Consumer Reports: The Most Fuel-Efficient Cars & SUVs

MORE: 2011 Sedans Ranked By MPG
MORE: 2011 SUV and CUV Ranked By MPG
MORE: 2011 Mini Vans Ranked By MPG
MORE: 2011 Coupes Ranked By MPG
MORE: 2011 Pickup Trucks Ranked By MPG
MORE: 2011 Luxury Cars Ranked By MPG
MORE: 2011 Convertibles Ranked By MPG

Washington DC April 7, 2011; The AIADA newsletter reported that with gasoline prices on the rise, people in the market for a new car will likely be looking for one that will lighten their fuel costs. Last month’s sales data shows that demand for the Toyota Prius was up 52 percent over the same time last year and up nearly 50 percent for the first quarter of 2011. While gas prices have not hit the high that they were at in the summer of 2008, they are getting close and inching higher.

Consumer Reports compiled the top vehicles in terms of fuel-efficiency. Researchers performed their own fuel-economy tests. Using a precise fuel-flow measuring device spliced into the fuel line, they ran three separate circuits.

One circuit is conducted on a public highway at a steady 65 mph, and it is run in both directions to neutralize any wind effect.

A second is a stop-and-go simulated city-driving test done at its track.

The third is a 150-mile "one-day trip" using several drivers taking turns around a 30-mile loop of public roads that include a highway section, secondary roads, and rural byways. Overall fuel-economy numbers were derived from those three fuel consumption tests.

Click here to read more and check out Consumer Reports’ list of the most fuel-efficient cars available today.

Consumer Reports: The Most Fuel-Efficient Cars & SUVs

Cars and Trucks Ranked By MPG