mpg-o-editor The selection of domestically produced diesel vehicles shrank through the late eighties and into the nineties. Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen were the only automakers to sell diesel-powered passenger cars in America during this period, with the Jetta, Golf and Passat delivering chart-topping mileage. While American automakers continued to build a range of light diesel pickup trucks, diesel vans, and a smattering of diesel SUVs, the writing was clearly on the wall.
Diesel Mileage: 1989 – 1997
The 1985 through 1987 model years are packed with diesel-engine cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs. A number of these vehicles provide excellent mileage results. If you can find an old oil burner that’s stood up to the years, it could be your low budget ticket into the world of biodiesel and straight vegetable oil (SVO) conversions. But make no mistake about it, these are loud and smelly old school diesels. While there may be gems to find, rust aside, you’ll do well to avoid many of the diesel-powered vehicles of this vintage, regardless of their mileage ratings.
Diesel Mileage: 1985 – 1987
MPG-o-Matic Toyota Highlander Hybrid Review Summary: The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a seven seat SUV that plays a trump card in the sport utility market, by delivering the best gas mileage in its class.
Equipped with Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy drive system and a 3.3 liter V6 engine, the Highlander Hybrid produces a total of 209 horsepower and 212 foot pounds of torque.
The official gas mileage estimates for the four wheel drive Highlander Hybrid Limited are 27 city / 25 highway miles per gallon (MPG). (Overall, the Highlander Hybrid’s numbers represent a significant step above the conventional Highlander’s 18/24 rating.)
Although the gleam is long off the apple, America hasn’t given up on the sport utility vehicle (SUV) just yet. While sales of conventional SUVs have dropped dramatically, hybrid SUV models are selling quite well … and for good reason. Hybrid SUV mileage ratings are substantially higher than their conventional counterparts. With that in mind, we spent a good part of this past year testing SUV mileage, with a big focus on the most fuel-efficient hybrid SUVs.
Although some of the choices can be quite pricey, there’s little question that the best SUV mileage results are found in the hybrid models. This has lead to remarkable bursts of popularity within more affluent and progressive segments of the car-buying public.
Here’s a case in point …
We are witnessing the beginning of the end of the grip of Big Oil … and Big Oil is Angry. Gasoline, diesel, and fuel oil prices are high because Big Oil can see its demise on the horizon. History will mark these words. This is their last gasp. Once the power of market control slips from Big Oil’s hands, their product will become as worthless as salt. Developed as well as developing nations will spurn its use.
Make no mistake about it. Increased offshore drilling will not lower the cost of our daily commutes any time in the near future, if ever. It will not fuel our trucks and trains this decade. It will not turn this economy around. It will not put masses of Americans to work.