Fuel-efficient cars by body style
- Compact cars
- Sports cars
- Station wagons
- Minivans/vans
Choosing a new sports car/coupe? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet. The following sports cars/coupes are ranked by city miles per gallon (MPG), followed by highway MPG based on the Environmental Protection Agency's Fuel Economy Guide for the 2008 model year. (For details of the testing, see the notes below.)
| Rank | Model | MPG: city/hwy | Annual fuel cost * | Carbon footprint (tons/yr of CO2) |
Additional info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Pontiac G5 |
24/33 | $2264 | 6.8 tons | 4 cylinder, 2.2 liter, Manual (5), Regular gas |
| 2 (tie) |
Nissan Altima Coupe |
23/32 | $2356 | 7.1 tons | 4 cylinder, 2.5 liter, Manual (6), Regular gas |
| 2 (tie) |
MINI Cooper Convertible |
23/32 | $2489 | 7.1 tons | 4 cylinder, 1.6 liter, Manual (5), Premium gas |
| 4 |
Audi TT Coupe |
23/31 | $2489 | 7.1 tons | 4 cylinder, 2 liter, Automatic (6), Premium gas |
| 5 (tie) |
Honda Accord Coupe |
22/31 | $2448 | 7.3 tons | 4 cylinder, 2.4 liter, Manual (5), Regular gas |
| 5 (tie) |
Toyota Camry Solara |
22/31 | $2448 | 7.3 tons | 4 cylinder, 2.4 liter, Automatic (S5), Regular gas |
| 7 |
Pontiac G6 |
22/30 | $2448 | 7.3 tons | 4 cylinder, 2.4 liter, Automatic (4), Regular gas |
| 8 |
Mazda MX-5 |
22/27 | $2696 | 7.7 tons | 4 cylinder, 2 liter, Manual (5), Premium gas |
| 9 (tie) |
Audi A4 Cabriolet |
21/30 | $2696 | 7.7 tons | 4 cylinder, 2 liter, Automatic (CVT), Premium gas |
| 9 (tie) | 
Volkswagen EOS |
21/30 | $2696 | 7.7 tons | 4 cylinder, 2 liter, Automatic (S6), Premium gas |
Related link:
2006-2007 Fuel-efficiency guide
Notes:
* Annual fuel cost is based on an assumption of cars driven 15,000 miles annually, 54 percent on the highway, 46 percent in the city, and a fuel price of $4.08 per gallon. Visit the EPA's Web site to calculate annual fuel costs using a different fuel price or annual miles for a specific vehicle.
This year, the EPA has changed the way it estimates MPG to more accurately reflect real driving conditions. Estimates reflect the effects of: faster speeds and acceleration; air conditioner use; and colder outside temperatures. The tests lower MPG estimates for most vehicles compared to previous years. Miles per gallon will vary for models with different vehicle specifications. Driving habits will also affect MPG.
Each model is allowed to appear on the list only once, except the Honda Civic, which appears on the list twice because of its availability in both regular gasoline and gasoline-electric hybrid versions.
8 Comments
By Sue Vandercook on June 8, 2008 12:33 PM
Where does the PT Cruiser stand for fuel economy. I have a 2006 Touring Edition.
Thank you.
By PAUL on June 8, 2008 2:33 PM
This gas crisis is so out of hand, that I've resorted to drastic measures. Recently I converted my 04 Cadillac to utilize water as fuel from an easy to install kit, I obtained online from a company called Water4fuel.info
By Jane Keller Watson on June 9, 2008 9:23 AM
Sue, you should be able to find statistics for the PT Cruiser on the EPA's Web site on their Find a Car page. You can also calculate your fuel costs here.
By alexz on July 6, 2008 8:24 AM
The “Other Hybrid”
I drove a 2007 Mercury Marquis that ran for about $2.00 a gallon . It was converted to be a Gasoline/Natural Gas Hybrid and now I'm converting my car . It's clean, cheap to convert, and drives for about $2.00 a gallon. this technology has been in use
for 30 years in business and municipal fleets. watch this video
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1458378/you_can_run_you_car_truck_or_suv_for_2_a_gallon_w_natural_gas/
By Sam on November 5, 2008 8:35 AM
How are most of these cars classified as sports cars/coupes? The closest on this list are the TT and MX-5, at least they're rear wheel drive.
By george rezzor on November 5, 2008 9:54 AM
I have to agree with Sam. They're all coupes but how can you qualify a two door camary or accord as a sports car!?
By Jane Keller Watson on November 18, 2008 9:45 AM
Note to readers:
We have now posted the EPA's updated list of 2009's most fuel-efficient sports cars/coupes.
-- Jane Keller Watson
NWautos senior editor
By Cleo Castellanos on November 21, 2008 7:25 AM
I have a 1990 6 cylinder Cutlass oldsmobile
26/34 regular gas. Paid for and low insurance