Fuel Efficient Cars

It seems like every time we fill up at a gas station, the price of gas has jumped ten cents since the last fill up. It has become clear that gas prices will only rise which is why now more than ever, fuel efficiency has become a desirable trait in vehicles. While hybrids and electric cars have the best fuel efficiency, hybrids are more expensive and electric cars have distance limitations and need chargers. There are a handful of cars that run on gas only and achieve 40 miles per gallon or higher for under $20,000. Here are some of those vehicles.

The 2012 Chevy Cruze Eco tops the list with a fuel economy of 28 MPG city and 42 highway miles with a six-speed manual transmission. The Cruze Eco has a 1.4L, turbocharged Ecotec engine with 138 horsepower. The Cruze Eco also has the option of a six-speed, automatic transmission that has a fuel economy of 26 city and 37 highway MPG. Even though the Cruze Eco is considered a compact car, it has the spaciousness and features of a midsized sedan with ten standard airbags for added safety.

The Cruze Eco is not the only Chevrolet to achieve excellent fuel efficiency. The 2012 Chevy Sonic Eco has a fuel economy of 40 highway MPG. The Sonic Eco is Chevy's replacement for the Aveo and the only small car built in America. It is available as a sedan or five-door hatchback. The Sonic comes with a 1.4L, turbocharged engine that delivers 138 horsepower while achieving 40 MPG on the highway. The Sonic comes standard with ten airbags as well and has more cargo space than the Ford Fiesta.

The Ford Fiesta is Ford's competitor to the Chevy Sonic. The 2012 Ford Fiesta can achieve a fuel economy of 29 city and 40 highway MPG. The design of the Fiesta is based off of popular European designs and comes as a sedan or hatchback. The 1.6L four-cylinder engine gives the Fiesta 120 horsepower. The Ford Fiesta comes standard with seven airbags and traction and stability control as well as an SFE package that includes accessories like a rear spoiler, underbody shields, lower grille blockers, and low-rolling resistance tires for higher fuel efficiency.

The Honda Civic is annually a top fuel efficient pick and the 2012 Honda Civic is no exception. The 2012 Honda Civic has been redesigned for a more spacious interior with an improved engine. Civics are available in coupe or sedan styles with gas or hybrid powered engines. Gasoline powered Civics feature a 1.8L, four-cylinder engine that gets 140 horsepower and 29 city and 41 highway MPG when combined with a five-speed automatic transmission. The 2012 Honda Civics also have improved aerodynamics and reduced rolling resistance to maximize fuel efficiency.

So while there seems to be no relief in sight for gas prices, cars are becoming increasingly more fuel efficient. The most fuel efficient gas powered cars are also quite affordable ranging from 12 to 20,000 dollars. Switching to a more fuel efficient car is the best way to decrease fuel costs and protect yourself from rising gas prices.