Top 10 Most Fuel Efficient Vehicles for 2007

We got our first wakeup call back in the 1970s with the oil embargo, long lines at the gas pumps and prices that rose to a level that seemed atrocious then. The Greens have been pushing for more efficient use of natural resources forever, but since 9/11 they've been joined by those who see every dime we spend at the gas station as a threat to national security and self-sufficiency.


It doesn't really matter what the motivation, the effort by auto manufacturers to provide high-mileage, energy-efficient transportation has been re-doubled over recent years. So, how are they doing? The following list is a rundown of 2007 automobiles models based on combined mileage—a combined average of city and highway fuel mileage. Although there has always been controversy regarding the accuracy of such figures, they are still highly useful for purposes of comparison:

Toyota Prius: 55

The Prius' 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder gas engine generates an unassuming 76 horsepower. Although that's a far cry from the power generated by the Honda Civic hybrid, shoppers have literally been bidding over the sticker price in order to get this leading hybrid model. The appeal for some shoppers doesn't just start and stop at the excellent fuel efficiency factor as this Toyota also offers up some luxury options, like leather-trimmed interior and Bluetooth wireless technology.

Honda Civic Hybrid: 50

Striving for direct competition with the Toyota Prius, the Honda Civic Hybrid falls a bit short of receiving first place fuel-efficiency accolades, but it is indeed a very close second with a fair enough trade-off—more horsepower. The Civic Hybrid produces 110 horses, meaning that although overall it is 10 percent less efficient than the Prius, it offers over 30 percent more power to its driver. Civic is also available as less fuel-efficient, non-hybrid models with powertrain options ranging from 1.8-liter to 2.0-liter unleaded gasoline engines, including the sporty Civic Si. In addition, Honda Civic is offered with a 1.8-liter Natural Gas engine.

Toyota Camry Hybrid: 39

Known for it's luxury sedan size and comfort, the Toyota Camry sits close to the top of the list of best mileage getters thanks to its available hybrid engine that utilizes the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive System. One half of the system is a 2.4-liter 147 horsepower gasoline engine. The second half is a small but torque-giving 141 horsepower electric motor that works with a small inverter that uses its own battery, and a transaxle to deliver the efficient performance the Camry Hybrid is capable of. A longtime top seller, the Toyota Camry remains one of the most popular sedans sold in America. The Camry's non-hybrid models offer a broad range of powertrain options starting with a 2.4-liter 158 horsepower engine and climbing all the way up to a 3.5-liter 268 horsepower V-6.