August 3, 2008 07:33 PM EDT by Cheryl Casone

Fuel Sipping and Other Strange Ideas

Well, I cannot say it is all that weird, but I have to be honest, I had not heard of a "fuel sipping" vehicle. Had you? Sandra Smith mentioned she heard the term, and it's the way the engine is configured within the vehicle. At gasoline sitting still at 4 bucks a gallon, a least here in New York, I find it interesting we are just talking about such a topic.

We had a senior director from Kelley Blue Book on the show Friday, and he gave us a peek at the cars behind him, and also talked about the most popular. After the jump, the brands, the vehicles, and even a fuel sipper or two. Happy browing.....

From Kelley Blue Book:

Here, presented in order of combined EPA-estimated fuel economy, is Kelley Blue Book's 2008 list of the Top 10 Green Cars:

	2008 Toyota Prius \| 46 mpg (48 city, 45 highway) Of all the vehicles sold in the U.S. by all the major manufacturers, none is more fuel-efficient than the Toyota Prius. Not surprisingly, the green-car poster child is also the best-selling hybrid on the market. With average fuel economy of 46 mpg, seating for five and options like a rearview camera and navigation, the Prius remains the “it” car for everyone from green-leaning celebrities to commuters just looking to save some green at the pump.

	2008 Honda Civic Hybrid \| 42 mpg (40 city, 45 highway) Although the Civic Hybrid plays second fiddle to the Toyota Prius -- and only the Toyota Prius -- in terms of fuel economy, many buyers prefer the Civic’s more traditional sedan shape to the Prius’ “flashier” ovoid styling. Whether it pencils out financially compared with a gas-only Civic depends on a number of factors, but a Civic Hybrid owner will buy and burn around 30 percent less gasoline than his or her voltage-deficient counterpart.

	2008 smart fortwo \| 36 mpg (33 city, 41 highway) Instead of horsepower and handling, it might be more useful these days to measure a vehicle’s “bang for the buck” in terms of its fuel economy. On that scale, the smart fortwo is without equal. The tiny two-seater delivers 41 highway miles per gallon for the low, low starting price of just over $12,000 (add about $2,000 for conveniences like a stereo, air conditioning and power windows). Starting around $17,000, the convertible version easily qualifies as the most fuel-efficient, lowest-priced drop top on the road today.

	2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid \| 34 mpg (35 city, 33 highway) Using hybrid technology licensed from Toyota, the Nissan Altima Hybrid combines impressive fuel-economy with much of the same sporty character that has helped establish the Altima’s reputation as one of the most fun-to-drive mid-size sedans. The advanced technology isn’t confined to the engine bay, either, as the Altima Hybrid offers a slew of electronic and digital conveniences like push-button start, navigation with traffic info and a rearview camera.

	2008 MINI Cooper \| 32 mpg (28 city, 37 highway) Cars that consume less fuel don’t necessarily have to sacrifice style or excitement. Need proof? You won’t find a more convincing argument than the lovable MINI Cooper. On the highway it can travel up to 37 miles on a single gallon. In the mountains, it demonstrates road-holding acumen on par with some much thirstier and pricier performance cars. Offering one of the most distinctive designs on the road to boot, the MINI Cooper is a smart choice for cost-cutting, fun-seeking and fashion-conscious buyers alike.

	2008 Ford Escape Hybrid \| 32 mpg (34 city, 30 highway) Rising gas prices have been particularly troublesome for drivers who’ve grown accustomed to the raised seating position and added interior flexibility of SUVs. With the Ford Escape Hybrid, those so inclined can have their cake and haul it, too. The Escape Hybrid sweetens the sensible balance of a compact crossover with lower fuel costs and the amusement of all-electric operation in parking lots.

	2008 Honda Fit \| 31 mpg (28 city, 34 highway) The littlest Honda isn’t the most fuel-efficient car in its class -- a distinction that belongs to the Toyota Yaris -- but it is the most versatile and most fun. An exceptionally flexible rear seat maximizes cargo- and people-hauling abilities, while an available Sport model offers a performance-tuned suspension and paddle shifters. Combined with a starting price of less than $15,000, the five-door Fit is a well-rounded economy car that’s good at everything from long commutes to long weekends.

	2008 Mercedes-Benz E320 BLUETEC \| 26 mpg (23 city/32 hwy) “Mercedes diesel.” Can’t you just see, hear and smell it idling so obtrusively before you at the stoplight? Now, forget that ever happened and picture a smooth, quiet and clean E-Class diesel that returns 36-percent better combined fuel economy than its gasoline-swilling counterpart. Like many new diesels on the way, the E320 BLUETEC combines cleaner diesel fuel with new engine and emissions technologies to deliver all the punch and efficiency of a diesel powerplant, but without all the shake and soot.

	2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid \| 26 mpg (27 city, 25 highway) For families that demand the added capacity of three rows, the Highlander Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient option available. The gas-electric version of Toyota’s mid-size crossover SUV combines available seating for seven, impressive average fuel economy of 26 mpg and proven reliability. The standard equipment list even includes four-wheel drive, so you can commune with nature with the added peace of mind that you’re spewing less into the air.

	2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid \| 21 mpg (21 city, 22 highway) Owners of full-size SUVs are suffering more than most at the pump, and many are trading the excess capacity for smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles. But what of the large, active families that really do need all the size and towing ability of a large SUV? Now there’s a hybrid for them, too. The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid can be equipped with seating for eight, four-wheel drive and can tow over 8,000 pounds – all while seamlessly transitioning between gasoline and electric power and delivering 50-percent better city mileage than its gasoline-only counterpart.

3 Comments

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David Hartman

It is my view the ulta small or micro autos don't show enough gains compaired with midsize domestic mpgs even more so if the midsize is some form of hybred or system to shift the transmission into netral at stop lights or stop and go traffic. In closing the mpgs of the micro cars(I am not sure of the name for this new class of car)is in no way usefull with our needs on most levels,most of all front,side and rear impacts are way harder for me and my kids to survive even the most basic of crashes. freedom of movement is a right,I thought. Harry & Nancy have other views.

August 5, 2008 at 12:57 pm

chuck

Hey Cheryl let's take a spin in the MiniCooper and Smart Car? U know in my part of the country u can only see two minicoopers? But hardly no smart cars. SUVS and pickups are still the big winners:) but I would love ride a minicooper.

August 4, 2008 at 2:29 pm

chuck

I like the mini-cooper and smart cars. Cheryl you New Yorkers don't deserve to pay 4.00 at the pump. Nor do Californians for that matter it's so unfair to you up there in the northeast. But I like the innovations which you presented. Now this is going to shock you about Vicksburg Ms. So far none of the local politicians have adapted a mass transit policy yet. And for a tourist destination Vicksburg Ms has high cost of retail gasoline. U know over two years ago a few my friend we figured out that this river port which has an oil pipeline has been the Northeast Retail rate of gas. I kid you not for a number of us down here compared gas prices and there were similarities. Second when you have a jobber whose not even on the New York Stock Exchange telling corporations like Kroger and Walmart they can't have gas pumps u know something is wrong. But Kroger did open thier gas pumps down here becouse they forced it the city board. Now I would love to see Vicksburg ms get brought in questioning with a Walmart rep over the fact how come Walmart isn't allowed to put in gas pumps. I wonder if Jobbers in your part of the country public and private have done this. It wouldn't hurt to look into this one. Hmmmmmmmmm I would buy you the Toyotoa Highlander Hybrid. How does that sound? LOL:)

August 4, 2008 at 11:51 am

about this blog

Cheryl Casone joined FOX Business Network (FBN) in September 2007 as an anchor. Prior to FBN, Casone served as a correspondent for FOX News Channel’s (FNC) business unit and was a regular guest on FNC’s Your World with Neil Cavuto. Casone brings years of experience covering finance, business, and consumer news to FBN.
- Contributor Profile

	2008 Toyota Prius \| 46 mpg (48 city, 45 highway) Of all the vehicles sold in the U.S. by all the major manufacturers, none is more fuel-efficient than the Toyota Prius. Not surprisingly, the green-car poster child is also the best-selling hybrid on the market. With average fuel economy of 46 mpg, seating for five and options like a rearview camera and navigation, the Prius remains the “it” car for everyone from green-leaning celebrities to commuters just looking to save some green at the pump.

	2008 Honda Civic Hybrid \| 42 mpg (40 city, 45 highway) Although the Civic Hybrid plays second fiddle to the Toyota Prius -- and only the Toyota Prius -- in terms of fuel economy, many buyers prefer the Civic’s more traditional sedan shape to the Prius’ “flashier” ovoid styling. Whether it pencils out financially compared with a gas-only Civic depends on a number of factors, but a Civic Hybrid owner will buy and burn around 30 percent less gasoline than his or her voltage-deficient counterpart.

	2008 smart fortwo \| 36 mpg (33 city, 41 highway) Instead of horsepower and handling, it might be more useful these days to measure a vehicle’s “bang for the buck” in terms of its fuel economy. On that scale, the smart fortwo is without equal. The tiny two-seater delivers 41 highway miles per gallon for the low, low starting price of just over $12,000 (add about $2,000 for conveniences like a stereo, air conditioning and power windows). Starting around $17,000, the convertible version easily qualifies as the most fuel-efficient, lowest-priced drop top on the road today.

	2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid \| 34 mpg (35 city, 33 highway) Using hybrid technology licensed from Toyota, the Nissan Altima Hybrid combines impressive fuel-economy with much of the same sporty character that has helped establish the Altima’s reputation as one of the most fun-to-drive mid-size sedans. The advanced technology isn’t confined to the engine bay, either, as the Altima Hybrid offers a slew of electronic and digital conveniences like push-button start, navigation with traffic info and a rearview camera.

	2008 MINI Cooper \| 32 mpg (28 city, 37 highway) Cars that consume less fuel don’t necessarily have to sacrifice style or excitement. Need proof? You won’t find a more convincing argument than the lovable MINI Cooper. On the highway it can travel up to 37 miles on a single gallon. In the mountains, it demonstrates road-holding acumen on par with some much thirstier and pricier performance cars. Offering one of the most distinctive designs on the road to boot, the MINI Cooper is a smart choice for cost-cutting, fun-seeking and fashion-conscious buyers alike.

	2008 Ford Escape Hybrid \| 32 mpg (34 city, 30 highway) Rising gas prices have been particularly troublesome for drivers who’ve grown accustomed to the raised seating position and added interior flexibility of SUVs. With the Ford Escape Hybrid, those so inclined can have their cake and haul it, too. The Escape Hybrid sweetens the sensible balance of a compact crossover with lower fuel costs and the amusement of all-electric operation in parking lots.

	2008 Honda Fit \| 31 mpg (28 city, 34 highway) The littlest Honda isn’t the most fuel-efficient car in its class -- a distinction that belongs to the Toyota Yaris -- but it is the most versatile and most fun. An exceptionally flexible rear seat maximizes cargo- and people-hauling abilities, while an available Sport model offers a performance-tuned suspension and paddle shifters. Combined with a starting price of less than $15,000, the five-door Fit is a well-rounded economy car that’s good at everything from long commutes to long weekends.

	2008 Mercedes-Benz E320 BLUETEC \| 26 mpg (23 city/32 hwy) “Mercedes diesel.” Can’t you just see, hear and smell it idling so obtrusively before you at the stoplight? Now, forget that ever happened and picture a smooth, quiet and clean E-Class diesel that returns 36-percent better combined fuel economy than its gasoline-swilling counterpart. Like many new diesels on the way, the E320 BLUETEC combines cleaner diesel fuel with new engine and emissions technologies to deliver all the punch and efficiency of a diesel powerplant, but without all the shake and soot.

	2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid \| 26 mpg (27 city, 25 highway) For families that demand the added capacity of three rows, the Highlander Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient option available. The gas-electric version of Toyota’s mid-size crossover SUV combines available seating for seven, impressive average fuel economy of 26 mpg and proven reliability. The standard equipment list even includes four-wheel drive, so you can commune with nature with the added peace of mind that you’re spewing less into the air.

	2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid \| 21 mpg (21 city, 22 highway) Owners of full-size SUVs are suffering more than most at the pump, and many are trading the excess capacity for smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles. But what of the large, active families that really do need all the size and towing ability of a large SUV? Now there’s a hybrid for them, too. The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid can be equipped with seating for eight, four-wheel drive and can tow over 8,000 pounds – all while seamlessly transitioning between gasoline and electric power and delivering 50-percent better city mileage than its gasoline-only counterpart.

Fuel Sipping and Other Strange Ideas

3 Comments

David Hartman

chuck

chuck

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