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Best all-time gas mileage equivalent among electric cars

With gas, hybrid, electric and now natural gas vehicles all vying for better gas mileages averages and the marketing of fuel efficiency among manufacturers at its peak, it's hard to keep track of what carmakers top the list. Pure electric cars, of course, top the list. But what might come as a surprise, it's not all current models that make the all-time list of best gas mileage average among electric cars — at least dating to 1984. Here are the top-10 Electric cars gas mileage average (electric equivalent), 1984-2012, with vehicle model, configuration and mpg combined/city/highway: 1. Mitsubishi i-MiEV (2012),

One Chevy Volt burns, another smokes, NHTSA starts probe

Following problems while under close monitoring by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the U.S. Government has started a safety defect investigation of the lithium-ion batteries in General Motors Co.’s Chevrolet Volt. The probe began after one Chevy Volt battery pack caught fire after a crash test. Another crash-tested battery emitted smoke and sparks, according to the NHTSA report. General Motors responded in a statement that the Volt “is safe and does not present undue risk as part of normal operation or immediately after a severe crash.” The latest fires are in addition to a battery fire in a

Tata Nano, 2012: World's cheapest car now luxury sub-compact

The Tata Nano has had a tumultuous four-year tenure. It was nicknamed the "World's Cheapest Car," soon after it debut in India. Its quality and reliability have been questioned, but it has also provided a lot transportation for commuters and families in India who otherwise wouldn't have a car. Now, the Tata Nano is going luxury. The 2012 Tata Nano offers an increase in horsepower, more standard features and improved economy — 59.7 mpg. The new Tata Nano features still has a .6-liter, rear-mounted engine and rear-wheel drive transmission. But it now has 50 horsepower, four horsepower more than the

Chevy Volt, Honda Insight top best gas mileage cars in past quarter century

With gas, hybrid, electric and now natural gas vehicles now all vying for better gas mileages averages and the marketing fuel efficiency among manufacturers at its peak, it’s hard to keep track of what carmakers top the list. What might come as a surprise, it’s not all current models make the all-time list of best gas mileage average — at least dating to 1986 — or the last quarter century. Here are the top-10 gas mileage average (internal combustion engines) dating to 1986: 1. Chevrolet Volt (2011–12), Plug-in hybrid, 4 cyl, 1.4 L, auto (variable gear ratios), premium gasoline, 60,

Mazda3, 2012: European styling, lower price, versatility

A car that combines flair with practicality has a good chance of being popular. The Mazda3 has long had European flair and is by far the automaker's best seller in America — thanks to a clever combination of sportiness and practicality. The compact, front-drive Mazda3 comes as a four-door sedan or four-door hatchback in SV, Sport, Touring, Grand Touring and Mazdaspeed trim levels. List prices range from $15,200 for the base sedan to $24,000 for the hot rod Mazdaspeed3. Japan’s Mazda has been selling cars in volume here since the early 1970s, making Americans aware for the first time of

Honda Civic Natural Gas, 2012: Green Car of the Year

The 2012 Honda Natural Gas, which for the first time is nationally marketed and available in dealers throughout the United States, is the Green Car of the Year. The designated has been awarded yearly since 2005 at the Los Angeles Auto Show by the publication Green Car Journal. The cleanest running internal combustion vehicle certified by the EPA, the redesigned 2012 Civic Natural Gas is the fifth generation of the alternative fuel vehicle and the only assembly-line produced natural gas passenger model manufactured for sale in the United States. It runs on a clean fuel almost exclusively domestically sourced and

Acura TL, 2012: Grille makeover, new transmission for refined sedan

Now it its 17th year, the 2012 Acura TL continues the middle-age brand's legacy while addressing the concerns of the high-end Honda line's discerning fans. Acura owners are loyal, but they often complain about the awkward front end grille described by one reviewer as reminiscent of a giant bottle opener. This year, the front grille features a smaller insert that flows better with the overall design of the car. But there are also several other positive changes for the Acura TL, including: a six speed, automatic clutch transmission, ventilated seats, side mirror blind-sport detection and upgraded wheels. The Weekly Driver

Vintage car rarity: How about a 1990 Laforza Laforza?

After several years of arriving at our home in an old sport utility vehicle in various states of disrepair, our handyman arrived recently in a used, bright red Laforza, Laforza. Like other short-lived manufacturers, Laforza has a niche following, particularly since American carmaker was only around from 1985-2003.

Chevrolet Camaro, 2012: Iconic sports car gets top NHTSA safety honor

The Chevrolet Camaro built its enduring legacy on performance. Now with the debut of 2012 Chevrolet Camaro Coupe, the iconic vehicle has another major attribute — safety leader. The new Camaro is the first vehicle to receive the highest possible five-star score in every individual safety rating segment of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program since the federal testing procedures were revised for 2011.

Honda CR-V, 2012: Refined, quieter, more technology

The Honda CR-V, the country's best-seling Sport Utility Vehicle and redesigned for 2012, is debuting at the Los Angeles Auto Show and has a more refined appearance and is reportedly quieter than previous editions. The new CR-V features a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 185 horsepower, 163 pound feet of torque and a five-speed automatic transmission.

Hyundai Azera, 2012: Bigger engine, best-of-class mpg

The 2012 Hyundai Azera, which features a more powerful Lambda II 3.3-liter GDI engine, six-speed transmission, best-in-class combined fuel economy of 23 miles per gallon and a wide range of advanced safety equipment, is making its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Mitsubishi i-MiEV top mpg on EPA 2012 list, Nissan Leaf 2nd

As expected, the much-touted 2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV has the highest gas mileage of any vehicle available in the United States, according the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The new Mitsubishi gets a combined 112 mpg, with the combined mileage weighted via 55 percent city and 45 percent highway mileage calculation. The Mitsubishi attained a 126 mpg average in city driving and 99 mpg on the highway.

BMW M5, 2012: Powerful, quick and on its way (video)

By Derek Mau The fifth generation BMW M5 will soon reach the United States. But until the new 190 mph machine with 0-60 mph speed in 4.4 seconds arrives, a video of the powerful beast will have to suffice. The 2012 BMW M5 features a newly developed direct injection 4.4-litre V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo package – consisting of Twin Scroll Twin Turbo technology, cross-bank exhaust manifold, and VALVETRONIC fully variable valve control. At full tilt the 2012 M5 pumps out 560 hp at 6,000 — 7,000 rpm with maximum torque of 502 lb.-ft. from 1,500 rpm. Power

2012 Volkswagen Passat named best car by Motor Trend

Resigned for 2012, the Volkswagen Passat has been named Motor Trend Car of the Year based on its combined pedigree of value, safety, efficiency and design. It joins the 1985 Volkswagen GTI as the second of only two Volkswagens to receive the award.

Ford Escape, 2013: Sleek re-design, new engine options

The 2013 Ford Escape, the first complete redesign of the iconic Sport Utility Vehicle, has debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show featuring a sleeker design, two new engine options and a host of outrageously titlet exterior colors, Ginger Ale to Frosted Glass Metallic.

Jeep Wrangler, Toyota FJ get 2012 best resale value honors

The Jeep Wrangler’s for 2012 has a more powerful and more fuel-efficient V6 engine and its gets the top spot in the overall top-10 best used car value designation from Kelley Blue Book based on its 68.0 percent resale value after three years and 55.0 percent resale value after five years. The resale designations signify automakers achievements in producing vehicles that best retain their value over the first five years of new-vehicle ownership. The awards are presented annually just prior to the L.A. Auto Show, which begins Thursday at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The awards are presented to top