Best Gas Mileage Car - 2008

While the EPA's new MPG tests have resulted in lower mileage figures, there's no surprise that two of last year's high-MPG champs have returned again to the winner's circle in the Best Gas Mileage Car category. The hybrid drivetrains in both the 2008 Toyota Prius and the 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid deliver top-of-class gas mileage.

2007 Toyota Prius Touring Edition and Honda Civic Hybrid The 2008 Toyota Prius' 1.5 Liter 4 Cylinder engine is mated with an Automatic (CVT) transmission. The new EPA estimates for the Prius are 48 MPG city, 45 MPG highway, and 46 MPG combined, running on regular gasoline. (The old EPA estimates for the Toyota Prius are 60, 55, and 51, respectively.)

The 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid's 1.3 Liter 4 Cylinder engine is coupled to an Automatic (CVT) transmission. The new EPA estimates for the Civic Hybrid are 40 MPG city, 45 MPG highway, and 42 MPG combined, running on regular gasoline. (The old EPA estimates for the Honda Civic Hybrid are 49, 50, and 51, respectively.)

While some may prefer the futuristic look of the Prius, a good number of Honda owners eschew the obvious ("I drive a hybrid look") and prefer the low-key, understated design of the Civic. The Prius takes the edge in both MPG and interior space, however.

Volkswagen's diesel-powered Jetta TDI, a long time top-three Best Gas Mileage Car contender, was absent from the 2008 high MPG race. VW has retooled their turbo diesel engine to meet stricter exhaust emissions requirements, and the Jetta TDI returns as a 2009 model.

2008 Cars that Meet or Exceed 30 MPG Highway:

VW TDI Diesels

Volkswagen's high-MPG diesels poised to return to the US in '08.

Toyota Hybrids

Toyota's popular hybrid models continue to break sales records.

Honda Hybrids

Honda continues to shine as a pioneer of hybrid technology.

Mercedes Diesels

Mercedes -Benz sets the standard for luxury and SUV diesels.