With all the hoopla about our nation hitting a 35.5 mile per gallon (MPG) average for new cars and trucks by 2016, its easy to lose sight of some simple facts. The original goal set forth by the Bush administration was 35 MPG by 2020. The Obama administration has simply proposed that we speed up the effort by four years and turn up the dial on fuel efficiency.
It’s a great feeling knowing that someone has been listening. We’ve been banging the drum here at MPGomatic for two years now.
An average of 35.5 MPG is not a lofty goal, even in this shortened time frame. Back in March of 2008, MPGomatic opened some eyeballs and raised a lot of eyebrows when we published 35 MPG: Why Wait Until 2020, an article that provided details on the export-only fuel-efficient diesel-powered cars and SUVs that Chrysler builds right here in North America, half of which already hit the 35 MPG mark. Hundreds of thousands of folks have read that article and learned the truth over the past fourteen months.
In Europe, 35 MPG isn’t a goal. It’s the norm.
America need not and must not fear this change. We must embrace it with the realization that it is the best way forward.
When you set out to drive your car with good gas mileage as a primary goal, you learn to make changes to both your daily routine and your driving habits. While swapping out for a more efficient vehicle often isn’t an option, you can take control over the amount of fuel you use each week. In order to get good gas mileage, you have to be willing to alter your technique.
How heavy- footed are you?
While the current official fuel economy estimates are a reasonable starting point, a conscientious driver can beat the numbers. Although earlier estimates may have overstated mileage, the current figures can dramatically understate certain vehicles capabilities.
Depending on the car, good gas mileage is relative. If you have six people to move about, a four-seat vehicle won’t do. It’s important to compare apples to apples. Some small car zealots forget about the transportation requirements of extended families as well as the need to transport friends, along with family.
Ready to Replace Your Ride?
While the Toyota Prius (shown at left) and Honda Civic Hybrid are two long-running darlings, there’s an expanded range of new vehicles with good gas mileage on the market these days.
The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI (shown at right) marked the return of high-MPG diesel cars to the United States, while the 2010 Honda Insight carves out a new niche as the most affordable hybrid. With gas prices at less than half their peak, there are some great bargains out there.
Can’t afford (or don’t want) to buy a brand new car? The previously-owned market offers plenty of choices. The Honda Civic is one of the most popular conventional used cars with good gas mileage. Other popular choices include the Ford Focus (shown at left), Nissan Sentra, and Toyota Corolla. All four of these vehicles have been on the market for years and the supply of these vehicles is plentiful.
Other popular used cars with good gas mileage include the Mini Cooper (shown at right), Toyota Yaris, and Honda Fit. The cumulative sales numbers are lower on these vehicles however, and they may be harder to find in the used car market.
As always, the laws of supply and demand apply.
We’ve seen the cycle repeat itself; when the price of fuel goes up, good gas mileage cars are in high demand and prices go up. When the price of fuel drops, so does the demand for, and the price of, fuel-efficient vehicles.
As a country, we need to realize that the current lull in gas prices cannot last. As individuals, we must take note of the sales price reductions in these vehicles and take advantage of the situation, when and if possible.
There’s no question that conscientious fuel-efficient driving leads to both environmental and economic sustainability. When you use less fuel your vehicle pollutes less, while you keep more of your hard earned money in your wallet.
The Obama Administration has pulled a number out of its hat, and it’s 27.3 MPG. While it might seem a bit crazy to set a new combined fuel economy standard for the 2011 model year with such short notice, our new President was left with the task by an outgoing administration that failed to implement what was required under law. The 2007 Energy Law stipulates that a new standard must be set by April 1st.
No fooling.
The 27.3 mile per gallon (MPG) figure represents an average of 2001 new car, light truck, and SUV mileage. New cars must average 30.2 MPG. New light trucks and SUVs must average 24.1 MPG.
I’ve been driving a 2009 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid this week that has a combined estimate of 20 MPG. While I’ve been able to beat the official numbers by a bit, it’s a forgone conclusion that that traditional SUVs will be getting smaller and hybrid battery packs will be getting larger. On the flip side, I’m in the midst of producing a video review of the Audi Q7 TDI clean diesel SUV, in which I easily exceeded the 2011 requirements.
Make no mistake about it. We do car reviews differently at MPGomatic.com. Our fuel economy focused mileage reviews deliver a unique perspective by consistently testing each vehicle with a light-footed driving style. Over time, our mileage review testing procedure has evolved to include a specific highway circuit. We don’t test in a lab or on a closed course. Our highway miles are rolled up in the real world, on a forty mile loop of Interstate highway that includes a good number of grade changes and variable traffic conditions. Each vehicle runs a minimum of two loops on the highway circuit. Continue reading →
