Today's Most Fuel Efficient Automobiles

Over just the past ten years Americans have seen a dramatic change in the automobile market. Just ten years ago as CNN reported gas prices were at a record low of $1.15 per gallon there was a steady movement towards larger automobiles. Older Americans moved to luxury cars like Cadillac, Lincoln Town cars, and the Lexus 450, while families with young children met the requirement for more space by buying large vans and later, even larger Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV"S). Yes, gasoline consumption was poor, but at $1.15 per gallon we could manage.

Perhaps the apex of the move to the large gas guzzling automobile came with the introduction of the Hummer, a huge, fun to drive four, wheel civilian version of the popular military vehicle which replaced the popular 'jeep'. With an average of 9 MPG there had to be much to enjoy with this vehicle even with $1.15 per gallon gasoline.

As gasoline prices climbed steadily to today's $4.00+ per gallon the trend towards larger cars and SUV's changed dramatically. Initially, there was a move to smaller SUV's and 'Crossover' vehicles. Today, there is a deafening rush to to sell SUV's at almost any cost as the average consumer and the average SUV owner can no longer afford the luxury of more room and comfort.

In today's market the rush is to the most fuel efficient vehicles (almost regardless of the size of the vehicle). Many of the more fuel efficient cars (like Toyota;s Prius) actually have a waiting list of customers who want, but can't find one to purchase.

According to Car and Driver Magazine here are the top ten most fuel efficient cars available to Americans today:

1. Toyota Prius

2. Honda Civic Hybrid

3. Smart Fortwo

4. Nissan Altima Hybrid

5. Toyota Camry Hybrid

6. Volkswagen Jetta TDI

7. 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid

8. Toyota Yaris

9. Mini Cooper/Clubman

10. Honda Fit

This list not only points out the most fuel efficient cars, but how much work American car manufacturers have yet to do to develop and compete in this 'new' market. Hopefully, American auto manufacturers will accept the challenge and put the ingenuity that took us to the moon and back to work to catch up and dominate this market once again.

The days of taking a Sunday evening drive are probably long gone.