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Forbes Calls Jeep Grand Cherokee Dirtiest Car, Readers Slam Methods Page 2

 
3,060 views Nov 10, 2009
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2007 Mercedes-Benz CL600

2007 Mercedes-Benz CL600

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Well, OK, if that means picking a big V-8 rather than a smaller engine option, sure. But virtually no U.S. driver uses E85 on a regular basis. It's largely unavailable outside the Midwest (see list of U.S. stations) and its lower energy content makes it a questionable value.

No commercial trucks, no Ferraris

Sensibly, Forbes focused on mass-market passenger vehicles. They omitted both heavy-duty commercial vehicles (your basic Ford F-350 Super Duty pickup truck) and high-performance sports and luxury cars that sell in such low numbers they don't really matter (the odd Ferrari  F430 or Rolls-Royce Phantom).

Which leads to a third concern: The M-series BMW models are hardly mass-market. And if they're included, why not include the Mercedes-Benz AMG models that compete directly with BMW's M line, and perhaps also Audi's S range?

2009 Chrysler Aspen Limited

2009 Chrysler Aspen Limited

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Basic Benzes dirtier than Beemers?

Elliott responded with a confusing answer that appears to boil down to the idea that AMG models are less prevalent and comparatively more expensive in the Mercedes-Benz line than M models from BMW.

Besides, she says, the fact that non-AMG Benz models made the list highlights the fact that "even some mainstream Mercedes vehicles emit high levels of pollution relative to their compeitors, while none of the BMWs do.

Elliott also posted a link to a page offering more details on the methodology used, although unfortunately it was dead when we attempted to view it.

Cars are getting cleaner

The magazine correctly notes, "Each of the cars on our list are...much cleaner than anything on the road years ago."

Still, we like looking at the actual data. We just wish it had been used in a way that reflected how people actually buy and use vehicles.

[Forbes]






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Comments (3)

  1. By  EPA Gas Mileage Posted: 11/11/2009 9:26pm PST

    While EPA Gas Mileage ratings are a good starting point, real work MPG can be higher or lower. In fact, the EPA states very clearly that your MPG will vary.
    There are so many ways to improve gas mileage, that many of these "dirty cars" can get better gas mileage than other vehicles considered clean and green.
    In fact, Jeep has 2 other vehicles, the Jeep Compass and Liberty. Each gets 23/28 MPG (http://www.improve-gas-mileage-guide.com/high-mileage-cars-non-hybrid.html). Of course, that's nothing compared to a compact car, but when you compare that to the gas mileage of a Cadillac Escalade HYBRID at 20/21 MPG, (http://www.improve-gas-mileage-guide.com/hybrid-suv.html) it's not so bad.
    Of course, other Hybrid SUVs are much better, such as the Ford Escape Hybrid. That's the kind of gas mileage I wish I had! 34/31 MPG! Sweet!
     
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  2. By reflector Posted: 11/12/2009 8:11am PST

    That original article is the epitome of poor journalism. My two biggest complaints are that 1. The Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango are the same vehicle, they should have been treated as such. And two if the gas mileage factors are to be treated as greenhouse emissions from gasoline, then use the mpg factors for gasoline not E85. I don't know why the author of this article felt the need to bend the facts this way, it's just sad that it has gotten this much attention, and that it will sure negatively effect the companies involved.
     
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  3. By brad Posted: 3/24/2010 1:24pm PDT

    Simple case of sour grapes... period.
    -brad
    Jeep Snorkel
     
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