Ford Skeptical About Electric Power

Ford CEO, Alan Mulally, was asked how he felt about hybrid cars, electric cars, and where Ford was going with improving their fuel economy while on a trip to Melbourne.

For the most part, Ford is backing off of the hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric car market. Although they have two hybrid SUVs, with two new hybrid cars on the way, Mulally feels skeptical about the whole thing. And this is despite an internal prediction that Ford would finally make some money selling hybrids.

It seems he feels creating two powertrains in one car is cost prohibitive.

"Clearly, hybrids have a long way to go to be competitive, cost-wise, because they are carrying two power trains," Mr Mulally said.

But mostly, Mulally is concerned about the batteries. And it's no wonder, given how expensive they are. But if Toyota and Honda can make it work, why can't Ford? Also, what about GM's determination to bring out the Chevy Volt?

It seems Ford feels GM will be losing money on the extended range vehicle, but he's not willing to do so.

Instead, Ford will continue to make small incremental changes to their gas motors. They are also focusing on readjusting the line-ups to make more compact vehicles and less SUV and trucks. Ford has lost it's number one spot with their F-150.  And now Ford is playing it safe and letting others compete.  GM has already said it was a mistake to sit out the hybrid car evolution, which is why they are trying so hard with the Volt.  Is Ford now heading down the same path?

The 77 Most Fuel Efficient Cars of 2006

If this is your first time here, I have been putting together lists of the most fuel efficient cars in the US. The fueleconomy.gov website, from which all the data comes from, lists out the cars, but does so in such a way that it's very hard to figure out which cars are more fuel efficient.  By categorizing them by type, they've separated out the cars I wanted to compare.

So I've put together the most fuel efficient cars from 2008, the most fuel efficient cars from 2007 and the most fuel efficient cars from 2005.  I would bet most people today would find the list for 2008 the most useful, but I hope that some people find the other lists (perhaps you're looking for a used car that's also a fuel sipper?) useful as well.

For some reason, 2006 had fewer fuel efficient cars than either 2007 or 2008 or 2005.  How strange.

The list shows the cars that get better than 25 mpg combined.  The combined value is based on 45% Highway and 55% city driving.  All the mpg ratings are based on the new system from the EPA, which reflect 'real world' conditions.  Which means these numbers won't match up if you try to look up documentation prior to this year.

Also, please note that each of the cars gets a separate listing based on engine and category.  So, for instance, the Honda Insight shows  up in the first four slots because it has two different categories and two different engines.

			MPG*
Ranking	Category	Vehicle	City	Highway	Combined**
1	Small Cars	Honda Insight 3 cyl, 1 L, Manual 5-spd, HEV, Regular	48	58	53
1	Coupes	Honda Insight 3 cyl, 1 L, Manual 5-spd, HEV, Regular	48	58	53
2	Small Cars	Honda Insight 3 cyl, 1 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios), HEV, Regular	45	49	47
2	Coupes	Honda Insight 3 cyl, 1 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios), HEV, Regular	45	49	47
3	Family Sedan	Toyota Prius 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios), HEV, Regular	48	45	47
4	Small Cars	Honda Civic Hybrid 4 cyl, 1.3 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios), HEV, Regular	40	45	42
5	Small Cars	Volkswagen New Beetle 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Manual 5-spd, Diesel	31	40	35
5	Small Cars	Volkswagen Golf 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Manual 5-spd, Diesel	31	40	35
5	Hatchbacks	Volkswagen New Beetle 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Manual 5-spd, Diesel	31	40	35
5	Hatchbacks	Volkswagen Golf 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Manual 5-spd, Diesel	31	40	35
6	Small Cars	Volkswagen New Beetle 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Automatic (S6), Diesel	30	38	34
6	Small Cars	Volkswagen Jetta 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Automatic (S6), Diesel	30	38	34
6	Hatchbacks	Volkswagen New Beetle 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Automatic (S6), Diesel	30	38	34
6	Hatchbacks	Volkswagen Jetta 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Automatic (S6), Diesel	30	38	34
7	Small Cars	Volkswagen Golf 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Automatic (S5), Diesel	28	40	33
7	Hatchbacks	Volkswagen Golf 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Automatic (S5), Diesel	28	40	33
8	Small Cars	Volkswagen Jetta 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Manual 5-spd, Diesel	30	37	33
8	Hatchbacks	Volkswagen Jetta 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Manual 5-spd, Diesel	30	37	33
9	Small Cars	Toyota Corolla 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	28	37	32
9	Hatchbacks	Toyota Corolla 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	28	37	32
10	Small Cars	Scion xA 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Automatic 4-spd, Regular	27	35	31
10	Hatchbacks	Scion xA 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Automatic 4-spd, Regular	27	35	31
11	Small Cars	Honda Civic 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Automatic 5-spd, Regular	26	36	31
11	Hatchbacks	Honda Civic 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Automatic 5-spd, Regular	26	36	31
12	Small Cars	Scion xA 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	27	34	30
12	Hatchbacks	Scion xA 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	27	34	30
13	Small Cars	Toyota Corolla 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Automatic 4-spd, Regular	26	35	30
13	Hatchbacks	Toyota Corolla 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Automatic 4-spd, Regular	26	35	30
14	Small Cars	Honda Civic 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	26	34	30
14	Hatchbacks	Honda Civic 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	26	34	30
15	Small Cars	Kia Rio 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Automatic 4-spd, Regular	25	35	30
15	Hatchbacks	Kia Rio 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Automatic 4-spd, Regular	25	35	30
16	Small Cars	Honda Civic CNG 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Automatic 5-spd, Natural Gas	24	36	29
17	Small Cars	Hyundai Accent 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	27	32	29
17	Small Cars	Kia Rio 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	27	32	29
17	Hatchbacks	Hyundai Accent 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	27	32	29
17	Hatchbacks	Kia Rio 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	27	32	29
18	Station Wagon	Pontiac Vibe 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	26	33	29
18	Station Wagon	Toyota Matrix 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	26	33	29
19	SUV	Ford Escape Hybrid FWD 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular	30	28	29
20	Small Cars	Hyundai Accent 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Automatic 4-spd, Regular	25	33	29
20	Hatchbacks	Hyundai Accent 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Automatic 4-spd, Regular	25	33	29
21	Station Wagon	Scion xB 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Automatic 4-spd, Regular	26	31	28
22	Small Cars	MINI Cooper 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Manual 5-spd, Premium	24	33	28
23	Station Wagon	Scion xB 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	26	30	28
24	Station Wagon	Pontiac Vibe 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Automatic 4-spd, Regular	25	31	28
24	Station Wagon	Toyota Matrix 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Automatic 4-spd, Regular	25	31	28
25	Small Cars	Mazda 3 4 cyl, 2 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	24	32	28
25	Small Cars	Nissan Sentra 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	24	32	28
25	Hatchbacks	Mazda 3 4 cyl, 2 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	24	32	28
25	Convertibles	MINI Cooper Convertible 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Manual 5-spd, Premium	24	32	28
26	Luxury Sedan	Mercedes-Benz E320 Cdi 6 cyl, 3.2 L, Automatic 5-spd, Diesel	23	33	28
27	Small Cars	Nissan Sentra 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Automatic 4-spd, Regular	24	31	27
27	Sports/Sporty	Acura RSX 4 cyl, 2 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	24	31	27
28	SUV	Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular	28	26	27
28	SUV	Mazda Tribute Hybrid 4WD 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular	28	26	27
28	SUV	Mercury Mariner Hybrid 4WD 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular	28	26	27
29	Small Cars	Saturn Ion 4 cyl, 2.2 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	23	32	27
30	SUV	Lexus RX 400h 2WD 6 cyl, 3.3 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios), HEV, Regular	28	25	27
30	SUV	Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2WD 6 cyl, 3.3 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios), HEV, Regular	28	25	27
31	Small Cars	MINI Cooper 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Premium	23	31	27
31	Small Cars	Ford Focus 4 cyl, 2 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	23	31	27
31	Small Cars	Mazda 3 4 cyl, 2 L, Automatic (S4), Regular	23	31	27
31	Small Cars	Mitsubishi Lancer 4 cyl, 2 L, Manual 5-spd, SOHC, Regular	23	31	27
31	Family Sedan	Honda Accord 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	23	31	27
31	Family Sedan	Hyundai Elantra 4 cyl, 2 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	23	31	27
31	Hatchbacks	Ford Focus 4 cyl, 2 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	23	31	27
31	Hatchbacks	Mazda 3 4 cyl, 2 L, Automatic (S4), Regular	23	31	27
31	Station Wagon	Ford Focus Station Wagon 4 cyl, 2 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	23	31	27
32	Small Cars	Chevrolet Aveo 5 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	22	32	27
32	Small Cars	Pontiac Wave 5 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	22	32	27
32	Small Cars	Suzuki Swift x 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	22	32	27
32	Hatchbacks	Chevrolet Aveo 5 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	22	32	27
32	Hatchbacks	Pontiac Wave 5 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	22	32	27
32	Hatchbacks	Suzuki Swift x 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	22	32	27
33	SUV	Lexus RX 400h 4WD 6 cyl, 3.3 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios), HEV, Regular	27	25	26
33	SUV	Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4WD 6 cyl, 3.3 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios), HEV, Regular	27	25	26

* MPG based on revised MPG figures from the EPA. The MPG testing was adjusted in 2008 to reflect real world driving.
* Combined MPG Based on 45% Highway and 55% City Driving

Did I miss any cars? Feel like you have something to add? Then please let me know in the comments below.

The 114 Most Fuel Efficient Cars from 2005

Following on my list of most fuel efficient cars of 2008, most fuel efficient cars of 2007, and most fuel efficient cars from 2005, I thought I would look at the most fuel efficient cars from 2005.  It's rather surprising to see how few cars that got over 30 mpg combined.  In alphabetical order, the top fuel sippers are:

• Honda Civic Hybrid
• Honda Civic
• Honda Insight
• Toyota Corolla
  
• Toyota Echo 
• Toyota Prius
• Volkswagen Golf (diesel)
• Volkswagen Jetta (diesel)
• Volkswagen Jetta Wagon (diesel)
• Volkswagen New Beetle (diesel)

And that's it.  A total of 10 cars that receive a combined mpg of 30 mpg or better and 4 of them are diesels.   3 of them are hybrids.

The following list shows the top fuel sippers from 2005.  I've ranked them based on their combined mpg numbers (55% city and 45% highway).  Any cars on the fueleconomy.gov website from 2005 that got better than 25 mpg combined.

Note that many of the cars are the same model, but with different engine or category.  For instance, the top four cars on the list are the Honda Insight.  Obviously it's the same model, but it falls into two different categories and two different engine types.

			MPG*
Ranking	Category	Vehicle	City	Highway	Combined**
1	Small Cars	Honda Insight 3 cyl, 1 L, Manual 5-spd, HEV, Regular	48	58	53
1	Coupes	Honda Insight 3 cyl, 1 L, Manual 5-spd, HEV, Regular	48	58	53
2	Small Cars	Honda Insight 3 cyl, 1 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios), HEV, Regular	45	49	47
2	Coupes	Honda Insight 3 cyl, 1 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios), HEV, Regular	45	49	47
3	Family Sedans'	Toyota Prius 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios), HEV, Regular	48	45	47
4	Small Cars	Honda Civic Hybrid 4 cyl, 1.3 L, Manual 5-spd, HEV LB, Regular	38	45	41
5	Small Cars	Honda Civic Hybrid 4 cyl, 1.3 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios), HEV, Regular	39	43	41
6	Small Cars	Honda Civic Hybrid 4 cyl, 1.3 L, Manual 5-spd, HEV, Regular	37	45	41
7	Small Cars	Honda Civic Hybrid 4 cyl, 1.3 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios), HEV LB, Regular	39	42	40
8	Small Cars	Volkswagen New Beetle 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Manual 5-spd, Diesel	32	41	36
8	Small Cars	Volkswagen Golf 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Manual 5-spd, Diesel	32	41	36
8	Small Cars	Volkswagen Jetta 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Manual 5-spd, Diesel	32	41	36
8	Hatchback	Volkswagen Golf 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Manual 5-spd, Diesel	32	41	36
9	Small Cars	Honda Civic 4 cyl, 1.7 L, Manual 5-spd, LEAN BURN, Regular	31	39	35
9	Small Cars	Volkswagen Jetta 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Manual 5-spd, Diesel	31	39	35
9	Hatchback	Honda Civic 4 cyl, 1.7 L, Manual 5-spd, LEAN BURN, Regular	31	39	35
9	Coupes	Honda Civic 4 cyl, 1.7 L, Manual 5-spd, LEAN BURN, Regular	31	39	35
9	Station Wagons	Volkswagen Jetta Wagon 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Manual 5-spd, Diesel	31	39	35
10	Small Cars	Toyota Echo 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	30	38	34
10	Small Cars	Volkswagen New Beetle 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Automatic (S6), Diesel	30	38	34
10	Small Cars	Volkswagen Jetta 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Automatic (S6), Diesel	30	38	34
11	Small Cars	Volkswagen Golf 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Automatic (S5), Diesel	28	39	33
11	Small Cars	Volkswagen Jetta 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Automatic (S5), Diesel	28	39	33
11	Hatchback	Volkswagen Golf 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Automatic (S5), Diesel	28	39	33
11	Station Wagons	Volkswagen Jetta Wagon 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Manual 5-spd, Diesel	28	39	33
12	Small Cars	Honda Civic 4 cyl, 1.7 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios), LEAN BURN, Regular	29	36	32
12	Hatchback	Honda Civic 4 cyl, 1.7 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios), LEAN BURN, Regular	29	36	32
12	Coupes	Honda Civic 4 cyl, 1.7 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios), LEAN BURN, Regular	29	36	32
13	Small Cars	Toyota Corolla 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	28	37	32
14	Small Cars	Toyota Echo 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Automatic 4-spd, Regular	28	36	32
15	Small Cars	Scion xA 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Automatic 4-spd, Regular	27	35	31
16	Small Cars	Scion xA 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	27	34	30
16	Small Cars	Honda Civic 4 cyl, 1.7 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	27	34	30
16	Small Cars	Honda Civic 4 cyl, 1.7 L, Manual 5-spd, VTEC, Regular	27	34	30
16	Hatchback	Honda Civic 4 cyl, 1.7 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	27	34	30
16	Hatchback	Honda Civic 4 cyl, 1.7 L, Manual 5-spd, VTEC, Regular	27	34	30
16	Coupes	Honda Civic 4 cyl, 1.7 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	27	34	30
16	Coupes	Honda Civic 4 cyl, 1.7 L, Manual 5-spd, VTEC, Regular	27	34	30
17	Small Cars	Honda Civic 4 cyl, 1.7 L, Automatic 4-spd, VTEC, Regular	26	35	30
17	Small Cars	Toyota Corolla 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Automatic 4-spd, Regular	26	35	30
17	Hatchback	Honda Civic 4 cyl, 1.7 L, Automatic 4-spd, VTEC, Regular	26	35	30
17	Coupes	Honda Civic 4 cyl, 1.7 L, Automatic 4-spd, VTEC, Regular	26	35	30
18	Station Wagons	Scion xB 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Automatic 4-spd, Regular	27	32	29
19	Station Wagons	Pontiac Vibe 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	26	33	29
19	Station Wagons	Toyota Matrix 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	26	33	29
20	SUV	Ford Escape Hybrid 2WD 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios), HEV, Regular	30	28	29
21	Small Cars	Honda Civic 4 cyl, 1.7 L, Automatic 4-spd, Regular	25	34	29
21	Hatchback	Honda Civic 4 cyl, 1.7 L, Automatic 4-spd, Regular	25	34	29
21	Coupes	Honda Civic 4 cyl, 1.7 L, Automatic 4-spd, Regular	25	34	29
22	Station Wagons	Scion xB 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	27	31	29
23	Small Cars	Toyota Celica 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Automatic 4-spd, Regular	25	33	29
23	Family Sedans'	Honda Accord Hybrid 6 cyl, 3 L, Automatic 5-spd, HEV, Regular	25	33	29
24	Small Cars	Honda Civic CNG 4 cyl, 1.7 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Natural Gas	26	31	28
25	Small Cars	Dodge Neon/SRT-4/SX 2.0 4 cyl, 2 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	25	32	28
26	Small Cars	MINI Cooper 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Manual 5-spd, Premium	24	33	28
26	Small Cars	Hyundai Accent/Brio 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Manual 5-spd, I4, Regular	24	33	28
26	Hatchback	Hyundai Accent/Brio 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Manual 5-spd, I4, Regular	24	33	28
27	Family Sedans'	Volkswagen Passat 4 cyl, 2 L, Automatic (S5), Diesel	23	34	28
27	Station Wagons	Volkswagen Passat Wagon 4 cyl, 2 L, Automatic (S5), Diesel	23	34	28
28	Station Wagons	Pontiac Vibe 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Automatic 4-spd, Regular	25	31	28
28	Station Wagons	Toyota Matrix 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Automatic 4-spd, Regular	25	31	28
29	Small Cars	Mazda 3 4 cyl, 2 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	24	32	28
29	Small Cars	Nissan Sentra 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	24	32	28
29	Hatchback	Mazda 3 4 cyl, 2 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	24	32	28
29	Convertible	MINI Cooper Convertible 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Manual 5-spd, Premium	24	32	28
30	Small Cars	Chevrolet Cavalier 4 cyl, 2.2 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	23	33	28
30	Luxury Sedan	Mercedes-Benz E320 Cdi 6 cyl, 3.2 L, Automatic 5-spd, Diesel	23	33	28
31	Small Cars	Hyundai Accent/Brio 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Manual 5-spd, I4, Regular	25	30	27
31	Hatchback	Hyundai Accent/Brio 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Manual 5-spd, I4, Regular	25	30	27
32	Small Cars	Nissan Sentra 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Automatic 4-spd, Regular	24	31	27
32	Family Sedans'	Mitsubishi Lancer 4 cyl, 2 L, Manual 5-spd, SOHC, Regular	24	31	27
32	Sports/Sporty	Acura RSX 4 cyl, 2 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	24	31	27
33	SUV	Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios), HEV, Regular	28	26	27
34	Small Cars	Chevrolet Aveo 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	23	32	27
34	Small Cars	Chevrolet Aveo 5 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	23	32	27
34	Small Cars	Pontiac Wave 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	23	32	27
34	Small Cars	Pontiac Wave 5 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	23	32	27
34	Small Cars	Suzuki Swift 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	23	32	27
34	Small Cars	Suzuki Swift x 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	23	32	27
34	Small Cars	Hyundai Accent/Brio 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Automatic 4-spd, I4, Regular	23	32	27
34	Small Cars	Hyundai Accent/Brio 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Automatic 4-spd, I4, Regular	23	32	27
34	Small Cars	Pontiac Sunfire 4 cyl, 2.2 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	23	32	27
34	Small Cars	Saturn Ion 4 cyl, 2.2 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	23	32	27
34	Hatchback	Chevrolet Aveo 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	23	32	27
34	Hatchback	Chevrolet Aveo 5 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	23	32	27
34	Hatchback	Pontiac Wave 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	23	32	27
34	Hatchback	Pontiac Wave 5 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	23	32	27
34	Hatchback	Suzuki Swift 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	23	32	27
34	Hatchback	Suzuki Swift x 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	23	32	27
34	Hatchback	Hyundai Accent/Brio 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Automatic 4-spd, I4, Regular	23	32	27
34	Hatchback	Hyundai Accent/Brio 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Automatic 4-spd, I4, Regular	23	32	27
35	Small Cars	MINI Cooper 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Premium	23	31	27
35	Small Cars	Chevrolet Aveo 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Automatic 4-spd, Regular	23	31	27
35	Small Cars	Chevrolet Aveo 5 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Automatic 4-spd, Regular	23	31	27
35	Small Cars	Mazda 3 4 cyl, 2 L, Automatic (S4), Regular	23	31	27
35	Small Cars	Pontiac Wave 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Automatic 4-spd, Regular	23	31	27
35	Small Cars	Pontiac Wave 5 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Automatic 4-spd, Regular	23	31	27
35	Small Cars	Suzuki Swift 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Automatic 4-spd, Regular	23	31	27
35	Small Cars	Suzuki Swift x 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Automatic 4-spd, Regular	23	31	27
35	Family Sedans'	Honda Accord 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	23	31	27
35	Family Sedans'	Hyundai Elantra 4 cyl, 2 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	23	31	27
35	Hatchback	Chevrolet Aveo 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Automatic 4-spd, Regular	23	31	27
35	Hatchback	Chevrolet Aveo 5 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Automatic 4-spd, Regular	23	31	27
35	Hatchback	Mazda 3 4 cyl, 2 L, Automatic (S4), Regular	23	31	27
35	Hatchback	Pontiac Wave 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Automatic 4-spd, Regular	23	31	27
35	Hatchback	Pontiac Wave 5 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Automatic 4-spd, Regular	23	31	27
35	Hatchback	Suzuki Swift 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Automatic 4-spd, Regular	23	31	27
35	Hatchback	Suzuki Swift x 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Automatic 4-spd, Regular	23	31	27
36	Small Cars	Ford Focus 4 cyl, 2 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	22	32	27
36	Hatchback	Ford Focus 4 cyl, 2 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	22	32	27
36	Station Wagons	Ford Focus Station Wagon 4 cyl, 2 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	22	32	27
37	Small Cars	Toyota Celica 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	23	30	26
37	Convertible	Toyota MR2 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Manual 6-spd, Regular	23	30	26
37	Sports/Sporty	Toyota MR2 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Manual 6-spd, Regular	23	30	26

* MPG based on revised MPG figures from the EPA. The MPG testing was adjusted in 2008 to reflect real world driving.
* Combined MPG Based on 45% Highway and 55% City Driving

Think I missed a car?  Feel like you have something to say?  Then please let me (and everyone else) know in the comments below. If you're right and I missed a car, I'll add it to the list.

GM Gets Tax Breaks for Building the Volt

The Flint City Council approved a tax break (source: Detroit News) for GM in order to entice GM to build thieir new engine plant for the Chevy Volt in Michigan. The new plant is expected to cost $359 million to build and will be 530,000 square feet. The 1.4 liter turbo engine for the Volt and Chevy Cruze will be built in the new plant, which will retain about 300 jobs.

Production of the new engines is expected to begin in 2010. Assembly of the Volt will occur in the Hamtramck plant.  The Chevy Cruze is slated to be built in Ohio, after GM gained some hefty tax breaks to build it at their Lordstown plant.

GM is looking for state tax incentives, and is hoping the federal government will follow-up with tax incentives for those who purchase the new type of car, which is expected to retail at close to $40,000.

Chrysler Begins Production of the Hybrid Durango and Hybrid Aspen

Chrysler has begun building their hybrid SUVs, but in a plant that's going to close next year.

Despite putting all that money into developing the two-mode hybrid system with BMW and GM, Chrysler must not have a lot of hope for their Dodge Durango Hybrid and Chrysler Aspen Hybrid SUVs.  Perhaps they've been looking over at the sales of GM's hybrid SUVs, which haven't exactly taken off, yet.

But still, this is Chrysler's first foray into the hybrid marketplace, and production did begin in the its Newark, Del. assembly plant..  The plant needed some new components to be installed, including the battery packs, high-voltage cables and the hybrid powertrain.  They also needed to add in electric air conditioning, an auxiliary power module, hydro-electric power steering pump and more.

The two-mode hybrid system is a full hybrid powertrain, which means it can run on all-electric power at low speeds, switching to an electric assist at higher speeds.  The hybrid SUVs will also come with cylinder de-activation and regenerative braking to help recharge the battery pack.

The Durango and Aspen Hybrid were priced at $8,000 less than the hybrid SUVs from GM.  At $45,340 the 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid is priced a lot higher than the lowest starting point for the 2009 Dodge Durango.  It starts at $27,630 (according to Edmunds.com). That's obviously a big difference, but the Hybrid powertrain isn't all you get. The 2009 Aspen Hybrid has an MSRP of $45,570. The 2009 Aspen starts at $34,270, but again, the Aspen hybrid will come with more options.

Toyota Raises the Price of the Prius in Japan

Toyota announced a price hike on their Prius in Japan. They have raised their price 3%, starting September 1st.

The new retail price of the Prius in Japan is ¥2,383,500, a ¥73,500 increase. The new price is the equivalent of $21,734 in the U.S., or a $670 price increase.

Toyota already set their 2009 model year Prius price up by $500 or 2.2%. The price increase in Japan shouldn't be surprising, then.

But what is concerning is the reason for the price increase. According to Toyota, soaring material costs are forcing them to increase their retail prices. If that's true in Japan, will it follow here in the US? Waiting lists are already long, but people are still signing up for the most fuel efficient car in the US. Even if they raised prices again, I'm thinking people will still sign on the dotted line.

And if material costs continue to rise, that's going to happen.

If The Roof or Windshield Separated From The Vehicle

There's been a Smart FourTwo recall, the first time the Smart car has had such a recall. There's an issue for 451 vehicles, because of a paint issue, the windshield or roof could separate from the vehicle.

That's pretty dramatic for a problem with the paint job.

The full recall notice is below.

A single batch of paint sent to the company did not meet specifications. A re-work was done in the plant using different formulations of painting materials. After the re-work was completed, it was determined that the combination of materials used to repaint the fram and chassis could lead to de-lamination of the paint materials from the body and frame structures.

Such de laminating can take place in the area of the body where the windshield and roof have been affixed with adhesive, which could affect the adhesion of those components to the vehicle body, increasing the risk of separation. This could cause a crash if the roof or windshield separated from the vehicle while in motion.

Dealers will repaint the affected areas to meet specifications. The recall is expected to begin in August 2008. Owners may contact Smart USA at 1-248-648-2451.

Customers may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov

RC Hybrid From Peugeot

Peugeot will unveil their "RC" hybrid at the 2008 Paris Auto Show. This GT coupe is "the missing link between the RC and concept cars revealed in 2002 and the 908 RC."

This four seater concept vehicle will most likely not hit the road any time soon as a production car. It's just a demonstration of what a hybrid power car can be, similar to others that we've already seen, such as the hybrids from Tesla and Fisker. It will supposedly hit 313 hp and have low (109g/km of CO2) or no emissions depending on what mode it's in, electric or 'combined' mode.

"The Peugeot RC is said to be an accessible and versatile car with four doors, four seats and innovative hybrid technology."

Hyundai Hybrid Sonata May be in Line for 2010

Hyundai will model their Sonata Hybrid at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

The Sonata hybrid will be a parallel hybrid with a lithium-ion battery pack, and Hyundai has a launch date of 2010. The Sonata hybrid is intended to compete with Toyota Camry Hybrid, which means it will also be competing with the Ford Fusion Hybrid, the mild Chevy Malibu Hybrid and the Nissan Altima Hybrid.

The fuel economy may be improved by 20 to 25 percent, but it's too early to know for sure.

Hyundai is supposed to have a hybrid Elantra (Avante) on the road in 2009, but sales will be limited to Korea. It may be an LPG hybrid.

2009 Honda Civic Hybrid

The 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid (1.3-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine with IMA) will be a lot like the 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid. There are a few changes, but not many to the standard package.

The Civic Hybrid comes with Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid motor. With the current EPA estimate of 40/45 mpg, the Civic Hybrid is one of the most fuel efficient cars you can buy in the US.

The Civic Hybrid is certified by the California Air Resource Board (CARB) as Advanced-Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV). A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is standard equipment. The Civic Hybrid can deactivate all four of its cylinders and operate using only the electric motor in certain low-speed cruising situations. Power for the Civic Hybrid is provided by a 1.3-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine and a 15 kilowatt electric motor, producing a combined 110-horsepower @ 6000 rpm and combined 123 lb-ft. of torque @ 1000-2500 rpm.

Honda is updating the standard package to include Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA).

Luxury options include leather wrapped steering wheel. Also available is heated front seats and side mirrors. You can also get the satellite navigation system.

The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System2, available on Civic EX, EX-L, Si and Hybrid models, has a 6.5-inch motorized display that opens and closes for access to the internal single-disc CD player, and a digital audio-card reader that can play MP3 and Windows Media®3 Audio (WMA) files from CompactFlash®4 cards (via a PC card adapter). The navigation system features more than 7 million points of interest and the voice activation can control the navigation menus and the audio system, along with entering city and street names. New for 2009, the system includes Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, a wireless telephone interface that works with Bluetooth-enabled mobile telephones for hands-free operation via steering wheel-mounted controls.

Read more on the 2009 Civic from Honda in their press release below.

The Honda Civic is enhanced inside and out for 2009 with new exterior styling, colors and available tech-friendly features like Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® and a USB Audio Interface 1. An exclusively-equipped Civic LX-S Sedan debuts with alloy wheels and sportier interior styling. A new Civic DX Value Package (DX-VP) Sedan builds on the Civic DX Sedan's standard features by adding air conditioning and an audio system.

"The Civic lineup uniquely embraces traditional gasoline, hybrid, high performance and natural gas technologies like no other vehicle in the world," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "The exterior styling enhancements and newly-available features help strengthen Civic's position as one of the best-selling vehicles in a market that's embracing small cars more than ever."

All 2009 Civic sedan and coupe models boast redesigned exterior styling features, including a new front bumper cover and grille design and new headlight and taillight color combinations, featuring clear turn indicator lenses with amber bulbs. New alloy wheel designs are introduced on the Civic EX, Civic EX-L and Civic Si models, along with the addition of fog lamps for the Civic Si model.

Interior enhancements come by way of technology-friendly additions. Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® is added to Navigation-equipped models and a USB Audio Interface added to Civic EX, EX-L, Hybrid and Si models. The Civic Hybrid gains the option of leather-trimmed seating surfaces with heated front seats and side mirrors. Additionally, new cloth materials and patterns on seats, door linings and armrests (when equipped) have been updated to further enhance the interior's look and feel.

New for 2009, Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), also known as electronic stability control, is now standard on the Civic EX-L and Civic Hybrid, in addition to the Civic Si. The entire line-up maintains a standard array of safety technologies including Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure; side curtain airbags; driver's and front passenger's side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); and dual-stage, dual-threshold driver's and front passenger's airbags (SRS). Active front seat head restraints are designed to help reduce the likelihood of neck injury in the event of a rear collision. Standard active safety features include an anti-lock brake system (ABS) and electronic brake distribution, front seatbelts with an automatic tensioning system, and a pedestrian injury mitigation design incorporated into the front exterior of the vehicle. Driver and front passenger seatbelt reminders and daytime running lights are also standard equipment.

Four engine and four transmission choices range from a 140-horsepower, 1.8-liter i-VTEC engine (Civic DX, DX-VP, LX, EX and EX-L), with either a 5-speed manual or an available 5-speed automatic transmission, to a 197-horsepower, 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine (Civic Si) with a 6-speed manual transmission. The Civic Hybrid is powered by a 1.3-liter i-VTEC engine with Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) gasoline-electric hybrid technology to enhance both fuel economy and performance, and is equipped with a continuously variable transmission. The Civic GX is powered by a dedicated natural gas version of the Civic's 1.8-liter i-VTEC engine - and is equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Both Civic Hybrid and Civic GX are classified as Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicles (AT-PZEV) by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The Civic GX is classified by the EPA as an Inherently Low Emissions Vehicle (ILEV).

Built on a high-rigidity unit-body platform, the Civic is designed to deliver precise, sharp and refined handling performance with its MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension.

The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System2, available on Civic EX, EX-L, Si and Hybrid models, has a 6.5-inch motorized display that opens and closes for access to the internal single-disc CD player, and a digital audio-card reader that can play MP3 and Windows Media®3 Audio (WMA) files from CompactFlash®4 cards (via a PC card adapter). The navigation system features more than 7 million points of interest and the voice activation can control the navigation menus and the audio system, along with entering city and street names. New for 2009, the system includes Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, a wireless telephone interface that works with Bluetooth-enabled mobile telephones for hands-free operation via steering wheel-mounted controls.

Auxiliary audio input jacks are standard equipment on Civic LX and above trim levels and allow for portable music device playback through the audio system. The Civic LX Coupe has a six-speaker 160-watt audio system with a CD player (four speakers for the LX sedan). All audio systems are capable of playing MP3 and WMA formatted CDs. Standard Speed-sensitive Volume Control (SVC) automatically adjusts the volume based on vehicle speed. Audio displays include CD/MP3 text readout, and all coupes (except for the DX) plus the Civic Si Sedan provide a customizable welcome screen (exclusively on models without the available navigation system).

Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe (1.8-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine)

Providing Civic buyers with two new sedan options, the 2009 line-up presents the all-new Civic DX-VP and Civic LX-S. The Civic DX-VP Sedan adds air conditioning, an AM/FM/CD audio system and an auxiliary input jack, in addition to the standard 140-horsepower 1.8-liter SOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission (5-speed automatic available), power windows, 15-inch steel wheels with covers and P195/65R15 tires.

Standard features on the Civic LX include air conditioning, cruise control, power door locks, 16-inch steel wheels with covers, P205/55R16 tires, keyless entry, a 4-speaker 160-watt AM/FM Audio System with CD player (MP3/WMA enabled), auxiliary audio input jack, center console with sliding armrest, progressive blue illumination instrument panel meters, auto up and down driver's power window, and a folding rear seat.

In addition to the well-equipped Civic LX features, the Civic LX-S Sedan upgrades to alloy wheels, exclusive sport-trimmed black cloth seats with synthetic suede bolsters and silver stitching, leather-wrapped steering wheel, a rear deck spoiler and a chrome exhaust finisher.

The Civic EX Sedan and Coupe include newly-designed alloy wheels, a 60/40 split folding rear seat, a one-touch power moonroof, ambient console lighting, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and the availability of the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Activation, which also includes XM Satellite Radio5. The Civic EX-L also comes standard with a leather-trimmed interior, heated seats and heated door mirrors to the Civic EX list of features. The Civic EX and EX-L Coupe exclusively feature a 7-speaker with subwoofer AM/FM audio system with CD player (MP3/WMA enabled). All Civic sedans receive a sporty three-spoke steering wheel for 2009, along with a rear chrome garnish bar above the license plate.

Civic Si Sedan and Coupe (2.0-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine)

The Civic Si Sedan and Coupe serve as the performance cornerstone for the Civic line-up with a 197-horsepower, 16-valve, DOHC 2.0 liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine mated to a close-ratio, 6-speed manual transmission. A helical-type, limited-slip differential enhances traction in high-performance driving situations. The Civic Si sport suspension adds firm spring, damper and stabilizer bar tuning along with exclusive 17-inch alloy wheels and high-performance tires. Exclusive exterior features include a rear wing spoiler (low profile on the sedan) and Si emblems. The sports-oriented interior adds firmly-bolstered, performance-oriented seats with red fabric stitching and synthetic suede trim. Standard fog lights and a restyled alloy wheel design are new for 2009.

Civic Hybrid (1.3-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine with IMA)

The Civic Hybrid with advanced IMA hybrid technology achieves an EPA-estimated city/highway fuel economy of 40/45 miles per gallon6 and is updated for 2009 with the addition of Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and the availability of leather-trimmed interior which includes heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and heated side mirrors. The Civic Hybrid is certified by the California Air Resource Board (CARB) as Advanced-Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV). A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is standard equipment. The Civic Hybrid can deactivate all four of its cylinders and operate using only the electric motor in certain low-speed cruising situations. Power for the Civic Hybrid is provided by a 1.3-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine and a 15 kilowatt electric motor, producing a combined 110-horsepower @ 6000 rpm and combined 123 lb-ft. of torque @ 1000-2500 rpm.

Civic GX (1.8-liter i-VTEC engine, dedicated natural gas vehicle)

The ultra-clean Civic GX produces near zero emissions, enables owners to become eligible for a $4,000 federal tax credit and can refuel with an available, first-of-its-kind "Phill" home refueling appliance by FuelMaker Corporation (available through qualifying Honda dealers in California). The 2009 Civic GX is the only dedicated natural gas-powered passenger car available to retail customers in the United States and achieves an EPA estimated city/highway fuel economy of 24/36 miles per gasoline-gallon equivalent 6. Currently, natural gas is approximately 35 percent less expensive than gasoline when purchased at a refueling station, and can be more than 50 percent cheaper than gasoline when supplied by a Phill home refueling appliance. The Civic GX is the only vehicle certified by the EPA to meet both Federal Tier 2-Bin 2 and Inherently Low Emission Vehicle (ILEV) zero evaporative emission certification standards. The Civic GX is available to consumers at qualified Honda dealers in the states of California and New York and is also available to fleet customers nationwide from qualified Honda dealers. An updated NGV logo is added for the new model year with a prominent display on the rear doors.

Manufacturing

The majority of Civics are produced and assembled in the United States and Canada using domestic and globally sourced parts. Civic Coupe and Civic Si models are solely produced and assembled at the Honda of Canada Manufacturing plant in Alliston, Ontario. Civic Sedan models for the U.S. are primarily produced and assembled at the Honda of America Manufacturing plant in East Liberty, Ohio. Civic Sedans are also produced and assembled at Honda of Canada Manufacturing in Alliston, Ontario. Some Civic Sedans and all Civic Hybrid models are produced and assembled in the Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Suzuka, Japan, manufacturing facility. In fall 2008, Honda's new manufacturing plant in Greensburg, Indiana, will begin Civic production and will have an annual capacity of 200,000 units.

1 The USB Audio Interface is used for direct connection to and control of some current digital audio players and other USB devices that contain MP3, WMA or AAC music files. Some USB devices with security software and digital rights-protected files may not work. Please see your dealer for details on compatibility.

2 Certain functions that rely on a satellite signal will not work correctly in Hawaii and Alaska. These functions include but are not limited to automatic clock updates and time zone adjustments. The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Honda Motor Co., Ltd., is under license.

3 Windows Media® Audio is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

4 CompactFlash® is a registered trademark of the Compact Flash Association.

5 Required XM® Radio monthly subscription sold separately after 90 day trial period. Other fees and taxes may apply after initial trial period, including a one-time activation fee. Subscription fee is consumer only. All fees and programming subject to change. Subscriptions subject to Customer Agreement available at xmradio.com. XM service only available in the 48 contiguous United States. The XM name is a registered trademark of XM Satellite Radio Inc.

6 Based on 2009 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel economy methods beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.