Year: 2008

Where Can I Buy a Smart Car?

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“Where can I buy a Smart Car?” is one of the most frequently asked questions here at MPGomatic.com. It seems that some folks are absolutely fascinated with the diminutive four-wheeled critter.

Low acquisition cost, high MPGs (33 city / 41 highway), and the look-at-me factor are at the center of the Smart Car’s appeal. While the fortwo gets good gas mileage, the smartest and most fuel-efficient of the Smarts is the diesel engine-equipped model, yet to be imported to the States.

smart fortwo

Smart has sold 10,000 fortwos in the United States as of June 24th, with 2,695 of the sales racked up in May alone. Sales began this January, stoked by an innovative $99 reservation program that launched in April, 2007 and a 44-city road tour that clearly worked to whip the smartnorati into a buying mood.

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Chevrolet Camaro Gas Mileage

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The Chevrolet Camaro’s long-awaited comeback in the 2010 model year brought a relatively fuel-efficient V6 engine among with the tire-smoking V8s. Throughout the history of Chevy’s pony car, the entry-level Camaro’s gas mileage ratings were an important part of the marketing mix. While many enthusiasts only remember the V8 engines, six cylinder Camaros have always been popular, dating back to the earliest days. Throw on a set of chrome rims and you could cruise the boulevard with coolness on a fraction of the gas consumed by the boy racers.

Camaro concept

Chevy went so far in the early-to-mid eighties as to bolt a four cylinder engine under the Camaro’s hood. 2.5 liter Iron Duke equipped 1982 to 1986 entry level models were the undisputed Camaro gas mileage champs of all time (never mind their overly underwhelming performance).

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Ford Mustang Gas Mileage: 1978 – 2013

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By all accounts, the Ford Mustang has had one heck of a run. The Mustang’s arrival in the 1964 model year brought on the pony car era, and while performance has always been at the forefront of the car’s appeal, gas mileage in the smaller displacement versions made a bit of hay over the years, as well. Although easily overlooked, the Mustang’s gas mileage ratings set a remarkable high point for fuel economy in 1983, touching the 40 mile per gallon (MPG) highway mark when fitted with the stingy 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine.

While the Mustang’s gas mileage ratings dropped considerably (or perhaps more realistically), a four-banger could be found under the hood of the entry-level ‘Stang for another decade. 1993 marked the last year for the 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, with a still respectable 30 MPG highway.

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2008 Volkswagen EOS MPG Review

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VW EOS convertible MPG-o-Matic Volkswagen EOS Review Summary: The VW EOS is a sporty four-seat convertible that competes most closely with the Audi A4 Cabriolet and BMW 3-series convertibles. The EOS slots in beneath the least expensive Mercedes and above the domestic competition.

Under the hood, the 2008 EOS is fitted with a 2.0 liter turbocharged four cylinder direct injection engine producing 200 horsepower and 207 foot pounds of torque.

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Federal Policy Towards Plug-In Vehicles

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The third and final panel of the Plug-In Electric Vehicles 2008 conference immediately followed Jay Inslee’s remarks and got right down to the brass tacks. Moderated by Tom Friedman, author of The World Is Flat and foreign affairs columnist for the New York Times, the Federal Policy Towards Plug-In Vehicles panel tackled the thorny topic … Read more