SUV Mileage

Although the gleam is long off the apple, America hasn’t given up on the sport utility vehicle (SUV) just yet. While sales of conventional SUVs have dropped dramatically, hybrid SUV models are selling quite well … and for good reason. Hybrid SUV mileage ratings are substantially higher than their conventional counterparts. With that in mind, we spent a good part of this past year testing SUV mileage, with a big focus on the most fuel-efficient hybrid SUVs.

Although some of the choices can be quite pricey, there’s little question that the best SUV mileage results are found in the hybrid models. This has lead to remarkable bursts of popularity within more affluent and progressive segments of the car-buying public.

Here’s a case in point …

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The False Hope of Increased Offshore Drilling

We are witnessing the beginning of the end of the grip of Big Oil … and Big Oil is Angry. Gasoline, diesel, and fuel oil prices are high because Big Oil can see its demise on the horizon. History will mark these words. This is their last gasp. Once the power of market control slips from Big Oil’s hands, their product will become as worthless as salt. Developed as well as developing nations will spurn its use.

Make no mistake about it. Increased offshore drilling will not lower the cost of our daily commutes any time in the near future, if ever. It will not fuel our trucks and trains this decade. It will not turn this economy around. It will not put masses of Americans to work.

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Mini Cooper Dealers

Looking for a Mini Cooper dealer? You’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled a list of US-based Mini Cooper dealers, along with a handy Google Map to help steer you in the right direction. Minis are among the most popular and fuel efficient vehicles we cover here on MPGomatic.com … and for good reason. There’s nothing else that delivers the Mini’s unique combination of performance, fuel economy, and style …

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New Car Sales Chart

If you’ve ventured into a car showroom more than once, you’ve probably heard the line, “What will it take to get you to leave with a new car today?” Car dealers are more desperate than ever to make a sale, and the ranks of those who sign on the dotted line to buy a new car have thinned to the smallest numbers in years. Sales at the Big Three US automakers – GM, Ford, and Chrysler – have fallen off a cliff, simply because they are not offering the vehicles that Americans are willing to buy.

This chart of new car registrations in the State of Maryland sums things up fairly well …

new car registrations 2003-2008

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2008 Scion xD MPG Review

Scion xD MPG-o-Matic Scion xD Review Summary: The uniquely styled Scion xD is a five door hatchback that competes with the Chevy Aveo, Honda Fit, Mazda3, Nissan Versa, and Toyota Yaris among others in the highly competitive subcompact market.

Under the hood, the xD is equipped with an inline four cylinder engine, producing 128 horsepower and 125 foot pounds of torque.

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