Year: 2008

2008 Hybrid

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In a historic year, automakers produced an array of 2008 hybrid models, from the trend-setting Toyota Prius through the stealthy Nissan Altima Hybrid and utilitarian Ford Escape Hybrid. Where the pickings were once slim, there’s now a bounty of choices.

MPGomatic had the good fortune to review most of the 2008 hybrid cars and SUVs over the course of the year, and we’ve come away with some interesting observations. There’s little doubt that 2008 set a high-water mark on an ever-rising tide, as hybrid technology clearly moves into the mainstream.

While it’s tough to pick a single favorite among the 2008 hybrids, a number of models stood out from the crowd. Although the Prius continued as the most fuel-efficient car sold in America, the Honda Civic Hybrid was close behind. The Toyota Synergy Drive technology in the Prius captured the top spot due to its ability to glide under pure electric propulsion at lower speeds.

Among the five-seat 2008 hybrid SUVs, the Saturn VUE Green Line Hybrid took the honors for highest highway mileage, while the Ford Escape Hybrid grabbed the crown for city mileage. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid was unchallenged as the most fuel-efficient seven-seat SUV.

All-in-all, a very good year that sets the stage for an even-higher level of hybridization in 2009.

Hybrid Reviews:

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Smith Electric Ford Transit Van

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Of all the electric vehicles I saw, drove, or rode in earlier this month at the Electric Drive Transportation Association’s (EDTA) 2008 conference in Washington DC, none can have as immediate and important an impact as Smith Electric’s “Edison” … this electrified Ford Transit van has the potential to revolutionize local delivery for a wide range of firms, both small and large. The Ford Transit goes toe-to-toe with the venerable Sprinter for sheer versatility, offering a remarkable amount of cargo and head room.

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Ford Fusion Hybrid: Quick Cruise

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While the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid won’t start rolling off assembly line until late winter, I had the chance to drive a pre-production version yesterday at a Ford media event. The ride was brief, but eye-opening. With temperatures hovering in the twenties, I was able to coax 40.5 miles per gallon (MPG) out of the … Read more

Buy Cheap Cars!

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At some point in your life, you’ll end up needing to buy a cheap car. Whether it’s your first car, or your kid’s first car, a solid dependable cheap used car is a good bet for a beginning driver (or any driver on a tight budget, for that matter). If you buy a car outright, you can avoid paying for expensive collision and comprehensive insurance. And when you focus on cheap cars that get good gas mileage, you tackle the issue of the overall expenditure.

Everyone has a favorite story about the cheap cars in their past. I’m no exception, having bought my first car (from its original owners) for $800 and my second (a multi-colored mongrel) for a whopping $350. I worked two jobs while I was in high school to scrape up enough money to buy those dream rides … and I spent thousands whipping them into shape, while saving a bundle by doing my own paint and bodywork.

It should come as no surprise that inexpensive vehicular transportation is one of the most popular topics here at MPGomatic.com. Of course, we look at fuel efficiency as part of the big picture.

Cheap cars hold a place in my heart, for as much as I enjoy driving the latest and the greatest, I still remember, plain as day, the freedom that set of wheels can bring …

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Mitsubishi Lancer Gas Mileage

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The Mitsubishi Lancer has a solid history of delivering good gas mileage figures, with the most fuel-efficient of the 2009 models hitting 30 miles per gallon (MPG) on the highway. The Lancer is available with either a 2.0- or 2.4-liter four cylinder engine. The best fuel economy is be found in the 2.0-liter Lancer, which delivers 22 city / 30 highway when mated with the five-speed manual transmission.

Mitsubishi Lancer

The 2.0 liter engine is available in three states of tune, with the most powerful (and thirsty) found in the Lancer Evolution (or Evo, for short). Premium fuel is required in the higher horsepower 2.0 liter engines, while regular will suffice for the 2.4- and base 2.0-liter.

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