Entry bubble Fuel Economy Estimates for 2010 Vehicles

By: Jake | October 05, 2009 | Category: Money

Gasoline pumpWe have talked a lot about the Car Allowance Rebate System, more popularly known as the "Cash for Clunkers" program but we really haven't talked about fuel economy since Colleen posted about President Obama's proposal for stricter fuel economy standards.

Today, cars must average 27.5 miles per gallon and light trucks must average 23.1 miles per gallon. A couple of weeks ago, the President formally proposed that manufacturers increase fuel economy 5 percent each year, and in 2016 new cars and trucks would have to achieve an average rating of 35.5 miles per gallon. The new national standard aims at both increasing gas mileage and decreasing greenhouse-gas pollution. As Colleen mentioned in her original post, there are many pros and cons to this plan.

Fueleconomy.gov just released the mileage estimates for 2010 vehicles. I thought it would be interesting for us to see if the average gas mileage has gone up for cars since 2009. The best overall vehicle last year was the Toyota Prius with an average of 46 overall miles per gallon. The 2010 Toyota Prius averages 50 overall miles per gallon.

My 2009 Toyota Matrix has the same overall miles per gallon for 2010. Does the 2010 version of your car get more miles per gallon overall than your current model?

| View Comments [4] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: cars   fuel_economy_guide   greenhouse_gas  

 

Entry bubble Your Turn: The Government Does That?!

By: Editor | August 31, 2009 | Category: General

Happy Woman At ComputerOur Monday blogger, Jake, has work duties that will take him away from Gov Gab until September. In his absence, we’re alternating between “Your Turn” weeks, where we’ll ask a question to spotlight your knowledge about government resources, and posts from guest bloggers across the government.

Today's Question:  What impresses you about your government?

Last Monday, the Car Allowance Rebate System (AKA Cash for Clunkers) program ended. My husband and I seriously considered turning in our minivan - it has126,000 miles on it.  We decided against it (hard to find a vehicle that seats 7 and gets more than 20 MPG), but during the research I was again pleasantly surprised at all the great information the government puts together in easy-to-use formats.  For instance, I was able to compare cars side-by-side for fuel economy and safety.  How cool!  What has surprised you about what the government does?

| View Comments [5] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: cash_for_clunkers   crash_test_rating   editor   fuel_economy_guide   your_turn