With gasoline prices spiking at more than $3.00 per gallon this
past summer, smart consumers should consider fuel economy when
making a new vehicle purchase. The difference in annual fuel costs
between a vehicle that gets 15 mpg and one that gets 25 mpg is
$1000. The savings jumps to $1500 for a vehicle that averages 35
mpg.
Consumers know to check the window sticker of a new vehicle for
the EPA's fuel-economy ratings. Included in the EPA's
fuel-economy box are average fuel costs and comparisons to other
vehicles in the same EPA class. In addition, the government offers
an excellent Web site for people concerned about fuel economy,
http://www.fueleconomy.gov.
In many cases, knowing the EPA fuel economy estimates isn't
enough. For fuel economy purposes, the EPA classifies vehicles by
interior volume. That sometimes leads to confusing groupings. For
example, the high-mileage Honda Insight is grouped in the same
class as the asphalt-chomping Dodge Viper, and those two vehicles
are hardly competitors.
Additionally, consumers need to check on the type of fuel
required. A vehicle that requires premium-grade fuel has to be
about 15% more efficient than a vehicle that runs fine on
regular-grade gasoline to be a cost-saver.
To help consumers compare direct competitors, the editors of
Consumer Guide® Automotive place each vehicle we evaluate into one
of 16 classes based on size, price, and market position. So,
for consumers comparing reviews of the Ford Fusion, Honda Accord,
and Toyota Camry, it is very easy to determine which of the three
is the fuel-economy champ.
Below, you'll find two charts of fuel-economy winners and
losers. One chart was compiled from 2006 EPA estimates and the
other compiled from the Consumer Guide logbooks for the past two
years. These charts mix gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles. At
the end of the EPA chart is a listing of hybrid and FFV
vehicles.
Obviously, there are flaws with putting too much stock into
fuel-economy numbers as individual driving habits have a greater
effect in overall economy than the type of vehicle. Still,
consumers can use these numbers to compare vehicles and estimate
potential annual fuel costs.
