Jay Leno.

Here at MPGomatic.com, we try to stay out of the business end of things by focusing on vehicles and technologies. But on rare occasions, it’s necessary to stick out the old neck and take a stand. This is one of them.

I’m in the middle of a string of GM review cars at the moment and I have to say, I’ve been remarkably pleased with the Pontiac G8 GT and Cadillac CTS – two vehicles that shine with the stamp of Bob Lutz. With Bob riding off into the sunset this year, GM needs a strong hand on the design tiller, an honest-to-goodness car guy at the top, and a great communicator that can make the case with the American people.

Now, more than ever.

This is the perfect transition job for Jay. Hand over the reigns at the Tonight Show, pick them up at GM, and get this country back on the right track.

I can’t think of a single person that would willingly and publicly play it straight the politicians, bureaucrats, and lobbyists in Washington – with regard to the auto industry – in the way that Jay can.

Whether you like his comedy or not, Jay knows and loves cars … he lives them and breathes them every day.

Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country.

It’s time we draft Jay.

But it was not a Grammy-winning diva or Hollywood actress flocked by paparazzi … it was a man in the running for the Motor City’s least favorite Washington politician, Senator Bob Corker of Tennessee.

After exiting from a proverbial back room, Corker made his rounds of the NAIAS show floor, starting with the GM booth, where he received a car-by-car briefing on the latest designs and technology from the largest of the Detroit Three.

The mob moved like an angry swarm of bees, display to display, from flower to flower.

I nearly got quoted by the Detroit Free Press in the midst of the madness. But I balked at giving my home town to the Freep reporter (their standard editorial practice), and she scrapped it.

If I had written it up, it would have read something like this …

“This is a circus,” said lone wolf mad dog blogger Daniel Gray of MPGomatic.com, regarding the wild seething scrum of media clustered about Senator Bob Corker on the afternoon of the third and final press preview day of the North American International Auto Show …

As Corker was wrapping up his Volkswagen booth visit, Jalopnik’s Matt Hardigree tossed the Senator a couple of questions. Matt started by lobbing the Senator a softball, inquiring about Corker’s favorite VW, before brushing back the Tennessee legislator with a smoking fastball, high and tight.

Jalopnik’s associate editor aimed for the bridge of Corker’s nose, with a question about lowering diesel pollution standards, channeling what yours truly wrote way back when with the infamous MPGomatic Chrysler diesel post.

Corker let that one fly by, clearly unprepared to answer.

As Matt was getting high fives from his chums for getting in his questions – on video no less – I turned and mentioned that pollution standards were no longer the problem, and it was a matter of federal energy policy to put pressure on the refineries to change their method of production. Matt turns to me and says something like … “wow cool, it’s Dan Gray from MPGomatic, great to meet you!”

It was funny as hell … well for me, at least. Internet fame is fleeting.

Both the Insignia and Fiesta romped over the competition, with point tallies nearly 50% higher then the nearest competitor. It’s not hard to see why. The Insignia is a strikingly designed sedan (the body style is known as a “saloon” on the other side of the pond). The Times Online called the sedan “sleek, curvaceous and cleverly proportioned.”

Credit crunch aside, GM is in dire straits due to an insufficient variety of fuel-efficient vehicles for the American market. The irony is that GM designs vehicles in Europe that could help rebuild sales here in America. While the trend is well underway to bring those vehicles to our shores, the pace must be hastened and significant tweaks must be made.

The Saturn Vue and Astra were designed in Europe and are currently available here in the States. (The Vue is built in Mexico, while the Astra is built in Belgium.) But odd as it may seem, GM chose not to import the Vue and Astra with the highly fuel efficient engines that are so widely popular in Europe.

Putting the current high cost of diesel fuel aside (this is a domestic problem that can and will be solved), GM’s decision to execute slowly with regard to small displacement common rail clean diesel engines is perplexing, as it goes right to the core of the problem that has put the company behind the biggest 8 ball it’s ever seen. Delaying clean diesel has placed the company and this country in peril.

Carfueldata.org.uk shows five diesel drive trains for the 2009 Vauxhall Insignia. We’ve taken the time to convert between the British Imperial gallons and our US gallons to come up with some rough equivalents for mileage. The most thrifty of the bunch is rated to deliver the equivalent of 49 US miles per gallon on the highway.

2009 Insignia 4 Door Saloon – 6-Speed Manual Transmission
2.0CDTi 16v (110PS)
37.2 MPG Imperial Urban / 58.9 MPG Extra Urban / 48.7 MPG Combined
Equivalent: 31 MPG US City / 49 MPG US Highway / 40.5 MPG US Combined

2009 Insignia 4 Door Saloon – 6-Speed Manual Transmission
2.0CDTi 16v (130PS)
37.2 MPG Imperial Urban 58.9 MPG Extra Urban 48.7 MPG Combined
Equivalent: 31 MPG US City / 49 MPG US Highway / 40.5 MPG US Combined

2009 Insignia 4 Door Saloon – 6-Speed Automatic Transmission
2.0CDTi 16v (130PS)
30.7 MPG Imperial Urban 54.3 MPG Extra Urban 42.2 MPG Combined
Equivalent: 25.5 MPG US City / 45.2 MPG US Highway / 35.1 MPG US Combined

2009 Insignia 4 Door Saloon – 6-Speed Manual Transmission
2.0CDTi 16v (160PS)
37.2 MPG Imperial Urban 58.9 MPG Extra Urban 48.7 MPG Combined
Equivalent: 31 MPG US City / 49 MPG US Highway / 40.5 MPG US Combined

2009 Insignia 4 Door Saloon – 6-Speed Automatic Transmission
2.0CDTi 16v (160PS)
30.7 MPG Imperial Urban 54.3 MPG Extra Urban 42.2 MPG Combined
Equivalent: 25.5 MPG US City / 45.2 MPG US Highway / 35.1 MPG US Combined

MPG Source: Carfueldata.org.uk

The 2008 G5 Coupe is available in base model and GT trim, with the base model scoring slightly higher gas mileage. The G5 GT (shown above) boasts a larger and more powerful engine, along with four-wheel disc brakes, StabiliTrak (a vehicle stability enhancement system), fog lamps, rocker moldings, front and rear body-color fascias, a sport-tuned suspension, and 17-inch alloy rims.

The 2008 Pontiac G5 base model is fitted with a 2.2 liter DOHC four cylinder engine producing 148 horsepower (HP) and 152 foot pounds of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, while a four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with overdrive is optional.

The 2008 Pontiac G5 GT is equipped with a 2.4 liter DOHC four cylinder engine producing 171 HP and 167 foot pounds of torque. As with the base model, a five-speed manual transmission is standard on the GT, while a four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with overdrive is optional. The GT uses a lower axle ratio than the base model (3.91 vs 3.63).

Pontiac G5 Gas Mileage – 2007-2008

Note: the EPA tweaked their testing procedure, starting with the 2008 model year, with the end result being that the 2008 MPG estimates are now lower than previous years. As always, YMMV.

The Vibe is designed to be a people and cargo hauler. Fuel economy, cargo room, and flexible interior configurations are the hatchback’s biggest draws.

An all-wheel-drive (AWD) version of the Vibe was available from 2003 through 2006, only to vanish in the 2007 model year. An AWD Vibe will reappear as a 2009 model (shown above), when the first major redesign hits the streets.

The 2008 Pontiac Vibe is equipped with a 1.8 liter four cylinder engine that produces 126 horsepower (HP) and 122 foot pounds of torque. The Vibe can be fitted with either a five-speed manual or four-speed electronically controlled transmission, with overdrive. The manual transmission model delivers 26 city / 33 highway MPG, while the automatic provides 25 city / 31 highway.

Pontiac Vibe Gas Mileage – 2003-2008

Note: the EPA tweaked their testing procedure, starting with the 2008 model year, with the end result being that the 2008 MPG estimates are now lower than previous years. As always, YMMV.

The 2008 Saturn Aura is available in four levels of trim, each with a specific power plant.

• Aura XE – 2.4 liter DOHC four cylinder engine, producing 169 horsepower (HP) and 160 foot pounds of torque, mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. Gas mileage ratings: 22 city / 30 highway MPG.
• Aura XE V6 – 3.5 liter V6 engine, producing 219 HP and 219 foot pounds of torque, mated to a four-speed automatic. Gas mileage ratings: 18 city / 29 highway MPG.
• Aura XR (shown above)- 3.6 liter V6 engine, producing 252 HP and 251 foot pounds of torque, mated to a six-speed TAPshift automatic. Gas mileage ratings: 17 city / 26 highway MPG.
• Aura Green Line – 2.4 liter four cylinder engine with hybrid propulsion, producin 164 HP and 159 foot pounds of torque, mated to a four-speed automatic. Gas mileage ratings: 24 city / 32 highway MPG.

Saturn Aura Gas Mileage – 2007-2008

Note: the EPA tweaked their testing procedure, starting with the 2008 model year, with the end result being that the 2008 MPG estimates are now lower than previous years. As always, YMMV.

Simply put, the aerodynamics and vehicle weight of the bulkiest SUVs cause gas mileage to suffer, leading to many a painful transaction at the pump. The trick is to get small(er), lighter, and more slippery. Credit Subaru for getting the ball rolling with popularizing economical 4WD drive passenger cars in the early days. Since 1997, every vehicle Subaru’s offered in America has been all wheel drive.

These days, it’s not just Subaru. There are plenty of four wheel drive choices that are neither truck nor SUV. And forget the notion of pint-sized economy cars. You’ll find a generous helping of 4WD luxury from manufacturers including Audi, Volvo, Cadillac, and Lexus … in fact, you’ll find many of their offerings in the 2008 list of best gas mileage four wheel drives.

Purists will gladly share that there’s a difference between four wheel drive and all wheel drive (AWD). And surely there is … but for a great many folks, it comes down to two simple questions: will it go in the snow and will I go broke feeding it?

At the other end of the spectrum, the little Suzuki SX4 delivers plenty of bang for the buck, by combining the best four wheel drive gas mileage with a low sticker price (for those who don’t just think miles per gallon … but miles per dollar.)

Along with its corporate cousins, the Ford Escape Hybrid proves the exception to the rule as the highest all around mile per gallon (MPG) four wheel drive vehicle. If you can’t get a great deal on an Escape Hybrid at your local Ford dealer, take a look at the Mercury Mariner Hybrid. And if you happen to live in Southern California, the Mazda Tribute Hybrid HEV might be an option … as long as you’re able to snag one of the 350 Tribute HEVs built for this test market.)

2008 Best Gas Mileage Four Wheel Drives

• Audi A4
• Suzuki SX4
• Subaru Legacy
• Subaru Impreza
• Subaru Outback
• Jeep Compass
• Ford Escape Hybrid
• Jeep Patriot
• Subaru Forester
• Mazda Tribute Hybrid
• Mercury Mariner Hybrid
• Honda CR-V
• Volvo S60
• Volvo V50
• Volvo S40
• Toyota RAV4
• Cadillac CTS
• Cadillac STS
• Lexus IS 250
• Nissan Rogue

1979-1981 High MPG Cars 1982 High MPG Cars 1983 High MPG Cars 1984 High MPG Cars There’s no denying that there were some real clunkers in those big lists. But there’s one thing for sure. While the list of today’s 30 MPG cars might be shorter, the improvement in overall quality cannot be denied. Passing a federal law to raise the automakers’ overall fuel efficiency to 35 MPG by 2020 is just goofy when you get right down to it. With the natural shift that is currently underway, that goal may well be met in half the time purely through market forces. As the public more fully understands the choices that are currently available – and are soon to come to market – the shift will accelerate. The 2009 model year may very well prove to be the tipping point, as 1985 was in the opposite direction. A 30 MPG car might be considered by some (many?) Europeans to be a gas guzzler. The cars sold abroad are not all that different. Yes, there are differences in environmental and safety systems, but the facts remain. A great many of the cars that our very own American automakers sell in Europe far exceed their domestic models when it comes to fuel-efficiency.

30 MPG Cars – 2008 Audi A4 Audi A4 Cabriolet Audi TT Coupe Chevrolet Aveo Chevrolet Aveo 5 Chevrolet Cobalt Chevrolet HHR Chevrolet HHR Panel Chevrolet Malibu Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid Chrysler Sebring Dodge Avenger Ford Escape Hybrid FWD Ford Focus Honda Accord 2DR Coupe Honda Accord 4DR Sedan Honda Civic Honda Civic Hybrid Honda Fit Hyundai Accent Hyundai Elantra Hyundai Sonata Kia Optima Kia Rio Kia Spectra Mazda Mazda3 Mazda Tribute Hybrid 2WD Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec Mercury Mariner Hybrid FWD Mini Cooper Convertible Nissan Altima Nissan Altima Coupe Nissan Altima Hybrid Nissan Sentra Nissan Versa Pontiac G5 Pontiac G6 Pontiac Vibe Saturn Aura Saturn Aura Hybrid Suzuki SX4 Suzuki SX4 Sedan Toyota Camry Toyota Camry Hybrid Toyota Solara Toyota Corolla Toyota Matrix Toyota Prius Toyota Scion XD Toyota Yaris Volkswagen EOS

2008 Cars – 30 MPG Highway

Note: the EPA tweaked their testing procedure, starting with the 2008 model year, with the end result being that the 2008 MPG estimates are now lower than previous years. As always, YMMV.

The 2008 Vue is available with three engine choices, based on trim level. The Vue XE FWD and Green Line (hybrid) models are fitted with a 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine, rated at 169 horsepower. AWD Vue XE models are equipped with a 3.5 liter V-6 engine, rated at 222 horsepower, while the Vue XR and Vue Red Line are fitted with a DOHC 3.6 liter V-6 that pumps out 257 horsepower, topping the charts for the range. Gas mileage ratings for the Vue Green Line hybrid top the 2WD SUV highway charts.

Saturn Vue Gas Mileage – 2002-2009

Note: the EPA tweaked their testing procedure, starting with the 2008 model year, with the end result being that the 2008 MPG estimates are now lower than previous years. As always, YMMV.

The TrailBlazer SS, pictured above, is not your typical soccer mom’s SUV. The 6.0 liter LS2 Corvette V-8 engine in the TrailBlazer SS produces 395 horsepower (on premium unleaded), propelling the SUV from 0-60 in under six seconds.

Chevrolet Trailblazer Gas Mileage – 2002-2008

Note: the EPA tweaked their testing procedure, starting with the 2008 model year, with the end result being that the 2008 MPG estimates are now lower than previous years. As always, YMMV.