30+mpg vehicles

drmwevr08

Well-Known Member
Nov 25, 2006
6,938
2,967
113
48
Tempe, az
Anyone have a ride (non EV, non hybrid) that gets over 30 on the hwy? I'm looking into anumber of vehicles and am not sure just how small and slow I am willing to go! Various models like the accent, sentra, rio etc Im not sure about, among others I may not have even looked at. I'm ok with Civics and Corollas but they are kinda pricey by comparison to most. Anyone have any experience from owning or shopping I'd love to hear it.

We arent sold on one of these ultimate economy rides but strongly considering given gas prices, etc. It appears that this range will save at least around 500 a year over larger 4s and 6cyl rides and probably 1500 a year over much larger vehicles we are also considering to hold the whole crew.
 

jdoggivjc

Well-Known Member
Sep 27, 2006
59,535
21,049
113
Macomb, MI
My 2008 Nissan Altima, with Goodyear "Weather saver" tires, gets 34.5 MPG at 70 MPH. And it's a midsize car with a lot of interior room.

The 2013 Altimas are supposed to get 38 mpg.
 

Mr Janny

Welcome to the Office of Secret Intelligence
Staff member
Bookie
SuperFanatic
Mar 27, 2006
41,263
29,654
113
We're planning on looking at an Impreza. 36 mpg awd


I'd vote for this as well.

I'm a big fan of Subaru.

We have a 2011 Legacy that gets around 29. Absolutely love it.

Checked out the Impreza as well, and it's a really nice car. I'd like to get one as a second vehicle. Great MPG plus all wheel drive is tough to beat.
 

cyclonedave25

Well-Known Member
SuperFanatic
SuperFanatic T2
Jul 10, 2007
21,242
10,675
113
Chicago, IL
I just got a 2012 Kia Optima. At 70 MPH I get 34-35 MPG. I've only had it for about 5 months, but love it so far.
 
  • Like
Reactions: CyPride

nwiafan

Active Member
Dec 22, 2008
352
113
43
41
Hawarden
I have a kia optima and love it. Easily gets 35 mpg highway and the options are awesome ie voice activated stereo, integrated bluetooth, heated/cooled seats etc.
 

CycloneYoda

Well-Known Member
Jan 27, 2009
6,091
349
83
Our 2003 Jetta gets about 36mpg. However, if you have more than one kid still in carseat age, space is a major issue. Probably why we don't haul kids around in it.
 

brother bob

Well-Known Member
Feb 20, 2008
1,032
90
48
59
7 Seas of Rhye
2001 Pontiac Sunfire. Gets between 31 and 34 mpg. Needs a good tune up so I'm thinking maybe a few more mpg?!? Had to replace the throttle sensor and filled it up am waiting to see the mpg's now...have about 300 miles on it already and am between the half and the quarter mark on my fuel gage.
 

Clonehomer

Well-Known Member
Apr 11, 2006
22,218
18,010
113
My Corolla got around 40 on the highway. I drove a lot in town and ended up averaging 36 for lost tanks. That went down I. the will tier to warm it up but I don't think I ever had a tank where I got less than 30.
 

dmclone

Well-Known Member
Oct 20, 2006
20,840
4,996
113
50131
I think people worry too much about mpg. I'd rather having something reliable and good resale even though it gets 4 mpg less. If you can find one with everything than that's a different story. For each 5 mpg you are going to have to give up something either size or power.
 

JP4CY

I'm Mike Jones
Staff member
SuperFanatic
SuperFanatic T2
Dec 19, 2008
64,912
78,676
113
Testifying
We got an Acura not long ago, has a "cockpit" feel to it, which I love. Get's over 30 easily while running the air this summer.
 

SWCy13

Well-Known Member
Nov 14, 2011
1,003
725
113
31
Have an 06 Pontiac G6, gets about 32 mpg at 70 mph, and has plenty of space.
 

ruxCYtable

Well-Known Member
SuperFanatic
SuperFanatic T2
Aug 29, 2007
7,137
3,930
113
Colorado
i have a hyundai elantra. im traveling this weekend and got about 37 on the highway in the morning before i had to use the ac.

i agree with the poster who recommended the subaru impreza. the newest impreza gets 35 highway and has cvt. ive heard it called one of the best small cars ever made. and of course its awd.

i really wanted to wait for one but i got the elantra in sept instead of waiting for the impreza to come out in nov.
 

drmwevr08

Well-Known Member
Nov 25, 2006
6,938
2,967
113
48
Tempe, az
Good info. I should clarify though that we wont be buying new. Propbably 05-09 given prices Ive seen.

I understand the trade off that some have mentioned and I'm trying to avoid getting a total bare economy box. I want to enjoy the time I spend in the car. Thankfully, thats not as much of a problem as it was in the past. Many of these listed are pretty good looking cars. At some point is is too small and too crappy (I'm thinking Aveo?)
 

vortex

Active Member
Jan 30, 2010
776
53
28
My 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix will get 30-31 on the highway consistently. The old girl just turned 325K and runs as good as ever. I drive it every day.
 

Benny34

Active Member
Nov 29, 2007
795
36
28
I know you said you wont be buying new but we have a Chevy Cruise that we have been very happy with. Gets over 30 MPG and isnt as small as some of the other cars out there.
 

dmclone

Well-Known Member
Oct 20, 2006
20,840
4,996
113
50131
Some smaller cars have pretty roomy interiors. The Honda Fit is a car that I was surprised by the interior room for such a small car.