Chevrolet Uplander Gas Mileage

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The Uplander – Chevrolet’s “Family Sport Van” – was introduced in the 2005 model year. While the Uplander’s styling falls somewhere between minivan and crossover SUV, all wheel drive is not an option on the current model. The 2008 Uplander’s gas mileage ratings of 16 city and 23 highway miles per gallon (MPG) are squarely in line with its competition, both inside and outside of GM. (The Uplander shares its platform with the Buick Terraza, Pontiac Montana, and Saturn Relay.)

The 2008 Uplander is fitted with a 3.9 liter V-6 engine that produces 240 horsepower (HP) and 240 foot pounds of torque. E85 FlexFuel capability is optional. The Uplander seats seven with the choice of second-row removable modular bucket seats or removable captain’s chairs. While leather trimmed seats are available for the first and second row, the kids stuck way back in the third row are out of luck.

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Chrysler Town and Country Gas Mileage

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The Chrysler Town and Country minivan first hit the street in 1990, as an upmarket cousin to the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager. The Town and Country hauls the family in style and achieves highway gas mileage in the low- to mid-twenties for most models (the exception being the E85 fueled vehicles). The luxury minivan has enjoyed sustained popularity throughout its run and was redesigned in 1991, 1996, 2001, and 2008.

2008 Chrysler Town and Country minivans can be equipped with one of three V-6 engines, depending on the model.

  • Town and Country LX models are fitted with a 3.3 liter V-6 producing 175 horsepower (HP) and 205 foot pounds of torque.
  • Town and Country Touring models are equipped with a 3.8 liter V-6 delivering 197 HP and 230 foot pounds of torque.
  • Town and Country Limited models feature a 4.0 liter V-6 pumping out a generous 253 HP and 262 foot pounds of torque.

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Honda Odyssey Gas Mileage: 1995 – 2013

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Although Honda’s popular Odyssey was first introduced in 1995, it didn’t hit its stride until a 1999 redesign. Over the years, the Odyssey’s solid reputation for quality and good gas mileage ratings have enabled it to become one of the best-selling minivans in America.

The Odyssey was redesigned for the 2011 model year. All 2011 Odysseys are fitted with the 3.5-liter 24-Valve SOHC i-VTEC V6 engine, rated at 248 HP. The LX, EX, and EX-L models use a five-speed automatic, while the Touring Edition uses a six-speed. Fuel economy figures have improved over previous years, with the LX, EX, and EX-L rated at 18 city / 27 highway / 21 combined and the Touring Edition rated at 19 / 28 / 22.

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30 MPG Cars

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Thirty miles per gallon (MPG) on the highway isn’t too much to ask. As the chart below shows, the 30 MPG car isn’t a rarity in America these days. Alas, it’s not nearly as common as it was 25 years ago. Looking back at the lists of high MPG cars built in the early 1980s might be a surprise to some, for the lists were long and the fuel efficiency ratings were high. The 30 MPG car was not an oddity back then … it was more part of our nation’s mindset.

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VW Jetta SportWagen TDI Delayed

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Can’t wait to get behind the wheel of a brand new high-MPG Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI? Get ready to wait a bit longer. A post on the TDI Club forum leaks a letter from VW to its dealer network, spreading the news of a significant delay in the SportWagen TDI’s arrival.

According to the letter, the Jetta SportWagen TDI will not appear after the first of the year, nor in early spring … “late summer 2008” is now the expected time frame.

SEMA 2008 Jetta SportWagen TDI side view - photo courtesy of Volkswagen

Enough of the bad news. Lets get to the good.

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