DETROIT– For 2008, General Motors (GM) offers plenty of choices to get more miles out of a gallon of gas. Seventeen 2008 GM models achieve EPA fuel economy of 30 miles per gallon or higher.
Chevrolet leads the pack with eight models — including the Chevrolet Malibu mid-size sedan— followed by Saturn with five and Pontiac with four. Topping the mpg performers are the recently released Chevrolet Cobalt XFE (Extended Fuel Economy) and Pontiac G5 XFE sedans, equipped with a 2.2L four-cylinder engine and a five-speed manual transmission that deliver 36 mpg and 35 mpg, respectively, on the highway. In fact, Cobalt XFE's highway fuel economy beats a comparably equipped 2009 Toyota Corolla.
Here's a brand-by-brand look at GM's 30-mpg-plus highway performers, along with actual EPA-estimated highway fuel economy:
Chevrolet:Aveo sedan, Aveo5 (both 32 with automatic transmission, 34 with manual); Cobalt coupe and sedan (30 to 33, depending on engine and transmission selection); Cobalt XFE coupe (36); Malibu 2.4L (30 with four-speed transmission; 32 with six-speed); Malibu Hybrid (32), HHR (30 with 2.2L and automatic or manual transmission) and HHR Panel (30 with 2.2L and automatic or manual transmission).
The Chevrolet Malibu, Malibu Hybrid, and Cobalt XFE coupe are new models for 2008. The Cobalt XFE uses revised engine calibration, low rolling-resistance tires, a new, 3.74:1 final drive ratio, and other technologies to drive a nine-percent highway fuel economy improvement and outdistance comparably equipped competitors such as the Honda Civic, Ford Focus, and 2009 Toyota Corolla.
Pontiac :G5 (31 to 33, depending on engine and transmission selection); G5 XFE coupe (35); G6 2.4L sedan (30); Vibe (31 with automatic transmission, 33 with manual transmission).
The G5 XFE is new for 2008; it achieves an EPA-estimated 35 mpg highway using the same powertrain and tire efficiencies as the Cobalt XFE.
Saturn:Astra 5-Door XE and XR; Astra 3-Door XR (all 30 with automatic transmission, 32 with manual); Aura XE four-cylinder (30); Aura Green Line Hybrid (32); VUE Green Line Hybrid (32).
Both Astra and VUE are all-new for 2008. Edmunds.com recently named Astra its top-rated coupe under $25,000.
