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.