Hey, always thinking that only Japanese and Europeans have a lot of fuel-efficient vehicle choices? American automakers also have fuel-efficient models in their lineup, usually based on “global” models designed for other markets, like GM does with its Opel/Vauxhall European subsidiary or its Daewoo operations in South Korea. In fact, in a new list compiled by Forbes, GM models took nine of the ten fuel miser models, with only a Ford Focus stealing a spot away from the General.
However, U.S. automakers still have homework to do. While the top three models in the Forbes list get an average EPA estimate of 28 mpg (45 percent highway and 55 percent city driving), these best-performing American vehicles are still behind their Asian-made counterparts, such as the Toyota Yaris (31 mpg) and Honda Fit (30 mpg). The list only includes automatic transmissions, because they’re America’s favorite.
So follow us after the jump to see America’s fuel savers.
[Source: Forbes]
Model | Engine size | Average mpg | l/100 km |
Chevrolet HHR | 2.2 liter | 25 | 9.4 |
Saturn Aura | 2.4 liter | 26 | 9.0 |
Pontiac G6 | 2.4 liter | 26 | 9.0 |
Chevrolet Malibu | 2.4 liter | 26 | 9.0 |
Pontiac G6 | 2.4 liter | 27(a) 30(m) | 8.7(a) 7.8(m) |
Chevrolet Cobalt | 2.2 liter | 27(a) 30(m) | 8.7(a) 7.8(m) |
Saturn Astra | 1.8 liter | 27 | 8.7 |
Pontiac Vibe | 1.8 liter | 28 | 8.4 |
Pontiac Vibe | 1.8 liter | 28 | 8.4 |
Chevrolet Aveo | 1.6 liter | 28(a) 30(m) | 8.4(a) 7.8(m) |
Ford Focus | 2.0 liter | 28 | 8.4 |