Small Car
The oldest strategy to reduce fuel consumption is to downsize. Smaller vehicles can do the job while getting mpg in the high 30s, even low 40s in a couple cases. They do not return mpg in the 50s or beyond that the best hybrids or plug-in hybrids do, and don’t come close to pure EVs, but they cost much less. Prices in the teens and lower 20s make them expedient fuel misers. For those wishing to save some fuel and emissions, and on a limited budget, small cars are a solution worth exploring.
Name | Combined MPG | Body Type | MSRP | Available | |
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2012 MINI RoadsterA purely economical or environmental means of transportation? Hardly. But one that offers rather surprising fuel economy with plenty of top-down fun. |
MPG | Coupe | $25,000 | Now |
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2011 Mazda2Small and fun to drive, and it beats the mileage of Honda Fit and Nissan Versa. |
32 MPG | Sedan | $14,200 | Now |
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2011 Nissan SentraCompetitively priced small car with nifty interior features and competent road manners |
30 MPG | Sedan | $15,800 | Now |
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2011 Suzuki SX4The most affordable all-wheel-drive vehicle on the road today. |
25 MPG | Sedan | $17,000 | Now |
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2011 Kia RioPlain-Jane from from front to back. The Kia Rio makes no false promises. It's affordable and efficient. |
29 MPG | Sedan | $12,300 | Now |
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2011 Toyota CorollaPopular and practical model with fuel efficiency approaching the hybrid realm. |
31 MPG | Sedan | $15,600 | Now |
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2011 Toyota YarisThe Yaris is the leader of the subcompact triumvirate, which includes the Honda Fit and the Nissan Versa. |
32 MPG | Coupe | $13,000 | Now |
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2011 Honda FitThe Fit has a smart, but playful appearance, and a deceivingly large and versatile five-passenger interior. |
31 MPG | Sedan | $14,600 | Now |
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2011 Nissan VersaOffered in two body styles, a sporty 5-door hatchback and a 4-door sedan, the Versa is the largest and most powerful entry-level compact car. |
30 MPG | Sedan | $16,600 | Now |
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2011 Mini CooperMatches or beats efficiency of other subcompacts, but with tons more style. |
32 MPG | Coupe | $19,400 | Now |
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2011 Smart ForTwoThe Smart ForTwo is cute and relatively fuel efficient, but underpowered with a clunky transmission. |
36 MPG | Coupe | $12,500 | Now |
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2012 Ford Focus40 mpg on the highway, in a functional package with a pinch of oomph. |
29 MPG | Sedan | $16,000 | Now |
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2012 FIAT 500Small and loaded with Italian flair, with combined mileage expected in mid-3o-mpg range |
33 MPG | Coupe | $15,500 | Now |
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2011 Chevrolet Cruze EcoNew stylish subcompact, due in 2010, could be Chevy's high-mpg hit. |
34 MPG | Sedan | $18,200 | Now |
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2011 Ford FiestaSmall Euro-styled 40-mpg subcompact |
MPG | Sedan | $13,300 | Now |
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2010 Kia RondoAffordable small wagon with lots of cargo space, and decent fuel economy. |
23 MPG | Van | $17,500 | Now |
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2009 Nissan CubeA whimsical and quirky option in the small economy class. |
29 MPG | Sedan | $14,000 | Now |
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2009 Mazda5Number one most fuel-efficient minivan on the market. Smaller than most. |
25 MPG | Vans | $18,000 | Now |
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2010 Kia SoulHip, affordable, boxy urban cruiser, with lots of accessories. |
28 MPG | Sedan | $13,300 | Now |
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2009 Honda CivicThe best-selling compact is affordable, and gets good mileage. |
30 MPG | Sedan | $15,500 | Now |
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2010 Chevrolet AveoBargain price for comfortable ride, fuel-efficiency, and reasonable performance |
29 MPG | Sedan | $12,000 | Now |
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2009 Pontiac VibeOne of the premier “compact crossover” vehicles in the new segment. |
29 MPG | SUV | $17,400 | Now |
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2010 Mini Cooper ClubmanThe same hip and efficient Mini Cooper, but with a longer body and wheelbase. |
32 MPG | Coupe | $20,400 | Now |
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2008 Scion xDSmall and efficient like the xA, but edgier and more powerful. |
30 MPG | Sedan | $14,500 | Now |
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2009 Toyota MatrixA segment buster: part compact car, part sport wagon, and part small crossover utility. |
29 MPG | Sedan | $16,700 | Now |
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2008 Scion xBGood fuel efficiency for the little wagon. Urban and youthful. |
25 MPG | Van | $16,000 | Now |