The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy today unveiled the 2010 Fuel Economy Guide, which gives consumers important information about estimated fuel costs and mileage standards for model year 2010 vehicles.
“Every year, consumers use the Fuel Economy Guide to find clean, efficient, cost-effective vehicles that meets their needs and their budgets,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “It’s an easy, accessible resource for everyone, and helps us cut harmful pollution from the air, and save money for American drivers.”
Japanese vehicles took seven out of the top ten spots on the best economy list, with the breakthrough, third generation Toyota Prius leading the way. Notable in their absence are vehicles from taxpayer subsidized General Motors Company and Fiat-controlled Chrysler Group. Ford Motor Company has a strong contender with its Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids, which are based on a Japanese platform (Mazda 6) and license technology from Toyota.
2010 EPA Fuel Economy Leaders, City/Highway
- Toyota Prius (hybrid) 51/48
- Ford Fusion Hybrid FWD, Mercury Milan Hybrid FWD 41/36
- Honda Civic Hybrid 40/45
- Honda Insight (hybrid) 40/43
- Lexus HS250h (hybrid) 35/34
- Nissan Altima Hybrid 35/33
- Ford Escape Hybrid FWD, Mazda Tribute Hybrid 2WD, Mercury Mariner Hybrid FWD 34/31
- Smart fortwo Cabriolet (automatic) Smart fortwo Coupe (automatic) 33/41
- Toyota Camry Hybrid 33/34
10. Lexus RX450h (hybrid, 2WD) 32/28
2010 EPA Fuel Economy Losers, City/Highway
At the other end of the scale, gas-guzzlers continue to thrive at European makers, who continue to defy the law and pay fines rather than comply with U.S. standards.
- Lamborghini Murcielago (manual) Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster (manual) 8/13
- Bugatti Veyron 8/14
- Lamborghini Murcielago (automatic) Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster (automatic) Lamborghini Murcielago Reventon Roadster 9/14
- Bentley Azure, Bentley Brooklands 9/15
- Ferrari 612 Scaglietti (automatic) 10/17
- Ferrari 612 Scaglietti (manual) 10/15
- Maybach 57, Maybach 57 S 10/16
- Bentley Continental Flying Spur, Bentley Continental GTC, Bentley Continental GT 10/17
- Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG, Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano,Mercedes-Benz G 550 11/15,
10. Aston Martin DB9 (manual), Aston Martin DBS (manual),BMW M5. BMW M6,BMW M6 Convertible Maserati Quattroporte (4.2 L), Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG, Mercedes-Benz CL600, Mercedes-Benz S600 Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG, Porsche Cayenne GTS (manual),Porsche Cayenne TransSiberia 11/17
Congress established Gas Guzzler Tax provisions in the Energy Tax Act of 1978 to discourage the production and purchase of fuel-inefficient vehicles. The Gas Guzzler Tax is assessed on new cars that do not meet required fuel economy levels. These taxes apply only to passenger cars. Trucks, minivans, and SUVs are not covered because these vehicle types were not widely available in 1978 and were rarely used (then) for non-commercial purposes. The IRS is responsible for administering the gas guzzler program and collecting the taxes from car manufacturers or importers. The amount of tax is posted on the window stickers of new cars – the lower the fuel economy, the higher the tax.
Each vehicle listing in the Fuel Economy Guide provides an estimated annual fuel cost. The estimate is calculated based on the vehicle’s miles per gallon (mpg) rating and national estimates for annual mileage and fuel prices.
The online version of the guide allows drivers use their local gasoline prices and typical driving habits to receive a personalized fuel cost estimate.
EPA says fuel efficiency is important for reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases that contribute to global climate change. “One of the most important things consumers can do to reduce their contribution to climate change is to buy a vehicle with better fuel economy.”
The Fuel Economy Guide continues to be available to mobile users (fueleconomy.gov/m), and is readily accessible from a mobile device, smart phone, or personal digital assistant (or PDA).