Every engine is different, even if it's the same model, same size, etc...every engine will act and react a little differently.  Generally these differences can be chocked up to how the engine was broke in, during it's most important first 500 miles or even be effected by who was working on the assyembly line the day it was made.  Point being, fuel economy can change from vehicle to vehicle with no obvious explanation, there are just differences.  So, instead of hype, Market Watch, turned to it's readers to choose which vehicles are the most fuel efficient.

It may surprise you, but Ford makes the list, along with luxury brand economy BMW.  Ford and BMW were arrived at being the most fuel efficient based on a 6 month long study.

Starting March 1, 2008 and ending August 31, 2008, Expert System examined reader comments and messages on the Web sites: Automotive.com, CarandDriver.com, Carforum.com, and Carspace.com. Only readers' opinions related to fuel efficiency were analyzed, not manufacturers' specifications for the vehicles. The luxury vehicles with the highest ratings of fuel efficiency, ranging from the highest score on, are: BMW, Lexus, Acura, Jeep, and Infiniti. The non-luxury vehicles with the highest ratings are: Ford, Toyota, Hyundai, Nissan, Chevrolet, and Honda. The auto brands were classified based on their sales prices.

It's believed that the information arrived from the semantic software, based on information from users, is the most honest feedback a potential buyer could find.  Completely unbiased, the information collected offers insight to what vehicle owners really feel about their luxury and non-luxury cars.  So, if you are feeling the pressure at the pump, doing your research can eliviate some of that stress in the next automotive purchase you make.  Congratulations Ford and BMW!

It looks like the Saturn Ion will be going the way of the Dodo Bird, with the introduction of the new 2008 Saturn Astra.  It's a European styled compact with bear bones pricing and practically no standard features, starting at $16,495.  Mind you, this base line model doesn't include an automatic or even air conditioning, which I thought was standard equipment since the model T.

The 4-Cylinder engine is a little wanting, since once it's loaded down with passengers and luggage the 125lb of torque just doesn't do interstate on ramps.  But, those searching for a relief to $4 gallon fuel prices will probably be more than willing to sacrifice that get up and go for 32mpg on the highway.

Saturn on eBay

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