COSTA MESA, CA – After a recent analysis of fuel economy information in the new- and used-car sections of the NADAguides.com
COSTA MESA, CA – After a recent analysis of fuel economy information in the new-and used-car sections of the Nadaguides.com Web site, experts said car buyers have plenty of options when it comes to saving fuel, and those options aren’t necessarily limited to only buying hybrids.
For example, the analysis revealed that seven of the 10 most economical new cars and seven of the 10 most economical used cars at the NADAguides.com Web site were standard gasoline-powered vehicles. Of the seven most economical gas-powered new cars, the average EPA highway estimate was close to 40 MPG (just seven miles less than the top three hybrids) and the average EPA city estimate was almost 32 MPG (about 18 miles less).
Of the seven most economical gas-powered vehicles in the used car category, the average EPA highway estimate was about 50 MPG (roughly seven miles less than the top three hybrids) and the average EPA city estimate was 42 MPG (about 14 miles less).
“Even though there are less Hybrids produced on the market today than standard gas-powered cars, these numbers are still extremely significant,” said Don Christy, Jr., president and CEO, NADAguides.com. “This analysis demonstrates that car buyers have options when it comes to buying an economical car, whether it’s a hybrid or a standard gas-powered vehicle.”
Christy said that it’s important to note that sometimes hybrids perform better in city driving situations (a common confusion among car buyers) due to the transfer of power from the gasoline engine to the electric motor while the vehicle is stopped and idling.
New Cars With Best Fuel Mileage (EPA Estimates and Base MSRP)
1. 2007 Toyota Prius Hybrid: 51 Highway/60 City — $22,175.
2. 2007 Honda Civic Hybrid: 51 Highway/40 City — $22,600.
3. 2007 Toyota Corolla: 41 Highway/32 City — $14,305.
4. 2007 Toyota Yaris: 40 Highway/34 City — $11,150.
5. 2007 MINI Cooper: 40 Highway/32 City — $18,050.
6. 2007 Honda Civic Sedan: 40 Highway/30 City — $15,010.
7. 2007 Honda Civic Coupe: 40 Highway/30 City — $14,810.
8. 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid: 38 Highway/40 City — $26,200.
9. 2007 Honda Fit: 38 Highway/33 City — $13,850.
10. 2007 Kia Rio: 38 Highway/32 City — $10,770.
Used Cars With Best Fuel Mileage (EPA Estimates and Clean Retail Value,
Base Models)
1. 2000 Honda Insight Hybrid: 70 Highway/61 City — $8,025.
2. 2006 Toyota Prius Hybrid: 51 Highway/60 City — $21,775.
3. 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid: 51 Highway/49 City — $17,310.
4. 2004 Honda Civic: 51 Highway/48 City — $11,600.
5. 2002 Volkswagen Jetta Wagon: 50 Highway/42 City — $9,000.
6. 1998 Volkswagen Passat: 50 Highway/39 City — $5,400.
7. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle: 49 Highway/42 City — $6,025.
8. 1999 Volkswagen New Golf: 49 Highway/42 City — $4,875.
9. 1998 Chevrolet Metro: 49 Highway/41 City — $2,175.
10. 1999 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan: 49 Highway/40 City — $4,275.
According to NADAguides.com, there are other things consumers can do that can significantly improve their vehicle’s overall fuel efficiency for both hybrids and gas-powered cars alike:
1. Reduce your speed.
2. Drive consistently.
3. Stop ‘stopping’ and ‘starting.’
4. Resist tire resistance.
