Mike’s Car Blog

In many parts of the country, gasoline prices have crept back over the $3-a-gallon mark. This makes filling up the tank an expensive proposition, which is why more drivers than ever are opting for fuel-efficient vehicles. The theory goes like this: The fewer times I have to stop at the local gas station, the more money I’ll have in my wallet at the end of the month.

It’s a sound theory. And fortunately, car manufacturers today are putting great effort into creating cars that guzzle as little gasoline as possible. If you’re looking to buy a new car that will keep you away from the fuel pump, check out these models:

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Ford Fusion Hybrid ranks as one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles on the market. That’s not surprising considering that the 2010 version of the car gets 41 miles to the gallon in city driving and 36 when driving along the highway. Both numbers are good, and both will reduce the amount of time and money you spend at your local fueling station.

The EPA also ranks the Honda Civic Hybrid high. Again, the mileage numbers tell the tale: The 2010 Civic Hybrid boasts 40 miles-per-gallon on city streets and 45 on the highway. It’s followed closely by the Honda Insight, which gets 40 miles-per-gallon while city driving and 43 while traveling the nation’s highways.

The Lexus HS250h, another hybrid vehicle, gets 35 miles-per-gallon on city streets and 34 on the highway, impressive numbers for a car that’s also high on style and amenities.

The Nissan Altima Hybrid also earns a positive ranking from the EPA. This car gets 35-miles-per-gallon when driving in the city and 33 on highways.

Leading the entire list, though, is the Toyota Prius hybrid, which boasts an amazing 51 miles-per-gallon in the city and 48 on the highway. It’s not easy to recommend the Prius these days, though, because of the problem Toyota has had with recalling its vehicles. In any other year, though, the Prius would be an easy recommendation for fuel-conscious drivers.

The good news is that even if you can’t buy a 2010 model vehicle, it’s almost certain that 2011 will bring you a whole new slew of sippers, cars that get lots of miles-per-gallon. That’s because manufacturers have gotten the message from cash-conscious consumers: Gas guzzlers are no longer in. Fuel-efficient vehicles, though, certainly are.

It’s time to buy a new car. But you don’t want to spend a ton of money. You also don’t want to purchase a car that’s the size of a small home. You much prefer motoring down your city’s streets in smaller vehicles.

There is good news: Car makers are offering more financial incentives than ever to encourage buyers to enter their showrooms. With consumers less willing to spend thanks to the dismal national economy, automakers are pulling out all the stops to bring in the business. This includes offering extremely attractive financing and low prices.

Small cars have always been more affordable than their larger cousins. This is especially true today as manufacturers continue to drop the suggested retail prices on their smaller models.

If you’re hunting for an affordable small car, here are some models to consider:

The 2010 Honda Fit can retail anywhere from $14,900 to $19,100. The auto press also ranks it highly as far as both performance and safety. It also features some truly innovative storage areas. If you’re looking for an affordable small car, you could do much worse than the Fit.

Honda must know something about small, affordable cars. Its 2010 Honda Civic also ranks highly among the automotive press for both its affordability and reliability. This car usually retails for around $17,000 or $18,000. It also performs extremely well in crash-test ratings. Owners swear by them, too; that’s because they’re so rarely wasting time driving them to their local auto-repair shop.

The 2010 Hyundai Elantra is another top-seller that gives consumers a big punch for their money. The Elantra costs about $16,000, and comes with the features consumers expect from larger, costlier vehicles. It also boats excellent fuel efficiency and a zippy performance level.

The 2010 Kia Forte has become one of the trendier cars on the market. It’s also an affordable one, with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of about $16,000. It’s a vehicle that is also undeniably cool and sporty. This is a nice choice for buyers who don’t want to sacrifice style for affordability.

Finally, give the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta a try. This car is always a cool choice. It doesn’t cost a fortune, either, usually topping out at about $23,000. The Jetta has always been known for its impressive power and well-equipped interior. The 2010 version is no exception.

Buying a car is never cheap. But if you must buy a new one, you can at least do so without draining your savings. Look for one of the many stylish, powerful and zippy, yet affordable, cars on the market.