Best Gas Mileage

In these times of rising fuel prices, more and more consumers are turning to vehicles that offer the best gas mileage. This list gives an overview of the cars that get the best mpg, including SUVs and trucks as well.

1.

 The 2008 Toyota Prius offers an innovative lower-priced standard model and graces the number one spot on more than one list ranking fuel efficient vehicles. This 4-door hatchback is a gas/electric hybrid car that seats five passengers. The 4-cylinder engine is equipped with a battery-powered electric 110 hp motor. One of the reasons this car provides the best gas mileage is the hybrid system which automatically runs on one or both of its power sources in order to balance acceleration and fuel economy.

2.

 At CNN Money, the number one fuel efficient car is the 3-cylinder Honda Insight. However, less than 2,000 of these hybrids sold in 2005, and they sold less than half that through September of 2006. As a result, Honda decided to stop making the two-seater vehicle in September of 2006. If you want to buy an Insight, buy one while supplies last.

3.

 If you want a sporty look along with fuel efficiency, this Daimler Chrysler small two-seater covers 25 miles on just .69 gallons of gas. It arrived in the U.S. in January of 2008 and is available as a coupe or cabriolet. You can pick one up from $11,000-$14,000. Fueleconomy.gov lists this as the number one fuel efficient two-seater.

4.

 If you're not ready to go too small, the Ford Escape SUV may be just the vehicle for you. It's listed as number one according to MPG-O-Matic's 2007 SUV Gas Mileage Ratings. Gas mileage will vary depending on whether you purchase the front-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive version. Front-wheel-drive offers the best gas mileage at 30 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.

5.

 The Honda Civic is at the top of autobytel.com's best mileage vehicles chart. The five-passenger, 4-cylinder 2008 Honda Civic Coupe DX5 gets 25 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. This car not only offers great gas mileage, but it is also known for its comfort even over long distances.

6.

 Toyota Yaris makes the list for getting the best gas mileage in the subcompact cars category and receives a notable EPA highway rating of 36 mpg. This 4-door model has a mini-sport-sedan look. You can purchase the Yaris sedan in either base or sporty S trim levels.

7.

 The Honda Fit tops the list as the most fuel efficient in the subcompact station wagon category. While it is small, the Honda Fit uses smart interior design to provide multiple seating options and plenty of space. The Fit not only seats five but it gets over 30 mpg.

8.

 Fueleconomy.gov lists the Volkswagen Passat Wagon as the most efficient midsize station wagon. The four-door Passat Wagon has room for five passengers and delivers 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

9.

 For those truck enthusiasts out there, the Daily Fuel Economy Tip site lists the Ford Ranger Pickup as the most efficient when it comes to mpg. The Ford Ranger's two-wheel-drive gets 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

10.

 The number one fuel efficient truck not manufactured by America is the Toyota Tacoma which gets 28 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg in the city. This truck comes in a variety of body styles and trim levels. You can have a truck that not only gives you good gas mileage but fits your automotive tastes, starting with one of three cab styles and finishing with the length of the cargo bed.

Additional Tips

• Driving less aggressively can help improve your gas mileage. For example, according to Fueleconomy.gov, "each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.20 per gallon for gas."
• One way to improve your truck's gas mileage is to make sure you don't haul unnecessary weight in the bed of your truck.

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