diesel

Nissan Sentra Gas Mileage

by

Introduced as a sub-compact way back in 1982, the Nissan Sentra grew to become one of America’s most popular compacts. Good gas mileage has been one of the Sentra’s big selling points over the years, with highway gas mileage ratings floating around or above 30 miles per gallon (MPG) nearly every model year. The early 1980s sub-compact Sentras were the most fuel efficient models with the diesel variants producing remarkable gas mileage ratings.

The Sentra SE-R model offers a nice combination of performance and fuel-efficiency for the budget-minded auto enthusiast. The SE-R’s 4-banger produces 177 horsepower (on regular unleaded), and is mated with a continuously variable transmission controlled via paddle shifter.

Check out our Nissan Sentra Review:

Read more

Ford Focus Gas Mileage: 2000 – 2013

by

The compact Ford Focus was introduced to America in 2001 and underwent a restyling in the 2008 and 2012 model years. The domestic 2013 Ford Focus is powered by a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine that produces 160 horsepower (a 20 HP bump over the previous model). The Focus SFE is the most fuel-efficient model in the 2013 line up, achieving gas mileage ratings of 28 city and 40 highway miles per gallon, as it benefits from improved aerodynamics and low-rolling-resistance tires. The Focus Electric first appeared in 2012 (albeit in limited quantities) and the performance-oriented Focus ST was added in the 2013 model year.

2012 Ford Focus SE SFE Sedan with aerodynamic wheel covers.

We spent a week test driving a 2012 Ford Focus and were extremely impressed. Check out our Ford Focus review:

Read more

Ford Ranger Gas Mileage: 1986 – 2011

by

The compact Ford Ranger pickup truck was introduced to America in the midst of the gas crunch, roughly twenty-five years ago. Fuel efficient Mazda and Mitsubushi diesel engines were options in the earliest years of the Ranger. Ford also sold a battery-powered electric version, the Ranger EV, between 1998 and 2000.

The domestic 2011 Ford Ranger is available with either a 2.3 liter four cylinder or 4.0 liter six cylinder engine. The manual transmission-equipped 2.3 liter 2010 Ranger is rated at 22 city and 27 highway miles per gallon. The Ford Ranger sold in Europe is a rebadged Mazda that uses an economical 2.5-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine.

The jury’s out on whether or not America will ever get the well-received redesigned World Ranger. Ford is likely concerned that the new Ranger would cut into sales of the F-150.

Read more

Ford Escape Hybrid: Most Fuel-Efficient SUV on Earth?

by

Ford is running an advertising campaign, billing the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid as “the Most Fuel-Efficient SUV on Earth.” There’s no questioning that the Escape Hybrid delivers great gas mileage figures … for a SUV. But the claim that the Escape Hybrid is the world’s best demands closer inspection.

It’s time for a fact check.

While the Escape Hybrid is indeed the most fuel-efficient SUV currently for sale in the United States of America, it might not be the most fuel-efficient SUV in the entire world.

Equipped with a 2.2 liter i-CTDi common rail turbo diesel engine, the all-wheel-drive 2007 Honda CR-V currently on sale in Great Britain is rated at 34.9 Urban / 49.6 Extra Urban / 43.5 Combined in miles per British gallon. Since the British gallon is larger than the US gallon, we need to convert the numbers to US specs.

Read more

Cheap High MPG Cars: 1992

by

The 1992 model year offers a good range of choices for the high MPG used car shopper. The ranks of 1992 cars (as opposed to rank cars) that score over 35 miles per gallon on the highway includes: the Chevy Sprint and Cavelier, Daihatsu Charade, Dodge Colt, Eagle Summit, Ford Escort and Festiva, Geo Metro and Storm, Honda Civic, Hyundai Precis and Excel, Isuzu Stylus, Lincoln-Mercury Tracer, Mazda MX-3 and 323, Mitsubushi Mirage, Missan NX and Sentra, Oldsmobile Achieva, Plymouth Colt, Pontiac Sunbird and Lemans, Saturn SL, Suburu Justy, Toyota Tercel, and the Volkswagen Jetta. The Jetta remained as the only diesel offering in the group.

1992’s Top Ten High MPG list looks quite a bit like the 1991 list, with Suzuki-built cars grabbing six of the top ten spots. The Honda Civic VX Hatchback took the place of the CRX HF as Honda’s highest MPG offering. All of the entries are equipped with five-speed manual gearboxes.

Top Ten High MPG Cars – 1992 Model Year:

  • Geo Metro XFi – 3-cyl., 1.0 liter – MPG: 53 city / 58 highway
  • Honda Civic HB VX – 4-cyl., 1.5 liter – MPG: 48 city / 55 highway
  • Honda Civic HB VX – 4-cyl., 1.5 liter – MPG: 44 city / 51 highway
  • Chevrolet Sprint – 3-cyl., 1.0 liter – MPG: 46 city / 50 highway
  • Geo Metro – 3-cyl., 1.0 liter – MPG: 46 city / 50 highway
  • Pontiac Firefly – 3-cyl., 1.0 liter – MPG: 46 city / 50 highway
  • Geo Metro LSi – 3 -cyl., 1.0 – MPG: 46 city / 50 highway
  • Suzuki Swift – 3-cyl., 1.0 liter – MPG: 46 city / 50 highway
  • Honda Civic – 4-cyl., 1.5 liter – MPG: 42 city / 48 highway
  • Honda Civic – 4-cyl., 1.5 liter – MPG: 40 city / 47 highway

Read more