2009 EPA Fuel Economy Guide Includes Some New Winners
EPA Fuel Economy Leaders: 2009 Model Year
Sure, the Prius still tops the rankings that the EPA and the Department of Energy issued last week. But there are some notable new additions to the Top 10 list. In particular, the 2009 Volkwagen Jetta diesel and the 2009 Smart Fortwo. The Jetta, which comes in no less than 32 different flavors, will benefit from a $1,300 federal tax credit. The Smart? Well, you couldn't get me to buy that car even with a tax credit. Not with that transmission, anyway.
Happily, I'm the owner (or lessee) of the #3 car on the list, although I have to admit I'm getting less than the EPA estimated mileage of 35/33. I can't complain too much about getting 30/31, but the VW diesel's numbers (30/41 or 29/40) sure are tempting. The fact that VW sells every diesel it makes, means that if you want one, get in line now.
- Posted by
- Joanne Helperin October 22, 2008, 6:00 AM
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- Categories:
- Car Buying, Fuel Economy, Hybrids and Alternative Fuels
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- EPA, Fuel Economy, Volkswagen Jetta Diesel
Joanne, I'm wondering what makes the Prius more economical in the city than the Civic Hybrid......are both of them not series hybrids that shut-off the engine at a standstill and can be driven by the electric motor only at low speeds?
Because averages aren't listed, and I'm too lazy to look them all up, it appears that this raking is based on city mpg. That gives hybrids a distinct advantage.
Looks like the EPA needs to learn how to spell Volkswagen.
BA, it could be that the Prius was designed from the ground up, as opposed to the Civic. There's also a lot more research dollars put into the Prius.
The conspiracy theorist could argue that since Toyota owns a large percentage of the transmission supplier for Honda, Toyota makes sure they work better in Toyota's.
I was getting 30MPG around town on flat roads in dry desert here in an 87 rear drive automatic Corolla. I always had the power steering pump disconnected and A/C removed from car. The car has 250k miles.Lately I replaced the engine and hooked back up the power stuff and AC. Im going to see if it still gets good mileage.For a thousand dollars its the best car I ever bought.Waiting for gas prices to go back to really appreciate it again.