Why are there no new cars in the top 10

[MetroMPG]

Well, I assumed the question was directed at the top 10 gasser list. Because the newer hybrid cars are doing OK too.

It's true that controlling NOX cramps FE potential (in gas engines, anyway - can't speak for the diesels.)

[rh77]

Honestly, I do want an efficient small car aside from the one I have -- but honestly, I'm cool with what I've got. I've resolved to drive the Integra until it basically dies or becomes too costly to repair. From a financial standpoint -- no car payment is nice, and the potential is there for some high percentage FE over EPA.

I'm sure many of us are there -- we have the potential with what we drive -- it's just getting there (or finding the time to work/experiment to reach additional FE potential).

Hopefully the MY '08-'09 will produce some smaller, low emitting and high FE vehicles. It may be tempting to get something then -- but I don't know if I'd buy new for myself lately. There's too much loss of equity. Diesels really have my interest lately (specifically the Accord iCTDi).

RH77

[Mike T]

OK, so against diesels it's not a fair fight? I say it would be, look at the Suzuki crew getting 70+ MPG! Whatever....

[zpiloto]

Originally Posted by Mike T

OK, so against diesels it's not a fair fight? I say it would be, look at the Suzuki crew getting 70+ MPG! Whatever....

"Sigh" I didn't include hybrids or diesel because their are only 7 on the list, opposed to over 100 gassers, and most all of them are new so it hard to compare how they rate to older vechiles of the same type. Just trying to compare apple to apples. Guess it just a subconscious bias towards the gassers. Sorry if I hurt anyones pride.

[skewbe]

Originally Posted by Mike T

OK, so against diesels it's not a fair fight? I say it would be, look at the Suzuki crew getting 70+ MPG! Whatever....

Diesel has 11% more energy per gallon. I think Diesel MPG numbers would need to be adjusted downward accordingly. You still have the advantage of very high compression ratios which I won't begrudge you.

[Mike T]

Maybe someone needs to found DieselSavers.org

[MetroMPG]

"energysavers.org"! (So I can report the ForkenSwift's future "MPG".)

[GasSavers_James]

Maybe it's because most of us are penny pinchers, and dont buy new cars.

[red91sit]

This is probobly why, average fuel econmy of new vehices (purchased)* in the U.S. has steadily declined over the years since the early 80's. There are a few cars getting improved gas mileage, like hybrids, but the average americans new car is getting worse gas mileage every year.


* accidently put built, should have been purchased.

[GasSavers_brick]

My '02 Accord was in the top ten for % above EPA for a brief, fleeting moment. I felt good about that moment . But then you guys kicked my butt! At least the Prius is doing OK so I can't complain.

I agree with the theory that it's because the automakers just aren't trying anymore. They think that hybrids should be the only really efficient cars because otherwise you would have to "make sacrifices." That and they don't want to start introducing cars that would compete with the hybrids. Can you imagine if Honda had brought the 1.3L iDSI Fit w/ CVT to the US? It would easily match the Civic Hybrid on fuel economy for 60-75% of the cost. As much as I'm loving the Prius, the Fit might have won me over on economics alone.