Year: 2008

BMW 3-Series Gas Mileage: 1978 – 2011

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Over the years, BMW’s 3-Series have earned a well-deserved reputation for delivering a convincing combination of performance and handling, while achieving reasonable gas mileage (for those blessed with the constitution to keep their foot out of it). The current crop of BMW 328s and 335s are no exception, with highway gas mileage ratings in the mid to high twenty mile per gallon range.

The return of diesel-powered BMWs to America heralds a new era of fuel efficient sporting transport. We had the opportunity to review the BMW 335d and found it to deliver a stunning combination of fuel-efficiency and performance.

Rumor has it that the 335d will not be offered in 2012. We can only hope that the 3-series diesels return quickly, as the mileage ratings are nothing less than stunning.

In the UK, the diesel-powered BMW 320d ES is rated at 47.1 miles per Imperial gallon (MPG) urban, 68.9 MPG extra-urban, and 58.9 MPG combined with a six-speed manual transmission. That equates roughly to 39.2 city, 57.4 highway, 49 combined here in America. The 320d is no dog … as turns in a 0-62 mile per hour (MPH) time of 7.9 seconds with a top speed of 143 MPH.

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SUV MPG Reviews

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It might seem odd that a website devoted to the topic of gas mileage would spend so much time on SUV reviews, but we’re simply listening to our audience. While it’s clear that the tide has changed, America’s tempestuous love affair with the SUV is far from over.

SUV reviews will be part of our editorial mix for as long as we keep buying the beasts. Rest assured that most, if not all, of our SUV reviews will focus on the more fuel efficient choices in each of the categories, from the cute Utes and Crossovers (CUV) to roomy seven and eight seaters. (But we won’t be driving a Hummer unless GM gets around to shipping a fuel-sipping hybrid or clean diesel.)

As of November, we’ve reviewed eleven SUVs and CUVs, including four hybrids and the only domestic diesel currently available in the USA:

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2008 Honda Accord MPG Review

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Honda Accord The best-selling Honda Accord competes in the family sedan market with the Toyota Camry, Nissan Maxima, Chevy Malibu, and Ford Fusion among others.

The 2008 Accord is available with a 2.4 liter inline four or a 3.5 liter V6 engine. Our test unit performed admirably with the 2.4 liter i-VTEC four. After experiencing the four cylinder’s thrifty performance, we’d be hard pressed to upgrade to the V6, given the current price of gas. For most folks, the 2.4 liter four cylinder will get the job done.

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Hybrid MPG Reviews

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When I first set out to review cars here on MPGomatic.com, I knew that hybrid reviews would be a big part of the mix. So I set the lofty goal of reviewing every domestically available hybrid car and SUV by year end. I’m glad to report that we’re making good progress on that goal (although we’re likely to skip over a handful of the more exotic [and expensive] models).

MPGomatic will have published nine hybrid reviews by September. That’s not too shabby for a start-up publication. We’re committed to fighting the good fight and telling it like it is with reviews in written and video form:

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Honda Accord i-CTDi Diesel

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We’ve been smitten with the thought of a diesel-powered Honda Accord coming to these shores since first hearing about the Accord i-CTDi diesel.

The Accord i-TCDi is a game changer. The 2.2 liter four cylinder common rail turbo diesel produces 140 horsepower, 250 foot pounds of torque, and fabulous fuel economy. It’s tough to argue with a highway mileage rating of over 50 miles per gallon (adjusted for US gallons) in a four door sedan of this caliber.

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