EPA: Toyota and Honda Tops as Fuel Leaders

posted by Pete on October 19th, 2006

Date posted: 10-18-2006
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Toyota Prius gas/electric hybrid topped the EPA’s 2007 fuel economy list, with its 60 mpg city and 51 mpg highway ratings. The Lamborghini Murciélago was ranked the worst on the list, with a 9 mpg city and 14 mpg highway rating.

Taking the number-two spot behind the Prius was the Honda Civic Hybrid, which the government rates at 49 mpg city and 51 mpg highway. The Toyota Camry Hybrid won the third spot among fuel economy leaders with a 40 mpg city and 38 mpg highway rating.

Rounding out the leader board were the Ford Escape Hybrid front-wheel-drive model, Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio and the Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD/Mercury Mariner Hybrid 4WD.

The Bentley Arnage long-wheelbase model took the second spot for the lowest overall fuel economy models, with a 10 mpg city and 15 mpg highway rating. Other low-scoring vehicles included the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, at 10 mpg city and 17 mpg highway, and the Ferrari 599GTB at 11 mpg city and 15 mpg highway.

The EPA said in a statement that it expects to finalize proposed changes to its test methods in time to take effect with 2008 models. The changes are designed to “better reflect what drivers are experiencing on the road,” the EPA said in a statement.

What this means to you: More than the economics of it, the brand image of a company seen as being “fuel-efficient” is one of the most valuable commodities in the auto industry today.

Source: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=117191