Entries Tagged 'van' ↓

First introduced in 1993, the Nissan Quest competes in a highly competitive minivan market. The Quest produces gas mileage ratings in line with its minivan peers, with highway ratings in the mid-twenties. From 1993 through 2002, the Quest was echoed by the nearly identical Mercury Villager.

The Quest was last redesigned in 2007 and is fitted with the same highly respected 3.5 liter six-cylinder engine found in the Maxima and Altima. A spacious interior and distinctive design are hallmarks of the model. Nissan sorely needs a way to differentiate itself from the crowd. A Quest hybrid, based on the powertrain in the Altima Hybrid would be a slam dunk with environmentally- and budget-conscious soccer moms (and dads). Rumor has it that a new Nissan minivan is on the way, but there’s been little word on the possibilities of either a hybrid or high-MPG diesel version.

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Dating all the way back to 1984, the Dodge Caravan is America’s longest running and best-selling mini van. Together with its corporate cousins, the Plymouth Voyager and the Chrysler Town and Country, the Caravan ruled the market for many a year.

Although current Dodge Caravans might not be notable for exceptional gas mileage, the introductory year boasted remarkable mile per gallon figures. While under-powered, the spartan 2.2 liter four-cylinder 1984 manual transmission models were rated at 36 and 37 miles per gallon on the highway. (Fuel efficiency was very much on the nation’s mind in the early eighties.)

Gas mileage took a back seat to comfort early in the Caravan’s run. Today’s considerably more plush 2008 Dodge Caravan offers MPG ratings in low to mid twenties on the highway, and can be equipped with 3.3, 3.8, or 4.0 liter six-cylinder power plants. What about the cup holders, you ask? We’ll have to get back to you on that.

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MPGoMatic rolled out of the garage office and onto the streets one hot summer night in 2007. Born with the soul of the enthusiast and the wallet of those squeezed by the double-whammy of sky-high gas prices and rising interest rates. Covering a new beat with both eyes out for the consumer, MPGoMatic tackles the tough topics. It’s not a beauty show. It’s not a what if scenario. America needs cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs that get great gas mileage, and we need them now. At last it seems that the automakers are finally in tune. Those that aren’t will be left by the wayside.

Version 1.0 of MPGoMatic hit the streets with hand-tuned HTML and a hot rod heart. Version 2.0 makes changes, some cosmetic, most to the underpinnings. We’re building a chassis to carry the site to the winner’s circle.

Here’s a roundup of some of our most popular stories of Summer 2007 …

Fuel Efficient Honda Diesels Headed to America

Honda builds an array of high MPG diesel-powered vehicles that are currently available in Europe, but not in the United States.

Rumour has it, the first fuel efficient Honda diesel engines are slated to arrive here in the United States in the 2009 model year.

We’re having a tough time waiting …

Honda Diesels, continued

The Jetta SportWagen should be a boon for VW and will ultimately be available with three different power trains, starting initially with a 170 horsepower (HP), 2.5-liter, five cylinder engine. The 2.0T, with a 200 HP four cylinder engine will follow, while the diesel-powered 2008 Jetta TDI SportWagen is expected by early spring …

VW Jetta SportWagen, continued

By all accounts, the Ford S-Max is one of the sweetest minivans ever to roll off an assembly line … but sadly, none of those assembly lines can be found in North America. The Ford S-Max is currently being produced in Belgium and China. For whatever reason, Ford has not committed to bringing the sleek seven-passenger to the good old USA. For Henry’s sake, get off the fence

High MPG Minivan, continued

When you use the MPGoMatic mileage calculator to compare the fuel costs of this lux-o-tourer against other luxury cars, it really shines. The vast majority of the luxury cars sold in the United States require pricey premium gasoline for their high-compression engines. But not this baby …

Highest MPG Luxury Car, continued