mpg-o-editor, Author at mpgomatic.com

2009 Cadillac CTS Review

August 23, 2013April 21, 2009 by mpg-o-editor

MPG-o-Matic Cadillac CTS V6 DI Review Summary: The 2009 Cadillac CTS V6 DI Performance Sedan delivers a killer combination of comfort, performance, and features. When driven conscientiously with a light foot, the CTS V6 DI provides solid fuel economy for a luxury sedan.

The 2009 Cadillac CTS V6 DI doesn’t just set the standard for American performance luxury sedans. It provides worthy competition for the imports. The rear-wheel-drive CTS is worlds apart from the wallowing thirsty Cadillacs of the days of yore.

Benefits of EcoDriving – Part I

April 20, 2009 by mpg-o-editor

There’s no question that conscientious fuel-efficient driving leads to both environmental and economic sustainability. When you use less fuel your vehicle pollutes less, while you keep more of your hard earned money in your wallet.

There are other benefits as well.

2009 New York Auto Show Videos

April 14, 2009 by mpg-o-editor

Gone are the days when the New York Auto Show promised over-the-top displays and lavish exhibits. No more giant sand castles or quasi off road adventures … We’ve cut roughly (or roughly cut) twenty videos from the show. Every one of the vehicle-focused videos is completely free of blah blah woof woof talking heads and … Read more

Pontiac Vibe AWD Review

July 15, 2011April 7, 2009 by mpg-o-editor

MPG-o-Matic Pontiac Vibe AWD Review Summary: The 2009 Pontiac Vibe AWD is one of the most affordable and thrifty AWD cars sold in America. The Vibe shares its underpinnings with the Toyota Matrix. Both the Vibe and Matrix are built in the same Fremont, CA auto plant.

If you’re looking for a small all-wheel-drive vehicle with unique styling, the 2009 Pontiac Vibe AWD just might be playing your tune.

Cash For Clunkers: Family Unfriendly?

April 6, 2009April 6, 2009 by mpg-o-editor

There’s an unfortunate wrinkle in the Federal Cash for Clunkers proposals. As proposed, the programs discriminate against large families.

The Clean Car Rebate Act of 2009 (H.R.1808) offers a modest sliding scale of rebates for vehicles that have a combined average of 28 miles per gallon (MPG) or more.

That’s all well and good for folks that can get by with a vehicle that fits into those criteria. A compact four passenger car should have no problem averaging 28 MPG.

But what about families that need to transport five or more people safely and comfortably? How many vehicles qualify for the program?

Under this proposal, large families will not receive funds to purchase a fuel-efficient vehicle that fits their needs … because the criteria for qualification is flawed.

One solution might be to fund swaps with a specific vehicle-by-vehicle MPG improvement qualification threshold. For example, a 6 MPG improvement threshold might provide a rebate for folks swapping a Ford Expedition for a Ford Flex.

Take a look at the vehicles that currently qualify for H.R.1808 (as initially proposed) and envision how six people would fit into any one of them. Then, consider how many of these vehicles are built in the United States.

This bill while well-intentioned, needs tweaks …