Best fuel economy for the buck
August 1, 2008 9:49 AM 
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heh, the Prius still comes in third, even with the huge upfront costs.
When I thought I might look for a new car (not gonna happen now), the Fit looked really tempting for just that reason.
what's not taken into account is the comfort level and looks of the car. most folks aren't buying just because it's good on gas - after all you could just get a motorcycle.
I'm loving my Camry Hybrid... it's a *much* better ride than the Prius, better rated than the Honda's and I'm getting 35 MPG average with mostly city driving.
Bottom line, I love my Camry Hybrid!
@SPK A motorcycle is the way to go. I paid about 1000 for mine a year and a half ago, average about 80 mpg in heavy traffic (small displacement bike, not a scooter), insurance costs about 1000 a year, and there have been almost no maintenance or repair costs. Plus, its a hell of a lot more pleasant than driving a car (even during the summer in Texas).
@rem83
I got a bike last summer (1999 Honda CBR 600 F4) because I wanted one, and if I don't get one now I never will. It's not THAT great, but I can get a solid 45-50 mpg on longer rides. and still get 35mpg on regular stop and go roads. Not that great, but still way more fun (and practical) to drive than a prius :)
Anyway, about your "pleasant to drive even during the summer thing: I guess it's not that humid in the Texas, but in DE and MA when it occasionally gets to 90+ there's no speed you can reach that will provide enough air to cool you off. Just my opinion...
And, as often happens, no TDI's in the list. Not sure if it's because they suspended selling them for a year in preparation for the 2009 model year, or if it's because you can't buy them in five of the fifty states. But I would think a simple Golf TDI would be in that range in sticker price over MPG.
Buy a used car ( 30% price reduction over new ) that gets good mileage and you already ahead on the sticker price per gallon chart.
@jjmatt33 - I live south of Houston, we're usually pretty close to 100% humidity (right on the Gulf Coast) and daily highs range between 90 and 100 F all summer. I have an '81 Honda CM200T that gets me about 80 mpg. The only time its unpleasant is standing still in heavy traffic, which in Texas usually includes at least one HD pickup blowing diesel exhaust in your face. To me, that is worth the ~23k I saved over buying a Prius (plus the extra 30 mpg or so).
Yep, motorcycles are definitely a good way to go. Check out this blog I came across recently - www.motorcyclescansavetheworld.com
Some interesting commentary there. Keep the rubber side down.
one problem with cars like the prius, is you have to look at the premium you are paying for it being a high mpg car, and how long it will take to save those thousands of dollars in gas costs. If they were being mass produced at the level most passenger cars are, the prices would go down to close to the prices of other cars. I believe this was the purpose of the consumer reports story.
Also on used cars, the better MPG used cars you will find priced close to the price of the new models