us his take on the top-mileage cars rated by the Environmental Protection Agency in each size class, from subcompacts to SUVs.

Subcompacts

The TOYOTA YARIS, introduced in 2007, is a high-quality, comfortable and feature-laden model that exceeds the standards set by its predecessors. It includes safety systems and admirable EPA-estimated fuel economy. An interesting up-and-comer, the MINI COOPER CLUBMAN gets an impressive 28 city/37 highway miles per gallon (mpg).

Compacts

The HONDA CIVIC HYBRID and the TOYOTA COROLLA are popular models engineered

for safety that continue to attract buyers in large numbers, and for good reason. The Civic Hybrid is a high-mileage, low-emissions car that can get 45 mpg on the highway. Proving that conventional gas models can achieve excellent mileage, the Corolla gets the same mileage as the Mini Cooper.

Midsize Cars

Eleven years after its introduction in Japan, the TOYOTA PRIUS is still considered by many to be the epitome of the hybrid car. There’s no arguing with its superior mileage and low emissions, but it doesn’t have the horsepower you’ll find in a conventional engine. If it’s power you want, the NISSAN ALTIMA HYBRID can easily hold its own against regular engines, with high mileage and low emissions to boot.

Large Cars

Larger family sedans have also improved over the years. The HONDA ACCORD EX is

always a top contender with its great price, accommodating features and fuel efficiency. The all-new 2008 model starts at just over $23,060. The HYUNDAI SONATA GLS, equipped with five-star safety rating and a lower starting price, provides solid competition with similar mileage.

 

Small Station Wagons The five-door HONDA FIT HATCHBACK feels more like a subcompact, and its $14k starting price makes it one of the more affordable high-mileage vehicles. The PONTIAC VIBE and TOYOTA MATRIX, products of a joint venture between Toyota and General Motors, are “sibling” vehicles that share the same chassis design and roomy, fuel-efficient rides.

 

Midsize Station Wagons At $25,890, the VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT WAGON is one of the more expensive vehicles we recommend, but its 20/29 mpg,