mpg-o-editor

Most Fuel Efficient Cars of 2013 (Without a Plug)

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Looking for a new ride with great gas mileage? We’ve pulled together a list of the most fuel-efficient cars of 2013 that do not require an electrical connection. While plug-in vehicles can be very cool, they’re not practical for folks without access to an overnight plug.

The highest-MPG cars with Manfacturer Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) of $16,000 or less are the Nissan Versa ($11,190) Chevy Spark ($12,185), Chevy Sonic ($14,185), Toyota Yaris ($14,370), Scion iQ ($15,495), Ford Fiesta SFE ($15,935), and Fiat 500 ($16,000). The most frugal of the fuel-sippers are powered by conventional gasoline engines. The Honda Insight is the least expensive hybrid ($18,600), followed by the Toyota Prius c ($19,080).

The $4,710 price difference between the Prius c and the Toyota Yaris (on which the Prius c is based) represents more than just the cost of the hybrid drivetrain. You’ll want to use the MPGomatic Gas Mileage Calculator to determine how many miles it will take to drive in your specific conditions to warrant the added expense.

Be sure to consider the costs of different types of fuel. The cumulative cost differential between regular unleaded, premium unleaded, E85 and diesel fuel can add up over the years. The Ford Focus is the only vehicle on this list capable of running E85.

We’ve produced video reviews of a great many vehicles on this list over the years, so be sure to check them out. It’s our goal to cover them all …

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2014 Chevrolet Impala LTZ Review

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MPG-o-Matic 2014 Chevrolet Impala Review Summary: Once upon a time, the Chevy Impala was the car to own. As the top of the line Chevrolet, it was the working man’s luxury car, and it carried many a family in comfort and style. Ah, but that was long ago. Recent Impalas have been largely regarded as fleet vehicles, never considered for most families new car shopping lists. Chevrolet’s designers set out to right the wrongs with the new tenth generation Impala, with the hope of recapturing a big chunk of the large lux sedan consumer market. While some folks may scoff at the idea of cross-shopping a 2014 Impala against a Lexus or other import, a test drive will open many eyes.

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2014 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel Review

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MPG-o-Matic 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel Review Summary: The 2014 Chevy Cruze Diesel heralds a new era. Call me crazy, but I’ll say it here first … 2013 will go down in history as The Year of the Diesel in America. It’s been decades since an American auto manufacturer offered a diesel-powered sedan and the new Cruze Diesel is the first out of the gate. Chevy has planned for a limited run of 12,000 diesels in this first model year and I’d wager that they’ll sell out, shortly after the word gets out. The Cruze is the most fuel-efficient car from an American manufacturer for the open road. My marketing friends might call this one out as a scarcity play. Will dealers mark up if supplies grow tight? Only time will tell.

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Ford Escape Gas Mileage: 2001 – 2013

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The Ford Escape was introduced in 2001 as Ford’s entry into the two-row mid-size SUV segment. The original model was designed in conjunction with Mazda, and shared many components with the Mazda Tribute, as well as with the Mercury Mariner.

At the time it was introduced, the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid (shown below) was billed as the most fuel efficient SUV sold in the United States, with the front wheel drive version delivering 34 city and 30 highway miles per gallon, while the four wheel drive version hauled down 29 city and 27 highway. (The non-hybrid 2008-2012 Escape was offered with either a 2.4 liter four cylinder or a 3.0 liter six.) The Escape Hybrid was offered through the 2012 model year.

The Escape is all new for 2013, with a sleek new crossover design and a choice of three different engines.

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Honda CR-V Gas Mileage: 1998 – 2013

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First introduced in 1998, the Honda CR-V has become one of America’s most popular compact crossover SUVs. The CR-V was redesigned in 2007 and again in 2012, with fuel-efficiency a key consideration. Solid gas mileage figures have been one of the CR-V’s key selling points over the years, with the 2WD CR-V’s gas mileage ratings flirting with the 30 miles per gallon (MPG) mark on the highway. Today’s sleek CRV bears little resemblance to the earliest models (where aerodynamics and exterior design were not a priority).

The 2013 CR-V’s 2.4 liter 4-cylinder engine produces 185 horsepower (up from 156) and continues to be equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission. (2006 was the last year for the manual transmission in America.) The CR-V diesel’s 2.2 liter i-CTDi turbo diesel engine would a game-changer for the US market, with remarkable fuel mileage ratings.

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