Hybrids rule in latest Fuel Economy Guide

 

Oct. 28, 2004 –With the price of gasoline inching ever higher, the recent release of the 2005 Fuel Economy Guide is very timely for those considering trading in their gas guzzler for a more fuel-efficient vehicle.

Topping out at an estimated 61 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city, hybrids again lead the list of fuel-efficient vehicles for the new model year. Debuting at 12th in overall mileage this year is the Ford Escape hybrid two-wheel drive sport-utility vehicle (SUV), which at 36 mpg in the city leads the SUV class. The Ford Escape joins the Honda Insight (the overall leader at 61 mpg in city), Civic Hybrid and Toyota Prius in the hybrid market. In addition to being fuel-efficient, hybrids are among the cleanest running vehicles available.

The guide, compiled by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Ecology, is available online at www.fueleconomy.gov and includes fuel economy information going back to 1978, which can be helpful for buying used cars. The Web site also includes emissions information and the Department of Transportation's safety data for model year 2005 vehicles as well as fuel-saving tips for drivers.

In addition, EPA has posted the 2005 models on the Green Vehicle Guide Web site to give consumers a better picture of fuel economy and automobile emissions. Consumers can use this guide to locate the cleanest running and most fuel efficient vehicle that meets their needs. To access this guide, visit www.epa.gov/greenvehicles.

Related resources

Driving clean and green: It protects our air and our climate
Clean Air Matters newsletter, Spring 2004 More >

An interview with agency Executive Director Dennis McLerran: “Why I tell everyone — colleagues, elected officials, strangers — about my 2004 Toyota hybrid.”
Clean Air Matters newsletter, Spring 2004 More >