fuel efficiency

Honda Fit, Lexus hybrid claim Consumer Reports' honors

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

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Hyundai, Ford, Chevrolet lead 40 mpg new breed

Automakers a couple of years ago were directed to increase fuel efficiency by about eight miles per gallon between 2012 and 2016. A report on GreenCarReports.com expertly details the progress of the fuel efficiency improvement. The site reports in 2009 only one non-hybrid or non-diesel averaged at least 40 mpg — the 2009 Smart ForTwo. With 2011 and 2012 models, 10 non-hybrid, non-diesel cars available in the United States achieve a 40 mpg average. In part, this is what the wrote about the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco: “The Eco is one of the largest and heaviest cars in this group. But, at 42 mpg on the highway, also the most efficient. Key to fuel economy in most Cruzes is a

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12 great ways to save money on gas, repair costs

With the national average price of gas again approaching $4 per gallon, drivers can help their fuel consumption in many ways. Some approaches to better fuel efficiency are common sense, while others work well but may not readily come to mind. The automotive web site, www.carlocate.com, a portal headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, and a resource for locating best cars prices, has an informative list of 12 great ways to save gas. The site’s No. 1 way to save fuel — a tune up. ” A properly tuned engine can improve fuel economy about 4 percent, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).” the site’s editors write. “Fixing a serious issue — such as faulty oxygen sensor — can boost

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