The sporty 2009 Mazda CX-7 is available in both all-wheel- (AWD) and front-wheel-drive (FWD) configurations, with three levels of trim: Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring.

The CX-7 is equipped with a 2.3 liter Direct-Injection Spark Ignition (DISI) turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The turbo four produces 244 horsepower (HP) and 258 foot pounds of torque.

The official gas mileage estimates for the 2009 Mazda CX-7 are 17 city / 23 highway miles per gallon (MPG) for the FWD version and 16/22 for the AWD version.

We slipped past the official estimates for our True Silver Metallic Grand Touring AWD 2009 Mazda CX-7 review unit, scoring an average of 24.1 MPG on the Interstate highway, with 19.8 MPG combined. Test period temperatures ranged from the twenties through thirties, with freeway speeds between 60 and 72 miles per hour (MPH).

While the four banger’s a bit soft off the line, the fun starts once it starts to spin up, with redline coming at 6700 revolutions per minute (RPM).

The six-speed sport shift automatic is a big plus for both fuel economy and sheer fun. The transmission reacts particularly well to a light footed driving style.

The CX-7 is unquestionably one of the best handling crossovers on the road today. Unlike too many competitors, Mazda’s sporting crossover is the furthest thing from a lumbering marshmallow.

We had the chance to put the CX-7 GT to the test on the backroads and in the snow. It performed well under all conditions.

While there’s no mistaking the CX-7 for a full-on SUV, our test unit was equipped with the optional front and rear underguard package.

The CX-7 GT is clearly built for the driver, from the leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel and shifter to the supportive leather seats (with their snappy faux croc-inset). Single setting front heated seats, dual 12-volt outlets, and a console mounted audio input jack keep you toasty warm, with the tunes rolling, while seering wheel mounted audio and Bluetooth controls keep your hands on the wheel.

While pricey, the Technology option package provides a 240W Bose 9-speaker touch screen audio system with voice navigation and satellite radio, integrated with a tricky six-disc flip-front cd-changer. A handy rearview camera and power moonroof complete the package.

The CX-7 fails to provide either a real-time or average fuel economy display. While the lack of a MPG gauge is easily remedied with an aftermarket display unit, we hope that Mazda will choose to include a factory-standard MPG gauge in the 2010 models.

Our highest highway mileage results were achieved with the CX-7’s cruise control turned off. We were able to score the best numbers with a watchful eye on our ScanGaugeII, and a light touch on the accelerator. The CX-7’s six-speed automatic transmission adds a great deal of thrift when lifting off the throttle, by dropping revs down to near idle speed.

As we always say, getting the best mileage is all about knowing when to let off. The greater the distance you drive with your foot completely off the pedal, the higher your MPGs.

All-in-all, we found the AWD CX-7 GT to be an intriguingly designed alternative to the typical five seat SUV or crossover. With a responsive throttle and solid handling, we thoroughly enjoyed putting the CX-7 through its paces.

Fuel requirements: Although Regular-grade gasoline is acceptable, Premium is recommended

Government Safety Ratings: The Mazda CX-7 is rated five stars for frontal crash (driver & passenger) and side crash (front & rear seat), and four starts for rollover.

Assembly/Parts Content: The Mazda CX-7 is assembled in Hiroshima, Japan. Both the engine and transmission are of Japanese origin. U.S./Canadian parts content: 0%.

The Mazda3 made a great impression this past summer, when we took it out on an extended highway run, round tripping to Washington DC. While our Mazda3 MPG review reveals highway fuel economy that far exceeds the official estimates, it can’t hold a candle to the remarkable numbers turned in by the Mazda3 diesel abroad.

Ready to get your blood boiling? We’ve done a bit of research to dig up England’s official estimates for the diesel-powered Mazda3, along with its stable mates …

Mazda3 S Hatchback – Diesel

There are three different diesel engines offered in the Mazda3 hatchback:

1.6 liter MZ-CD Diesel
Five-speed manual transmission
90 horsepower and approximitely 158.5 foot pounds (215 Nm) of torque
British Gallons: 47.1 Urban / 70.6 Extra Urban / 60.1 Combined MPG
US Gallons (equivalent): 39.1 City / 58.8 Highway / 50 Combined MPG
0-62: 12.2 seconds
Top speed: 108 MPH

1.6 liter MZ-CD Diesel
Five-speed manual transmission
109 horsepower and approximitely 177 foot pounds (240 Nm) of torque
British Gallons: 46.3 Urban / 68.9 Extra Urban / 58.9 Combined MPG
US Gallons (equivalent): 38.5 City / 57.4 Highway / 49 Combined MPG
0-62: 11.6 seconds
Top speed: 113 MPH

2.0 liter MZ-CD Diesel
Six-speed manual transmission
143 horsepower and approximitely 265.5 foot pounds (360 Nm) of torque
British Gallons: 39.8 Urban / 52.3 Extra Urban / 47.1 Combined MPG
US Gallons (equivalent): 33.1 City / 43.5 Highway / 39.2 Combined MPG
0-62: 9.9 seconds
Top speed: 126 MPH

Mazda6 – Diesel

2.0 liter MZ-CD Diesel
Six-speed manual transmission
140 horsepower and approximitely 243 foot pounds (330 Nm) of torque
British Gallons: 42.2 Urban / 56.5 Extra Urban / 50.4 Combined MPG
US Gallons (equivalent): 35.1 City / 47 Highway / 42 Combined MPG
0-62: 10.5 seconds
Top speed: 127 MPH

Mazda5 – Diesel

There are two different diesel engines offered in the Mazda5 mini-minivan:

2.0 liter MZ-CD Diesel (110 HP)
Six-speed manual transmission
110 horsepower and approximitely 228.6 foot pounds (310 Nm) of torque
British Gallons: 38.7 Urban / 52.3 Extra Urban / 46.3 Combined MPG
US Gallons (equivalent): 32.2 City / 43.5 Highway / 38.5 Combined MPG
0-62: 13.9 seconds
Top speed: 110 MPH

2.0 liter MZ-CD Diesel (143 HP)
Six-speed manual transmission
143 horsepower and approximitely 265.5 foot pounds (360 Nm) of torque
British Gallons: 38.7 Urban / 52.3 Extra Urban / 46.3 Combined MPG
US Gallons (equivalent): 32.2 City / 43.5 Highway / 38.5 Combined MPG
0-62: 11.0 seconds
Top speed: 122 MPH

Mazda BT50

2.5 MZR Turbo Diesel 4×2
Five-speed manual transmission
143 horsepower and approximitely 243 foot pounds (330 Nm) of torque
British Gallons: 27.4 Urban / 39.7 Extra Urban / 34.0 Combined MPG
US Gallons (equivalent): 22.8 City / 33 Highway / 28.3 Combined MPG
0-62: 10.4 seconds
Top speed: 105 MPH

2.5 MZR Turbo Diesel 4×4
Five-speed manual transmission
143 horsepower and approximitely 243 foot pounds (330 Nm) of torque
British Gallons: 25.9 Urban / 36.2 Extra Urban / 31.7 Combined MPG
US Gallons (equivalent): 21.5 City / 30.1 Highway / 26.4 Combined MPG
0-62: 11.9 seconds
Top speed: 98 MPH

Mazda2 – Diesel

1.4 liter MZ-CD Diesel
Five-speed manual transmission
68 horsepower and approximitely 118 foot pounds (160 Nm) of torque
British Gallons: 53.3 Urban / 76.3 Extra Urban / 65.7 Combined MPG
US Gallons (equivalent): 44.4 City / 63.5 Highway / 54.7 Combined MPG
0-62: 15.5 seconds
Top speed: 101 MPH

Viewing the statistics, it’s easy to understand how the Insight hybrid achieved those remarkable gas mileage results. Weighing in at under a ton, Honda’s little spaceship had a big head start, with a diminutive 1.0 liter three cylinder engine providing just enough oomph and efficiency to land the micro hybrid’s gas mileage in the stratosphere.

With the Insight put out to pasture after the 2006 model year, the Toyota Prius snatched the hybrid gas mileage crown, edging out the Honda Civic Hybrid.

The mid-decade loss of the Civic Hybrid’s manual transmission option is worth noting. With the ever-increasing focus on fuel-efficiency and a Honda sports hybrid on the way, it might not be the last we see of the stick-shift Honda hybrids.

The promise of the 100 mile per gallon (MPG) hybrid isn’t a dream … it’s achievable today, with an aftermarket plug-in hybrid conversion kit.

2000-2008 Hybrid Gas Mileage

The Mazda3 is available as both a four door sedan and a five door hatch. It competes with the Honda Civic, Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, and Chevy Cobalt, among many others in the red hot small car market.

The Mazda3 can be purchased with a 2.0 liter or 2.3 liter inline four cylinder engine, depending on the model. Our copper red mica four-door touring model was fitted with the 2.3 liter engine, which produces 156 horsepower and 150 foot pounds of torque.

The official gas mileage estimates for the 2008 2.3 liter Mazda3 are 22 city / 29 highway miles per gallon (MPG) with the five-speed automatic transmission.

We absolutely demolished the official highway estimate, scoring an impressive 36.2 MPG on the highway over hundreds of miles of Interstate travel.

In combined testing, our Mazda3 delivered 28.6 MPG.

The smaller engine is relegated to the less-expensive iTouring and iSport models. While less powerful, the 2.0 liter scores mileage figures approximately 10 percent higher than the 2.3 liter.

The 2.3 liter engine delivers spirited performance, made all the more fun when shifting the automatic transmission manually.

If we have one nit to pick with the Mazda3, it’s that the trip computer can only be found in the top of the line S Grand Touring model.

Consequently, our non-S Touring test unit lacked both an average mile per gallon and real-time MPG readouts. Since MPGomatic is all about the mileage, we whipped out our trusty ScanGaugeII and plugged it into the Mazda3’s OBDII port to keep track of our mileage results.

Other then that shortcoming, the Mazda3 Touring’s standard feature list is quite complete. The standard exterior features include 17-inch alloy rims, side sill extensions, four-wheel disc brakes, and integrated halogen fog lights …

It all adds up to one good looking car.

The Three’s interior should appeal to the sport minded, with tilt and telescopic steering, a leather wrapped wheel, and a dashboard that looks pretty cool, both day and night. (The S trim level takes it up another notch with white gauges and blue electroluminescent lighting.)

The Mazda3’s iPod integration consists of a clean and concealed center console line-in port. Our teen tester gave the audio system high marks for both its eardrum rattling capability and its nifty red display.

After a long road trip, we’re happy to give the Mazda3 a big thumbs up for performance, fuel economy, and that all-important cool factor. There’s no question why the Three has become the in-car for so many kids of all ages.

The Mazda3 4-door “i” Model is equipped with a 2.0 liter DOHC four cylinder engine, producing 148 horsepower (HP), while the “s” Model is fitted with the larger and slightly more powerful 2.3 liter four cylinder engine, producing 156 horsepower and 150 foot pounds of torque. The i Model delivers 24 city / 32 highway miles per gallon (MPG), while the s Model provides 22 city / 29 highway MPG.

The Mazda3 5-door “s” Model is fitted with the same 2.3 liter engine as the 4-door s Model. (Mileage estimates are identical, as well.) The i Models are equipped with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed electronically controlled automatic. The s Models are available with either the 5-speed manual or a 5-speed electronically controlled automatic.

The top-of-the-line MazdaSpeed3 5-door is unquestioningly intended for the enthusiast. The little hot rod wagon’s turbocharged Direct Injection Spark Ignition version of the 2.3 liter four cranks out a whopping 263 HP and 280 foot pounds of torque. The MazdaSpeed3 is exclusively equipped with a six speed manual transmission; an automatic is not available. Mileage estimates are 18 city / 26 highway, on premium fuel.

European Mazda3’s can also be fitted with 1.6 or 2.0 liter diesel engines, resulting in a remarkable increase in fuel efficiency over the gas-engined models.

Mazda3 Review:

Mazda3 Gas Mileage – 2006-2008

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 standard 2008 Mazda Tribute can be fitted with either a 2.3 liter DOHC four-cylinder engine that delivers 153 HP and 152 foot pounds of torque or a 3.0 liter DOHC V-6 that produces 200 HP and 193 foot pounds of torque. While a four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission is standard for either the four or the six cylinder Tributes, the four-banger can also be fitted with a five-speed manual transmission.

Mazda Tribute Gas Mileage – 2001-2008

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.

Even though the Mazda B Series tops the charts of 2008 pickup truck gas mileage, it’s overshadowed by the B Series trucks produced in the early 1980s, when the B Series delivered highway mileage was as much as 60% higher than the current ratings. It was not unusual for Mazda B2000 pickups to achieve as much as 40 miles per gallon, back in the day.

The fuel efficient 2.5 liter turbo diesel engine, currently available in the B-Series overseas, could help Americans in search of a pickup truck that achieves better than 30 miles per gallon.

Mazda B Series Pickup Truck Gas Mileage – 1979-2008

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.

All-in-all, Honda continued to hold half the list, while GM/Suzuki’s grip slipped a bit.

A bevy of Saturn models knocked on the door with 40 mile per gallon highway ratings. The Dodge and Plymouth Neon began their run, replacing the Mitsubushi-sourced Colts.

Top Ten High MPG Cars – 1995 Model Year:

• Honda Civic HB VX 4-cyl., 1.5 liter – MPG: 47 city / 56 highway
• Honda Civic HB VX 4-cyl., 1.5 liter – MPG: 44 city / 51 highway
• Geo Metro 3-cyl., 1.0 liter – MPG: 44 city / 49 highway
• Suzuki Swift 3-cyl., 1.0 liter – MPG: 44 city / 49 highway
• Honda Civic 4-cyl., 1.5 liter – MPG: 42 city / 46 highway
• Honda Civic 4-cyl., 1.5 liter – MPG: 40 city / 45 highway
• Geo Metro 4-cyl., 1.3 liter – MPG: 39 city / 43 highway
• Ford Aspire 4-cyl., 1.3 liter – MPG: 36 city / 42 highway
• Honda Civic Del Sol 4-cyl., 1.5 liter – MPG: 35 city / 41 highway
• Nissan Sentra/200SX 4-cyl., 1.6 liter – MPG: 30 city / 40 highway

1995 High MPG Gas Mileage Rankings