mpg-o-editor 
MPG-o-Matic Ford Escape Hybrid Review Summary: The Ford Escape Hybrid is a five seat sport utility that competes with the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Toyota Highlander, and Jeep Patriot, among others. In a crowded field, the Escape Hybrid’s excellent gas mileage set Ford’s innovative SUV apart from the competition.
Make no mistake about it … the Ford Escape Hybrid is the most fuel efficient SUV available here in the States.
We had the chance to crawl all over Ford’s Transit Connect van at the New York Auto Show and liked what we saw. While the trucklet’s looks may be controversial, there’s no arguing over its versatility …
Just don’t call it a minivan …
With 143 cubic feet of storage and 6 feet by 7 1/2 feet of floor space, the Ford Transit Connect will carve a sizable niche in a work van market that’s more than ready for change. As small businesses deal with the brutal realities of soaring gasoline prices, conventional truck sales are taking it on the chin.
MPG-o-Matic Honda CR-V Review Summary: The CR-V is a best-seller in the crowded five-passenger SUV market, competing against a slew of competitors including the Toyota RAV4, Ford Edge and Escape.
Now in its third generation, the CR-V has come a long way from its humble and boxy roots. The styling is sleek and rounded, while the ride and handling are decidedly car-like. With a 166 horsepower i-VTEC four-cylinder and 5 speed automatic, the CR-V never feels underpowered.
After spending a week and more than five hundred miles with a 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid, we walked away thoroughly impressed. Although rated at 40 city / 45 highway miles per gallon (MPG), we were able to easily exceed those numbers, landing 46.2 MPG combined.
Vanquish the thoughts of the tiny lightweight high-MPG Civics of yore (youth) … The roomy 2008 Civic has grown into adulthood and the Hybrid sits proudly at the top of the range.
I hounded my friend Chris Pirillo while he was on the air last week until he picked up my call. My persistence was worth it, as the controversy over my article on Chrysler’s 35 MPG diesels created quite a stir in the chat room. Chris posted a video of the segment on YouTube, for all … Read more