Most Gas and Fuel-Efficient Cars in 2006

With the recent surge in gas prices across the country, savvy and smart consumers are turning towards buying eco-friendly and fuel-efficient cars to make the most of their gas dollars. The increase in electric models has spurred a trend towards sleek, classic, and modern styles that enhance the vehicle’s performance through a better engine design, fuel source. The result is a brilliantly efficient vehicle available in a variety of makes and models. 2006 has seen a strong price increase for all fuel grades, and this won’t dwindle anytime soon. Smart consumers can make better choices for their next vehicle purchase by taking account of the following top five gas efficient cars in each category.

The ideal range for the most fuel efficient cars within compact and luxury cars is between 26-30 mpg. This will be your best choice for any make or model that you prefer. Of course trucks, SUVs, and larger wagons will have ranges lower than 26 mpg, so choose wisely and make the most of your gas budget. If you don’t have an idea of what your current vehicle runs, take a look at the company’s website, or just calculate your mileage based on how many miles are covered until you deplete your tank and divide the two numbers. Your current vehicle can the easily be compared to this year’s models for a reality check!

Rankings are based on the EPA Fuel Economy guidelines for standard miles per gallon for each vehicle. All vehicles are 2006 models.

Two Seaters/Sports Cars:

1. 26 mpg: Mazda MX-5 Miata,
2. 24 mpg: Chrysler Crossfire
3. 23 mpg: Audi TT Convertible and Mercedes SLK 280
4. 21 mpg: Audi TT Quattro Convertible, Chevrolet Corvette, Mercedes SLK 350, Nissan 350Z, Porsche Boxter, Porsche Boxter S
5. 20 mpg: Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6

Mini-Compact Cars:

1. 29 mpg: Mini Cooper
2. 25 mpg: Volkswagen New Bettle Conertible
3. 24 mpg: Audi TT
4. 22 mpg: Audi TT Quattro, Porsche 911 Carrera 2
5. 21 mpg: BMW 325Ci, BMW 330Ci, Jaguar XK8, Lexus SC420, Porsche 911 Carrera 2S, Porsche 911 Carrera4, Porsche 911 Carrera 4S

Compact Car:
1. 38 mpg: Volkswagen Jetta TDI
2. 37 mpg: Volkwagen Golf TDI
3. 33 mpg: Toyota Corolla
4. 32 mpg: Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio
5. 30 mpg: Nissan Sentra

Luxury Compact Car:
1. 27 mpg: Audi A4 2.0T
2. 25 mpg: Audi A4 2.0T Quattro, Saab 9-3, Volvo S40, Volvo S60 2.5T
3. 24 mpg: Audi A4 3.2, BMW 325i, BMW 330i, Mercedes C230, Volvo S60 2.4
4. 23 mpg: BMW 325xi, BMW 330xi, Mercedes C280, Mercedes C350, Volvo S40 AWD, Volvo S60 2.5T AWD
5. 22 mpg: Audi A4 3.2 Quattor, Mercedes C280 4Matic

Mid-Size Car:

1. 28 mpg: Honda Accord, Kia Specta, Toyota Camry
2. 27mpg: Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, Hyundai Elantra, Mercury Milan
3. 26 mpg: Chevrolet Malibu, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima 2.5
4. 25 mpg: Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Chrysler Sebring Sedan, Dodge Stratus, Kia Optima, Mitsubishi Galant, Volkswagen Passat 2.0T
5. 24 mgp: Chrysler Sebring Sedan, Dodge Stratus, Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Pontiac Grand Prix, Toyota Camry

Luxury Mid-Size Car:

1. 30 mpg: Mercedes-Benz E320 CDI
2. 25 mpg: Lexus GS 300
3. 24 mpg: Audi A6 3.2, BMW 525i, BMW 530i, Lexus ES 330, Volvo S80
4. 23 mpg: Acura TL, BMW 525xi, BMW 530xi, Lexus GS 300 AWD
5. 22 mpg: Audi A6 3.2 Quattro, 22 Jaguar S-Type 3.0, Mercedes E350, Volvo S80 AWD

Luxury Large Car:

1. 21 mpg: Lexus LS 430
2. 20 mpg: Audi A8 4.2/A8 L 4.2, BMW 750i/750Li, Cadillac DTS, Infiniti M35/M35x, Infiniti M45, Lincoln Town Car, Mercedes S350
3. 19 mpg: Jaguar XJ Super V8/XJR, Mercedes S430 4Matic, Mercedes S500
4. 18 mpg: Mercedes S500 4Matic
5. 17 mpg: Audi A8 L 6.0 W12, BMW 760i/760Li, Mercedes S55 AMG

In 2007, consumers can look forward to more purchases in the fuel-efficient segments, hybrid cars such as the Prius, and increased choices in smaller, compact cars. New hybrid introductions for 2007 include: Chevrolet Equinox (SUV), Chevrolet Malibu (Mid-size car), Chevrolet Tahoe (SUV), GMC Yukon Hybrid (SUV), and the Mazda Tribute Hybrid (SUV).

Since it looks like we’ll be under a gas ‘crisis’ for quite some time, here are eight easy ways to cut your gas costs:

1. Don’t waste gas by performing abrupt stops and starts
2. Use public transportation or ridesharing opportunities in your city
3. Keep your tires well inflated
4. Don’t carry too much in the trunk as more weight = less mileage
5. Take up walking and biking for local errands and stops
6. Drive below 60 mph whenever possible
7. Carpool with neighbors and friends
8. Get regular tune-ups, oil changes, and replace air filters

Information and additional links available from www.autobytel.com and Fueleconomy.gov for fuel-efficient vehicles in each class.