From the article: My Favorite Fuel Efficient Cars
I've posted my list of my favorite fuel-efficient cars; now it's your turn. Tell us about your favorite fuel-efficient cars and what makes them so good. Share your picks
Mercedes E320 Bluetec
- Just thought I'd throw this out for anyone else looking at a fuel efficient, luxury car: The Mercedes Benz E320 Bluetec is a diesel car, and it gets 26/35/30 combined based on the old EPA estimates (I've heard that the old figures are often closer to the truth). All the luxury and space of an E350, plenty of features, incredible torque, and (I believe) cheaper than comparable Audis or BMWs when looking at used models. Plus, terrific mileage will cause the car to pay for itself over a non-Bluetec Benz (the E350 requires premium gas anyway, and would give you 19 combined). We just test drove one recently, and it was a great experience!
- —Guest Guest
Diesel much better then Hybrid
- I travel a lot to Europe (Germany, Holland) most often have Audi A4 2.0 TDIe rental car. Same audi A4 as we have here but now with a 134bhp 236lbf/ft diesel engine combined with their superb S-tronic autobox. fabulous driving experience (lots of torque) and superb fuel economy. I still do not understand why we do not get the diesels overhere. The diesels in europe are much much more efficient as hybrids and do not have the impact on the environment all hybrids have once disassembled. Okay the way to go is the fuel cell car but until then the diesel would be the prefered alternative. I have 3 audi's overhere but my dealer cannot provide me with a diesel. But a hybrid is on its way while it is less fuel efficient as the diesel. Something the marketing boys decided. Really do not get it.
- —Guest Peter Dejong
Diesel MPG and US Gallon
- 1. Diesel has higher energy content so you should divide the MPG by 1.2 to get equivalent gas mileage. Also the European gallon is smaller. 2. You can only get half the amount of diesel from a barrel of oil (can't solve the energy crisis with diesel). So suggesting we all move to diesel is just silly (leave it to trucks). 3. I am very surprised that the Hyundai Elantra is not on this list 29/40 with an automatic transmission, low price, roomy interior. Lastly, they only cars that should be in a top list are regular gassoline automatic transmission since they are 90% of cars sold - so they are the only type that matters.
- —Guest Abe
US has it backwards. What gives
- In middle of relocation to Denver. Just had a holiday in Ireland where my wife and I drove a 2.0L deisel Ford Focus and what a revelation. Average 54.3 mpg for whole trip. Fully loaded with people and luggage. Engine response was a pleasure, very quiet and just a superbly pleasant vehicle. I am looking for something similar in US and what do you get expensive hybrids that dont even match diesel performance or mpg. I am now looking at VW Jetta Sportswage TDI
- —Guest Wayne
subcompacts
- I wonder why European subcompacts are not available in the US. Diesel cars normally needing less fuel than petrol cars (and modern diesels being just as environmentally friendly), diesel subcompacts are easily the most fuel efficient cars on the market. Basically, for city/suburban use, in Europe, I wouldn't consider buying a new a car that doesn't do at least 40 mpg. E.g. the Citroen C1 (or C3) petrol version does around 44 mpg , the diesel version around 50 mpg. No town-dweller I know has a car, be it a Peugeot, Toyota, Honda, Renault or Citroen that does less than 40 mpg (as measured to US standard - around 5 l/ 100 km to EU standard). It's not that Americans don't like these cars - You simply can't buy them in the US. I honestly and seriously wonder why. ( => The only car on the list that I consider mildly fuel efficient is the Insight. So from these, it would probably win. Overall, I would go for something like a Cit C1 or a Peugeot 207 or so.)
- —Guest miv
Gas Guzzlers
- I love this list, since when has 28mpg been considered good, I guess when you pay the same for a gallon as the UK pays for a litre, you can afford to halve the MPG and call it good. There's hardly a diesel in sight. I second the Golf GT TDI, 170bhp, great torque and 53mpg combined.
- —Guest Willbur
Metro Art
- I have a 1990 Geo Metro that I originally bought for $900. It actually is fun to drive, has the smoothest shifting 5 speed that I have ever driven and has gotten as much as 49 miles per gallon.
- —Guest Art
Japanese Diesel Hatchback
- The best fuel efficient car that I have ever driven was sadly not in the US. My wife and I drove through Tuscany and other parts of Italy in a Nissan Micra. We rented the four door hatch and were so pleased with its performance and handling in the hills and on the Autostrada. The four cyl diesel had plenty of punch to carry us and our luggage and the manual shift was extra fun through the twisties. It is really sad that as a developed nation and supposed leader of the world that we do not lead the world in the advancement of green technologies in the field of transportation. I wonder what FDR would think if he were here to witness such waste after all the tribulation the depression era generation went through. Maybe there is some conspiracy by the oil industry/lobbyists/car companies to keep the US hooked on big gulping cars.
- —Guest hbabra
German engineering with frugality
- My favorite is my next car...the Golf TDI. It gets 50mpg and has that fabulous German feel. Sounds like automotive nirvana to me!
- —Guest HAWAIIAN DON
Smaller Cars are the Answer
- I've always bought smaller , lighter cars. Less mass to move , less gas to use. I don't need space in a car but a having owned a GTI hatch and loved it, I'd buy another
- —Phoghat
Under Rated on Window Sticker
- Have about 6000 miles on a 2010 Pontiac Vibe, window sticker says lower 20's but I get 33-34 around town, normal driving, maybe the stick shift helps but the car is great
- —Guest Tom
My Jetta Sportwagen TDI
- A real pleasure to drive and we get 38 - 45mpg on the highway. With a 14 gallon tank we routinely get 550-600 miles on a tank of gas. I love it.
- —Guest TerryS
you won't believe it!!
- Fuel efficiency, comfort, ride = my 2006 Chrysler 300. Have had it 4 years and get 35 mpg on the highway with no problem! Keep it under 65 mph!
- —Guest Keith P
I'm no expert...
- ...but I like me some Honda Fit. It's a solid little car that will do far more than you expect it to. I'm glad it made the list.
- —Guest BrooklynBob
Best mileage, and very cheap!!!
- 1994 Geo Metro XFI. Mine cost $490.00, and I had to put a clutch in it. Cars don't wear out, just their parts dol
- —willyshannon
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