mpg-o-editor

2008 Mazda3 MPG Review

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Mazda3 MPG-o-Matic Mazda3 Review Summary: The Mazda3 is a fun to drive sport compact. We easily blew past the official gas mileage estimates in our extended test drive.

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.

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2008 Ford Fusion MPG Review

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Ford Fusion MPG-o-Matic 2008 Ford Fusion Review Summary: The Ford Fusion is a four door sedan that competes most closely with the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Chevy Malibu. The Fusion slots between the Focus and Taurus in Ford’s line up.

While the 2008 Fusion comes standard with a 2.3 liter four cylinder engine, our test car was fitted with the optional 3.0 liter V6 producing 221 horsepower and 205 foot pounds of torque.

We found the V6 to provide a compelling combination of performance and fuel economy, when driven conscientiously.

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SUV Hybrids

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Whether you need to haul people, pets, gear, or any combination of the three, SUV hybrids work hard to contain fuel costs, while providing more versatility than typical hybrid sedans.

Part and parcel to our role as the Internet’s leading independent authority on gas mileage, we’re committed to the task of documenting each and every hybrid SUV currently on the road by the end of 2008. As of August 2008, we’ve reviewed the following vehicles:

Each one of these SUV hybrids is an excellent vehicle in its own right. Each takes a different approach.

The Escape Hybrid is a more traditional SUV with the best overall mileage in its class, while the RX400h is a roomy and comfortable living room on wheels. These two play opposite ends of the utility and luxury scale.

The Vue Green Line has European roots and flair, with unique styling, segment-topping highway gas mileage, and a more car-like ride.

The roomy and versatile Toyota Highlander Hybrid delivers the best overall gas mileage for a seven passenger SUV.

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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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