Cars with Highest EPA Mileage Ratings

Which cars get the highest gas mileage? Which SUVs have the highest EPA mileage rating?

Fuel economy has become one of the main factors with automobile consumers making decisions about buying and leasing new cars. Volatile gas prices have created an unprecedented interest in fuel efficient vehicles. In this article, we will show you which vehicles offer the best gas mileage.

Understand Gas MPG Specs
The federal government's Environmental Protection Agency rates fuel mileage in two parts: city and highway. City driving uses more fuel due to frequent starts and stops. Highway driving produces the best mileage, assuming normal highway speeds. Mileage is measured in miles-per-gallon (MPG). Don't expect your own mileage results to exactly match the EPA's figures.

Vehicles with manual transmissions generally produce better mileage than those with automatics. Vehicles with 4-cylinder engines are more efficient than the same models with 6-cylinder or 8-cylinder engines. 4-wheel drive vehicles have poorer fuel economy than 2-wheel drive vehicles, or operating in 2-wheel mode. All-terrain tires and snow tires have more rolling resistance and use more fuel than highway tires. Brand new cars use more fuel during the break-in period (the first 1000-2000 miles) — because the engine is less efficient during that period.

Other factors that help improve gas mileage are: correct tire air pressure, a properly tuned and maintained engine, using the recommended octane-rated fuel, driving at constant speeds when possible, no excessive idling, avoiding jack-rabbit starts, and avoiding frequent short trips. Some people believe that air conditioner use affects mileage significantly. It does not.

Understand Tradeoffs
When considering fuel efficient automobiles, it's important to understand that, in general, you're looking at smaller cars — some of which are very small — and smaller engines (reduced performance). Be sure you don't overlook your immediate and near-future needs for passenger capacity and cargo space in your zeal to save money on fuel. Because some of the best gas-savers are hybrid vehicle, make sure you understand how hybrids work and are comfortable with the new technology and its (typically) higher costs.

Although many smaller vehicles have good safety ratings, others do not. Investigate safety ratings for any vehicle you are considering and don't trade safety for fuel savings.

Best Gas Mileage Small Cars

• Toyota Prius
• Honda Civic Hybrid
• Toyota Camry Hybrid
• Honda Fit
• Toyota Yari

Best Gas Mileage Mid sized Cars

• Toyota Camry Hybrid
• Nissan Altima Hybrid

Best Gas Mileage Small SUVs

• Honda CR-V EX
• Nissan Rogue SL
• Saturn VUE Green Line
• Subaru Forester 2.5X Premium
• Toyota RAV4

Best Gas Mileage Mid sized SUVs

• Toyota Highlander Hybrid
• Lexus RX 400h
• Ford Escape Hybrid

Pricing your Gas Saving Car
We recommend that you shop for the best prices on your new fuel-efficient car. It's even more important now that demand for such vehicles has risen dramatically along with the increase in gas prices. Dealers are less willing to offer the same discounts they were offering a year ago. But good deals are still available if you shop and compare prices from multiple sources.

Getting price quotes online from national car pricing services is the easiest and fastest way. The quotes are free and do not obligate you in any way. We recommend the following companies, who we know to be reputable and have good reputations. Be sure to request quotes from more than one service.

Recommended Online Car Pricing Services
Some of the best online pricing/buying services that we have found to have high customer satisfaction are the following:

InvoiceDealers is one of the best and oldest car pricing services. Since they work with dealers for all makes of vehicles all over the country, you're almost certain to get a competitive price.

Edmunds is a well-known leader in online car information. Their web site is one of the most frequently visited by automotive consumers who are doing research before they buy or lease a new or used car. You can also get free price quotes from their extensive dealer network by simply filling out a short online form.

Yahoo! Autos is a complete car shopping and research site. We like the side-by-side car comparison feature that compares everything about up to four vehicles, including prices, dealer incentives, gas mileage, warranties, and even owner ratings — everything. When you ask for their free dealer price quotes, make sure you select multiple dealers in your area, if given that choice.

Summary
Buying or leasing the best gas saving car for your specific needs requires a little homework and clear thinking. Make sure you balance your fuel cost requirements with other requirements such as vehicle size, performance, reliability, and cost. Trading an old gas guzzler and paying $10,000 more for a gas saver may not be the best move, financially. It can takes years to break even on cost savings. Just keep your eyes open to the overall value of any decision you make and don't be blinded by the singular need to reduce fuel cost.

For more, see LeaseGuide.com