The hybrids cost about $5,000 above the all gasoline cars. The hybrids have most all of the components of
a gasoline car plus the electrical components. I believe that the Japanese auto makers are doing "real world"
testing for the electric motor, recharging system, etc. In five years, they should have all electric offerings.

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The Japanese and the Europeans have micro cars that are fuel efficient. At this time, however, they are not offered to Americans.

Diesels are an alternative. BMW has a 320di with 148 horsepower. It gets about 50 mpg at 100 miles per hour. 0-60 is about 8.1 seconds. This car is not imported into the United States at this time.

Kia and Hyundai are coming up in quality, but the prices are coming up just under the pricey Toyota and Honda.

I discuss the following fuel efficient vehicles because the cars are proven, are reasonably priced, and are available.

The cost of transportation can be expensive, and higher fuel prices does not help matters. The following vehicles have good ratings, and they will
help to stretch your fuel dollars.

The following vehicles that will help you
to keep rolling longer and avoid the pump:

1. The Toyota Corolla has been around for over 30 years. During the last few years, the Corolla has become a bit larger. Expect to achieve about 30 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and about 40 mpg on the highway with this vehicle.

2. The Honda Civic has been a stiff rival to the Corolla. The Civic has also recently grown a bit in size. The Civic is right there with the Corolla at about 30 mpg in the city and about 40 mpg on the highway.

3. The Geo Prizm will cost about $1,000 - $1,500 less than a comparable year Corolla or Civic. The Prizm will achieve about 29 mpg city and about 38 mpg on the highway.

SUVs can really eat the fuel, however, they are convenient for hauling cargo,
and some definitely have a real advantage in bad weather and off-road conditions.

4. The Suzuki Esteem wagon provides some
    cargo-carrying ability and reasonable fuel
    economy. Expect to achieve about 28 mpg
    in the city and about 37 mpg on the highway
    with this vehicle.

5. The Subaru Legacy wagon/Outback wagon
    and Forester can all carry cargo plus they
    have all-wheel drive. These vehicles generally
    have the most powerful engines out of those
    mentioned above. Expect to achieve about
    22 mpg in the city and about 27 mpg on the
    highway.

If you are in the market for a vehicle, be certain to do your homework. Consult the April (automotive issue) of "Consumer Reports." This resource
is available at most public libraries.

If you plan on buying a used vehicle, also be sure to read a couple of archived new vehicle road tests (review road tests that were conducted at the time the vehicle was new) on the used vehicle of interest in auto magazines (many are archived at your local library) or Internet sources such as "Car and Driver," "Motor Trend," "Road & Track," or "MotorWeek." Information from the road tests will allow you to zero in on which of the vehicles discussed above will be the best for you.

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Last, but not least, be certain that you do not
overpay to drive a fuel-efficient vehicle. For
example, if you pay say $1,500 more for a vehicle
that achieves five mpg more than your current
vehicle, you would need to drive it about five years
to get $1,500 in fuel savings. However, say
you pay an extra $500 for a vehicle that achieves
10 mpg more than your current vehicle. In a little
over one year, you would recoup your $500.

the end

Bio: Kyle Busch is the author of "Drive the Best for the
Price: How to Buy a Used Automobile, Sport-Utility
Vehicle, or Minivan and Save Money." His web site:
www.drivethebestbook.com accepts all transportation
questions.

No information contained on this site should be used as a substitute for the advice of an appropriately qualified and licensed professional.

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