Consumer Reports, in its latest 2011 automotive survey, has selected the most fuel efficient, worst gas guzzlers and best fuel economy among used cars.

“Hybrid and diesel vehicles provide better fuel economy than conventional cars, but they usually cost more to buy, and as gas prices rise, the pay-back time gets shorter,” said David Champion, Senior Director of Consumer Reports Auto Test Center in East Haddam, Conn.

Below are recommended models in six categories that provide the best fuel economy. To be recommended, they met Consumer Reports’ stringent requirements for test performance, reliability, and safety. So, not only do they provide excellent fuel economy for their class, but they’re solid overall choices. according to the publication.

Subcompact
Best: Honda Fit $16,020, 30 mpg
Worst: Chevrolet Aveo LT, 25 mpg

Small Wagons & Hatchbacks:
Best: Volkswagen Golf TDI (Diesel, manual), $24,764, 38 mpg
Worst: Scion xB, Subaru Impreza Outback Sport (AWD), 23 mpg

Small Sedans
Best: Toyota Corolla LE, $18,404, 32 mpg
Worst : Subaru Impreza 2.5i, 24 mpg

Family Car
Best: Toyota Prius IV (Hybrid), $24,750, 44 mpg
Worst: Ford Fusion SEL (V6, AWD), Chevrolet Impala LTZ (V6), Mazda6 V6, 20 mpg

Upscale/Sports Sedan
Best: Lexus HS 250h (Hybrid), $38,939, 31 mpg
Worst: Lincoln MKZ, 20 mpg

Small SUV
Best: Ford Escape Hybrid, $32,575, 26 mpg
Worst: Dodge Nitro SLT (3.7 liters), Jeep Liberty Sport, 16 mpg