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Best Gas Mileage 2011 Cars

There are many car models to consider when comparing the best gas mileage 2011 cars. There are more than a dozen models that have efficient hybrid engines. As for gas engine cars, there are two models in the U.S. with suggested retail prices under $20,000 that get at least 40–mpg highway. They are the 2011 Hyundai Elantra and 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco.

The Elantra is all–new for 2011. Some consider it the best car under $15,000. The Elantra has a 1.8–liter 148 horsepower four cylinder–engine six–speed transmission in all three of its trim lines. The Elantra has a starting suggested base price of $14,930, while the Limited trim line starts at $19,930. The Elantra Limited comes standard with a host of features and an automatic transmission.

The Cruze is a new compact sedan from Chevrolet replacing the Cobalt. The Eco trim line is rated at 42–mpg highway with the manual transmission. Other Cruze trims get 35 to 36 mpg highway offering either a 1.8–liter four–ylinder 136 horsepower or 1.4–liter 138 horsepower turbo–charged engine. The turbo–charged engine gets noticeably more torque than the normally aspirated mill – 148 to 123 and is slightly more fuel–efficient.

More fuel–efficient cars are on the way. Ford has confirmed the 2012 Focus will achieve EPA–rated 40–mpg highway. The all–new 2012 Honda Civic will also likely reach the 40–mpg highway barrier. Cars are using newer technologies and more gears to increase fuel economy. More transmission gears, lighter materials, variable valve timing, and other new engine technologies are being utilized to increase fuel economy.

The majority of the available hybrid car models get at least 40–mpg city, highway or both. These models include the Toyota Prius (51/48), Lexus CT 200h (42/41), Lincoln MKZ Hybrid (41/36), Honda Civic (40/43), Honda Insight (40/43), and Ford Fusion Hybrid (41/36). The Honda Insight is the least expensive hybrid car with a starting suggested retail price of $18,200. However, it is smaller in size than the Prius.

Electric cars are also now emerging on the market. They are the best gas mileage 2011 cars of all. The Nissan LEAF is an all–electric car that goes over 100 miles on a charge. It requires no gas at all. The Chevrolet Volt uses a combination electric plug–in/gas engine that can run the first 40 miles on electric power without using the gas–powered generator to create additional electricity. These models can contribute to huge gas cost savings. However, the starting retail prices for the Leaf and Volt are $32,760 and $40,280, respectively. The U.S. government is currently offering a tax credit up to $7,500 on a LEAF or Volt.

Diesel models also get excellent fuel economy. For example, the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI gets 30 mpg city / 42 mpg highway. This compares to the Jetta SE which is rated at 24 mpg city / 33 mpg highway. Its suggested retail price is $22,995, which is $4,800 more than the Jetta SE, which has a 170 horsepower 2.5–liter four–cylinder engine. The TDI has 140 horsepower but considerably more torque than the SE 236 to 177.

With rising fuel costs, these best gas mileage 2011 cars can really help stretch your budget. Fuel–efficient cars can save you thousands of dollars in fuel costs over the life of your vehicle. If gas prices reach the levels currently seen in many other countries, you will be glad your car gets good fuel economy. Another money saving tip is to get an online car insurance quote. Compare prices from multiple insurers and save.