mpg-o-editor

Ford Flex MPG Review

by

Ford Flex MPG-o-Matic Ford Flex Review Summary: The 2009 Ford Flex nearly defies description. As a brilliant alternative to SUVs and minivans, the Flex represents a rebirth of the great American station wagon with the comforts of a spacious limousine.

Available in both all-wheel- (AWD) and front-wheel-drive (FWD) configurations, the Ford Flex breaks new ground in the seven-seat people mover category. It’s not an SUV, it’s not a minivan, and it’s not like any crossover you’ve ever seen before.


While the Ford Flex competes with a range of seven-seat crossovers and SUVs, there’s nothing currently on the market that provides direct competition. With the Flex, Ford has created an entirely new segment.

Read more

Mitsubishi i MiEV

by

What’s it like to drive the Mitsubishi i MiEV electric micro car? We had our chance to drive and ride in the little critter at the Electric Drive Transportation Association’s (EDTA) ride and drive event in Washington, DC early last month. The i MiEV is smooth, quiet, and quite unlike a golf cart that some … Read more

2008 Hybrid

by

In a historic year, automakers produced an array of 2008 hybrid models, from the trend-setting Toyota Prius through the stealthy Nissan Altima Hybrid and utilitarian Ford Escape Hybrid. Where the pickings were once slim, there’s now a bounty of choices.

MPGomatic had the good fortune to review most of the 2008 hybrid cars and SUVs over the course of the year, and we’ve come away with some interesting observations. There’s little doubt that 2008 set a high-water mark on an ever-rising tide, as hybrid technology clearly moves into the mainstream.

While it’s tough to pick a single favorite among the 2008 hybrids, a number of models stood out from the crowd. Although the Prius continued as the most fuel-efficient car sold in America, the Honda Civic Hybrid was close behind. The Toyota Synergy Drive technology in the Prius captured the top spot due to its ability to glide under pure electric propulsion at lower speeds.

Among the five-seat 2008 hybrid SUVs, the Saturn VUE Green Line Hybrid took the honors for highest highway mileage, while the Ford Escape Hybrid grabbed the crown for city mileage. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid was unchallenged as the most fuel-efficient seven-seat SUV.

All-in-all, a very good year that sets the stage for an even-higher level of hybridization in 2009.

Hybrid Reviews:

Read more

Smith Electric Ford Transit Van

by

Of all the electric vehicles I saw, drove, or rode in earlier this month at the Electric Drive Transportation Association’s (EDTA) 2008 conference in Washington DC, none can have as immediate and important an impact as Smith Electric’s “Edison” … this electrified Ford Transit van has the potential to revolutionize local delivery for a wide range of firms, both small and large. The Ford Transit goes toe-to-toe with the venerable Sprinter for sheer versatility, offering a remarkable amount of cargo and head room.

Read more

Ford Fusion Hybrid: Quick Cruise

by

While the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid won’t start rolling off assembly line until late winter, I had the chance to drive a pre-production version yesterday at a Ford media event. The ride was brief, but eye-opening. With temperatures hovering in the twenties, I was able to coax 40.5 miles per gallon (MPG) out of the … Read more