With hybrids like the Toyota Prius and the Honda Civic, it is not big news that high mileage cars are now getting over 40 miles per gallon. The big news is the non-hybrids claiming to get 40 mpg in their commercials and not making the distinction that this is 40 mpg on the highway.
Another detail they fail to mention is the high mileage cars getting the 40 mpg are not the base models but those with extra features.
Hybrids getting 40 mpg
2011 Toyota Prius $23,050
If getting good gas mileage is at the top of your list then it will be no surprise that the Toyota Prius is the car at the top of the high mileage cars. With 51 City/48 Hwy mpg, the Prius sets the standard among hybrids.
2011 Honda Civic Hybrid $23,950
The gas-electric Civic delivers 40 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on the highway and shares the same drive train as the Honda Insight in a much more standard looking body.
2011 Honda Insight, $18,200
The 2011 Honda Insight introduced hybrid vehicles to the world over 10 years ago and continues to be a leader in the field of high mileage cars. With the price tag at 18,200 and the gas mileage at 40 City/43 Hwy mpg, gas money is not the only money you will be saving.
2011 Ford Fusion Hybridand 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, $28,340
2011 Fusion Hybrid and the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid are heavy midsize sedans that get a surprising 41 City/36 Hwy mpg, making them both an economical as well as comfortable way to travel through congested traffic.
2011 Lexus CT 200h, $30,000
This sporty hatchback has four different driving modes: Electric, Eco, Normal, Sport, and gets 43 city/40 highway mpg in the Eco mode. In Sports mode, it will navigate twisting back roads and make you forget you are driving a hybrid.
2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid, $27,050
A hybrid that is good for the environment and for your pocketbook, the Toyota Camry Hybrid is better on gas and quicker than a regular four cylinder Camry and only slightly more in price.
Non-Hybrids Getting 40 mpg Highway
2011 Smart For Two, $12,490: A European import ideal for city parking, the Smart For Two’s 33 mpg city mileage is not quite as impressive as its 41 mpg highway mileage. However, lack of carrying space makes this car less attractive, among high mileage cars, for long distance traveling.
2011 Hyundai Elantra, $22,830
According to Consumers Reports, the 2011 Hyundai only gets 39 mpg highway miles instead of the 40 it advertises. Still at $14830, this Korean non-hybrid with a 140 horsepower and sleek good looks is still a contender.
2011 Volkswagen Golf TDI & 2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI, $23,765
Clean diesel-powered cars Jetta TDI and Golf TDI are a different way to go than a hybrid since they get 30 City/42 Hwy mpg for the Jetta and 30 City/41 Hwy mpg for the Golf. The 4 cylinder TDI 2.0 liter turbo engines feature 140 horsepower with a 236 lb-ft. of torque that gives you the speed you need to navigate the on-ramps!
2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco, $18,175 (manual transmission)
The Chevrolet Cruze Eco lighter and more efficient body gets 28 City/42 Hwy mpg with the optional six speed manual transmission,. Adjustable air louvers that change based on the car’s aerodynamic needs and the same turbocharged 1.4-liter engine as the Chevrolet Volt Hybrid help fuel mileage.
2011 Ford Fiesta SE Sedan $16,290
2011 Ford Fiesta SE hatchback, $17,300
If you expect to get the advertised 40 mpg high way miles (29 city) from your Ford Fiesta SE Sedan you will need to be sure to get the mid level Fiesta SE with the $695 Super Fuel Economy and the automatic transmission, ($1095). These cars come with many options but be careful not to add so many that the added weight hurts your gas mileage – that defeats the whole point of high mileage cars in the first place!
