mpg-o-editor, Author at mpgomatic.com

40 MPG Cars: 2001-2013

July 18, 2022September 8, 2011 by mpg-o-editor

While fuel efficiency might seem like the latest craze, we’ve been tuned into it for years. 40 MPG cars are nothing new. Other sources may be content to simply throw up a photograph and a paragraph or two about any given economy car. We take the time to put hundreds and hundreds of miles on each and every odometer. We test for real-world fuel-efficiency with a light-footed driving style … because mileage matters.

Check out our playlist of 40 MPG Car Reviews!

Through comprehensive testing, we’ve found that a number of cars are capable of exceeding their highway fuel efficiency ratings when driven conscientiously. Some cars rated in the high 30 MPG range can eclipse the 40 MPG mark. It’s all in the way you drive. Over the last few years, we’ve tested a range of 40 MPG (highway) cars, including:

2011 Hyundai Elantra Review

September 14, 2011August 27, 2011 by mpg-o-editor

MPG-o-Matic 2011 Hyundai Elantra Review Summary:
The 2011 Hyundai Elantra is the value play in a crowded category, from its 100,000 mile powertrain warranty through a range of features not commonly found in most compact cars. With 40 miles per gallon (MPG) highway the new norm for the class, it takes more than just mileage to compete in the segment.

How Does Ethanol Affect Gas Mileage?

June 27, 2015August 11, 2011 by mpg-o-editor

You don’t have to go far to hear folks complaining about how the current level of ethanol content in unleaded gasoline has affected the gas mileage in their vehicles. Today’s gasoline contains approximately ten percent ethanol, for the most part, and is referred to as E10. Finding “ethanol-free” gasoline at a common service station has become increasingly rare, at best.

Ethanol contains approximately 33 percent less energy than gasoline. If you were to run 100 percent ethanol (E100) in your vehicle, you’d expect to take a 33% hit to gas mileage.* (Theoretically, since you can’t legally run 100% ethanol.) With E10, it’s a 3.33% penalty. Seeing that you can’t buy E0, there’s not much you can do about it.

At some point, we hope to perform dyno and real-world tests to document the drop in gas mileage. With “pure” pump gas nearly impossible to find nearby, we may need to buy expensive street-legal racing fuel.

2011 Volkswagen Touareg TDI Review

August 11, 2011August 10, 2011 by mpg-o-editor

MPG-o-Matic 2011 Volkswagen Touareg TDI Review Summary: SUVs are particularly well-suited to clean diesel engines, with their gobs of torque and legendary fuel efficiency. Unfortunately, American auto manufacturers have been hesitant to commit to diesel SUVs, other than a handful of short-lived exceptions. The luxurious diesel-powered 2011 VW Touareg TDI hammers home the facts, with a cruising range born for the open road.

2011 Hyundai Sonata Review

July 15, 2011July 2, 2011 by mpg-o-editor

MPG-o-Matic 2011 Hyundai Sonata Review Summary:
2011 Hyundai Sonata wraps a remarkably fuel-efficient gasoline direct injected (GDI) 2.4-liter inline four with a host of technology in a head-turning California-bred design. The competition has been put at notice. Hyundai’s stylish sedan has leapt to the front of the pack.