For years The Car Family has been touting gas mileage and
safety as defining traits of a desirable family transportation. It is simple to
make a vehicle go fast or stop quickly when compared to the problems that must
be overcome and the complexity of dealing with the fact that light weight
improves fuel mileage, but unless well engineered, can create low crash scores.
In the past few years this problem has been conquered as both side and front
airbags have become standard equipment in many vehicles. Just as importantly,
manufacturers have used anti lock brakes and stability control as incentives for
safer driving. But the real secret is unseen by the pubic and that the use of
different types of steel that absorb the energy of a crash to before it reaches
the occupants. Of course, that adds weight, but with more refined and
electronical controlled engine management systems a 3000 pound car can provide
the same fuel mileage as a 2000 pounder from two decades ago. And, 3000 pounds
is a good weight for safety and high fuel mileage. However, many of the best
gas sippers come in slightly under that weight and so ordering all the airbags
available is good insurance in this day of cell talking SUV drivers.
Before you buy any car look at what its resale it going to be like should
gas prices top $5, which they have in many places. Chrysler is offering a three
year cap of $2.99 per gallon for three years after purchase with mileage
restrictions. Once that vehicle is past that what is the value going to be? In
the world of the future vehicles that are not getting an average of at least 30
mpg are going to be slow sellers, but more importantly, may be the subject of
negative attention in a world where conspicuous consumption is becoming less
well received to a declining middle class. And we are not even mentioning the avoidable harm to the environment.
The Very Best Gas Mileage Compact and
Sub Compact Cars
Before we start with our choices we have made several restrictions to what
is considered. First of all, we don’t select any vehicle that required premium
fuel which is more expensive. This removed some terrific cars from this gas
mileage oriented review such as the great Audi A4 sedan that gas us 38 mpg on
the highway (story) going the actual 65 mph speed limit and we survived. And,
the new Volvos, the Saabs, and the BMW and Acura vehicles. All of these are excellent performers, but are more pricey to run than the non-premium fuel
using compacts. However, if you don’t mind paying the difference the MINI and
MINI Clubman are the champs at 19/26. The top sporty car is the Audi TT
at 23/31 and its turbocharged engine is very responsive. The best convertible
is the Volkswagen Eos, and with its hardtop with a glass sunroof no less, this
is a funky friend to the sun worshipers and 21/30 is darn good.
Finally, we did not select any hybrids. They are a unique vehicle and we
have reviewed those separately. Beware that the battery pack is going to have
to be replaced and the cost could well be a couple of thousand dollars. Add to
that the fact that battery technology is moving into Lithium and you may have
bought yourself a car that gets great gas mileage, but may need to be
retrofitted with better batteries. Indeed, some companies are offering products
that make the Prius run on battery power only until the electricity available
falls below a certain level and the gas engine starts. This means that if you
travel under 45 miles per hour your entire trip may not use any gas at all
depending on the length of your journey.
The reviews are posted here:
The Best Compact and Subcompact
Vehicles
This list has six remarkable listings. First, the efficiency of the Suzuki
and the Subaru all wheel drive models. We have tested these and found that
22/26 gas mileage was the norm. If you feel you need all wheel drive, and remember
this feature adds weight to the car and does nothing to help it stop or in dry
weather. All wheel drive is also more expensive to maintain. But, if you must
have a family vehicle with this type of traction these are the models to buy.
Don’t forget the 100,000 mile warranty on the Suzuki or the higher residual
value of the Subaru. Our recommendation is the SR4 is for a couple and a child
and the Subarus for a family. Stay away from the turbocharged Subarus if you
want good mileage on regular fuel. Although they are a hoot to drive.
Secondly, the American manufactures are offering very efficient vehicles
that shouldn’t be ignored. The Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac G, Chrylser PT
Crusier, and Ford Focus are well worth a test drive. Don’t let an old bias
against American products prevent you from getting a great deal on a gas
sipper.
Thirdly, large cars such as the Ford Taraus are nearly as fuel efficient if
you travel on the road a great deal. This spacious vehicle gets 19/28 and it
has a strong V6, too. And, the new Saturn Aura/Chevrolet Malibu offers 22/30
mileage. Other large cars in this fuel economy range inlcude the Hyundai
Sonata, Honda Accord, Toyota Avalon, and Chevrolet Impala. Surprisingly, these
large sedans don’t necessarily cost more than the compact cars with some
starting under $20,000 such as the
Fourth, these cars are fun to drive and funky looking. They are cars for
creative people. The xD Scion is a toaster on wheels and the Nissan Versa is a
throwback to the French Citreon. Toyota’s Yaris looks like a shrunken Camry,
and the Volkswagen Beatle and Chevrolet Aveo are as different in appearance at
could be. And what can be said about the Toyota Solara that looks big, but has
a small interior and yet delivers sterling gas mileage while looking good.
Sixth, look what Volkswagen has done to gain back market share. They have
more fuel efficient vehicles in this category than any other if you consider
those that run on premium fuel such as the Eos and GTI (22/29).
Finally, these cars perform. For the most part they handle
well, are a breeze to park, and have a lot of response when the engine’s are on
task. They give their all and don’t charge much for the effort. Some such as
the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla are legendary leaders in resale value. But
with the apparently unstoppable climb of fuel prices the resale rates of lesser
vehicles such as the Suzuki and the Cobalt are bound to rise as people struggle
to find economical transportation.
The Findings
If you drive a lot on the open road the Volkswagen Jetta TDI, a new diesel
that is coming to dealers this fall, is tremendous. It is easy to get nearly 50
mpg on the road, but in the city the mileage “falls” to about 35. Plus there is
less maintenance with the Jetta than the hybrids. And yes, higher diesel fuel
costs and the fact that not as many stations carry it means that you better do
your homework before you buy this highway flyer. The station wagon is
especially handy and once underway you don’t know you are driving a diesel. It
is the best car for fuel mileage and cargo space you can buy. Hopefully,
Volkswagen’s quality is top notch, too.
Ford’s much refined Focus is a good value at $15,000 and really does deliver
a 35 mpg average in mixed driving. With its low initial cost it is a strong consideration if you watch your options. Don’t look for the strong resale of the
Volkswagen or the hybrids either. We like the Focus and find it is a value
leader, especially with the great lease deals Ford is now offering with monthly
payments well under $200. The Focus is so vastly improved over previous models
that it difficult to compare them. They are underrated and spacious considering
their size. You are not going to find a better bargain in this segment.
The Smart For Two averages about 40 mpg and has very little storage room,
although the driver and passenger feel comfy thanks to offset seats. The three
cylinder engine has to work awfully hard, but if you can get a base model at
about $12,000 you might be okay. However, be warned that build quality and resale
have not been tested. Our advise is to avoid the Smart Car. Unless you drive
exclusively in the city this is not a good choice. They also don’t let all
journalists test these cars which is worrisome as we can’t provide our readers
with an accurate description of what they are like for a family. Realistically,
if you live where there is strong winds, and inclement weather go elsewhere.
Cute, but not a bargain when order any of the option packages. A city slicker,
not a family vehicle.
The Honda Fit is very frisky with a useful
cargo area and enough power to make it fun and frugal. Look for a two wheel
drive model to get you over 30 mpg in mixed driving. We love its versatility,
however, Honda has served notice that it is going to bring out a bigger Fit next year. If they follow the same pattern as they did with the Accord and Civic
it is going to be larger, but not necessarily better.Unless, of course, they do
what they should have done years ago and that is make the Fit a hybrid or make
available a small diesel power plant. The Fit is a first rate handler with a
very useful rear cargo area and a tiny price. Highly recommended.
We don’t care for the Yaris (review)
Volkswagen Jetta Diesel 30/41
Toyota Yaris 29/355.7
Honda Fit
28/34
Toyota Corolla 27/35
Scion xD
27/33
Nissan Versa 27/33
Hyundai Accent/Kia Rio 27/32
Honda Civic 26/34
Pontiac
G3 25/35
Pontiac G5
25/35
Chevrolet
Aveo 6 25/34
Nissan Sentra
25/33
Chevrolet Cobalt 24/33
Honda Civic CNG 24/36
Ford Focus/Mazda 3/ Saturn Astra 24/35
Suzuki
SX4/ Toyota Solara 23/31
Honda Accord 22/31
Pontiac G6 22/30
Volkswagen
Jetta/Rabbit 22/29
Mitsubishi
Lancer
22/30
Toyota Solara 21/31
Scion tC 21/29
Chrysler PT Cruiser 21/26
Suzuki
Forenza/ Reno/ VW Beatle 20/28
Subaru Impreza 20/28
Subaru
Legacy 20/27
Subaru
Legacy AWD 20/26
