Photo source: getgoodgear
Transmissions and engines have become a lot more energy efficient since 1984. But, over time, most cars have gotten bigger and heavier as safety and comfort have become more important to buyers. This is why the following list contains a mixture of old cars with tiny engines, newer hybrids and plug-in hybrids.
Chevrolet Volt
Engine: 4 cylinder; 1.4 liter
General Motors' plug-in Volt has a gasoline engine, comes out as the top one based on it’s EPA-estimated as 60 miles per gallon
combined electric and gas driving. In reality, the figure depends largely on how often the battery is charged and how far the car goes between charges.
Toyota Prius
Engine: 4 cylinder; 1.8 liter
The Prius was once a niche product for "green" geeks to but now it’s
one of Toyota's most popular models, and it accounts for half of all hybrid car sales in America.
Chevrolet Sprint ER
Engine: 3 cylinder; 1.0 liter
This is essentially a rebranded Suzuki, and they relied on a tiny engine to have a maximum efficient vehicle. As most cars have grown and more safety features have been added, it would be quite hard to match this kind of gas economy without depending on hybrid technology.
Honda Civic CRX HF
Engine: 4 cylinder; 1.5 liter
This is a two-seat version of the Honda Civic, it’s the base model of the CRX line-up, was created for the purpose of fuel economy. When it was new in the market, the car boasted EPA-rated 57 mpg highway mileage, but testing procedures that were done later in 2008 lowered that figure.
Honda Civic Hybrid
Engine: 4 cylinder; 1.5-liter (Hybrid)
The new
Civic Hybrid is a safer and heavier car than the old CRX HF. It has back seats, which make it more practical too. All the extra weight means that it needs to rely on Honda's hybrid system to reduce fuel economy close to what the older car got.
Honda Civic VX Hatchback
Engine: 4 cylinder; 1.5 liter
Honda dominates this list partly because there are so many different versions of the Civic that each qualifies for a separate inclusion. The EPA listed only one model name unless the model was redesigned into a different size class.
Toyota Prius v
Engine: 4 Cylinder; 1.9 liter (hybrid)
The Toyota Prius v adds extra cargo room and sliding back seats compared to the "regular" Prius for greater cargo space and flexibility. For the record, it's pronounced as "vee," and not "five."
Lexus CT200h
Engine: 4 Cylinder; 1.8 liter
The CT200h is the second hybrid-only model for Lexus. This one is tuned for more responsive driving but still delivers, decent fuel economy.
Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD
Engine: 2.3 Liter
Cynics are often forgiven if they’re shocked to learn that the sixth
most fuel-efficient 2008 vehicle in the U.S. is an SUV from Ford. They manufacture a good-looking sport-Ute that can be used in the city. For all the cynics out there or people who want to take baby steps into this hybrid life with a ride that looks pretty much familiar, this vehicle may be your answer.
The Volkswagen XL1
The Volkswagen are now selling the world’s
most fuel-efficient production car, which can go for a staggering 313 miles per gallon.
This car can go from 0-60mph in just 11.9 seconds, and there are just 200 of this type of cars on sale as they were hand crafted.
Nissan Altima Hybrid
Engine: 4 Cylinder; 2.5 liter
Nissan purchased the rights to Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive which resulted in the Nissan Altima Hybrid. A car that combined the fuel-saving and high-tech benefits of Toyota's hybrid technology with the Altima's driving dynamics and sporty looks.
In conclusion, environment-friendly vehicles are produced in minimal numbers as they are handcrafted. But the importance of their creation cannot be overstated, I wonder why we do not focus on creating more. This is because can be able to conserve our environment by using these vehicles while still fulfilling the day to day activities.
