The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) have released the 2008 Fuel Economy Guide to help people make well-informed choices when purchasing new vehicles.
Hybrid vehicles continue to lead the government’s fuel economy ratings – the Toyota Prius tops the list at 48 mpg city and 45 mpg highway.
Fuel economy estimates, which appear on the window stickers of all new cars and light trucks prior to sale, are determined by tests that manufacturers and EPA conduct according to EPA specifications. This year’s label values are based on new test methods EPA finalized in December 2006. The new methods are designed to better account for actual driving conditions that can lower fuel economy, such as higher speed driving, use of air conditioning and cold weather operation. Because of the new methods, fuel economy estimates for all vehicles will generally be lower than those of last year.
To view the 2008 Fuel economy guide and for tips on increasing vehicle efficiency: http://www.fueleconomy.gov
The joint DOE-EPA Fuel Economy Web site, http://www.fueleconomy.gov , offers detailed information on vehicle fuel economy, including a complete downloadable version of the Fuel Economy Guide.
Comprehensive information about EPA’s Fuel Economy program: epa.gov/fueleconomy
The Green Vehicle Guide Web site, epa.gov/greenvehicles guides people to the cleanest, most fuel efficient vehicle that meets their needs.
2008 Model Year Overall Fuel Economy Leaders
Rank Manufacturer/Model City/Highway MPG
1. Toyota Prius (hybrid-electric) 48/45
2. Honda Civic Hybrid 40/45
3. Nissan Altima Hybrid 35/33
4. Ford Escape Hybrid FWD 34/30
MazdaTribute Hybrid 2WD
Mercury Mariner Hybrid FWD
5. Toyota Camry Hybrid 33/34
6. Toyota Yaris (manual) 29/36
7. Toyota Yaris (automatic) 29/35
8. Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD 29/27
Mercury Mariner Hybrid 4WD
Mazda Tribute Hybrid 4WD
9. Toyota Corolla (manual) 28/37
10. Honda Fit (manual) 28/34
Lowest Fuel Economy by Vehicle Class – 2008 Model Year
Class Model City/Highway MPG
Two Seater Lamborghini Murcielago (manual) 8/13
Minicompact Car Aston Martin DB9 Coupe, Volante (manual) 10/16
Subcompact Car Bentley Continental GTC 10/17
Compact Car Bentley Azure 9/15
Midsize Car Ferrari 612 Scaglietti (auto) 9/16
Large Car Bentley Arnage RL 9/15
Small Station Wagon Audi S4 Avant (manual) 13/20
Midsize Station Wagon Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Wagon 12/18v Sport Utility Vehicle* Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG 11/13
Minivan* Toyota Sienna 4WD 16/21
Pickup Truck* Rousch Performance Stage3 F150 11/15v Van (Passenger and Cargo)*
Passenger Chevrolet G1500/2500 EXPRESS 2WD 12/16
Chevrolet H1500 EXPRESS AWD
GMC G1500/2500 SAVANA 2WD
GMC H1500 SAVANA VAN AWD
Cargo Chevrolet G15/25 VAN CONV 2WD
Chevrolet H1500 VAN CONV AWD
GMC G15/25 SAVANA 2WD CONV
GMC H1500 SAVANA AWD CONV
*Trucks over 8500 pounds gross vehicle weight rating are currently exempt from federal fuel economy requirements
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