If you have turned on the news in the last couple of days then you have probably heard about the rising of gas prices. Okay, who am I kidding, if you own a car and have been to the gas station recently you are undoubtedly aware that the national average for a gallon of regular unleaded is hovering right at $3.51. Similar to back in 2008 when the gas prices rose and topped out at a little more than $4 a gallon, people are starting to consider buying smaller more fuel-efficient vehicles. AllSmallCars.com is right there with you and we have our Top 5 fuel-efficient picks for 2011.

  1. 2011 Nissan LEAF: If you are looking to reduce your dependency on oil, then you need to look no further right now than the LEAF all-electric, zero-emissions vehicle. It doesn’t get any easier than plugging it into your garage wall and achieving what the EPA has rated at an equivalent combined miles per gallon (mpg) of 99 mpg. Of course, you will need to take into account the limited range of just about 100 miles per charge and the effects of the climate you live in that might affect that range. Other than that, you will never worry about the gas price at the pump as long as you own the LEAF. Keep an eye out for the competition like the Ford Focus Electric—this is bound to be tough competition for the LEAF.

  2. 2011 Chevrolet Volt: This particular Chevrolet gets complicated to figure out when you start to talk about mpgs, but what we are clear on is that the equivalent combined mpg is rated at 93 mpg on all electric. Again limited to a range of about 40 miles. The combined rating of running on the gasoline motor comes in right at 37 mpg. So like the LEAF, if you keep the Volt in the 40 miles or so electric range, you can kiss your worries at the pump goodbye.

  3. 2011 Toyota Prius: At an EPA rated 50 mpg combined mileage, the Toyota Prius continues to be the most popular hybrid vehicle on the road. What else can we say other than Toyota has proven reliability and class leading fuel efficiency. The Prius Plug-in Hybrid should improve on the current figures, but you are going to be hard pressed to get one of those quickly.

  4. 2011 Smart ForTwo Electric Drive Coupe: If you are looking for small, can park it anywhere size and a cult following, then look no further than the Smart ForTwo Electric Drive. Again with an EPA estimate range of about 63 miles, the little Smarty will get you more than 20 miles further than the Chevrolet Volt and allow you to park in gaps that will make SUV drivers green with envy.

  5. 2011 Lexus CT 200h: The Lexus is where luxury, small cars and fuel-efficiency meet in a harmonic balance that makes Mother Nature jealous. Sure it isn’t the top of the fuel efficiency food chain, but the 2011 offers a lot of creature comforts while still being easy to park and easy on your wallet at the pump. An EPA rated combined 42 mpg makes this entry-luxury vehicle quite the tempting piece of kit.

 

Bottom line—high gas prices don’t mean you have to be limited to vehicles you don’t like. There are plenty of vehicles out there that inspire comfort, passion or even envy while still keeping your greenbacks in your wallet. 

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[Source: FuelEconomy.gov]