It’s 2008, the year that “stay-cation” entered the American lexicon. Families are financially strapped by skyrocketing prices for everything from food to fuel, to the point that the traditional summer road trip has been put on indefinite hiatus. Many analysts predict further increases in the cost of energy thanks to a slowing economy, accelerating inflation and global competition for natural resources. In most parts of the country, gasoline is now more than $4 per gallon and, in response, consumers are grudgingly swapping large, low-mileage modes of transportation for smaller vehicles that get better fuel economy.
For people who love to drive, trading a high-horsepower sports car for a high-mileage economy car is particularly painful. However, today’s automotive market offers a range of models that are legitimately fun to drive while achieving a combined EPA fuel economy rating of 25 mpg or better. We take a closer look at 10 fuel economy champs that can deliver a smile at the pump and a grin behind the wheel.
2008 Audi TT 2.0T
Redesigned for 2008, the Audi TT Coupe and Roadster are fun and fuel-efficient when equipped with the standard 2.0-liter, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and 6-speed automated manual gearbox with paddle shifters. The TT Coupe has two small rear seats; the Roadster is a true 2-seater. Long a design icon, the Audi TT can be luxed-up with a Premium package, sported-up with the S-Line package, and decked-out with goodies like a navigation system, adaptive headlights, parking sensors, and a magnetic ride suspension.
The combined EPA fuel economy rating for the TT Coupe is 26 mpg, while the Roadster is rated 25 mpg. Premium fuel is required for this engine. The TT received 2 Power Circles (out of 5) in the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Initial Quality StudySM (IQS) but ranked among the Top 3 in its segment in our firm’s 2008 APEAL Study, which measures owner satisfaction with their vehicle’s performance and design.
2008 Chevrolet Cobalt Sport
When equipped with the 171-hp, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that comes standard on the Sport trim level, the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt offers peppy acceleration coupled with a 25 mpg combined EPA fuel economy rating (26 mpg if you choose the manual transmission). Available in coupé and sedan body styles, the Cobalt Sport features performance suspension tuning, 17-inch alloy wheels, and an upgraded exterior appearance. Other goodies include stability control, side curtain air bags, XM satellite radio with a free 90-day trial, and OnStar communications with a one-year subscription to GM’s Safe & Sound plan.
The combined EPA fuel economy rating for the Cobalt Sport with a manual transmission is 26 mpg, while the automatic is rated 25 mpg. Premium fuel is required for this engine. The Cobalt received 3 Power Circles (out of 5) in the 2008 IQS and 2 Power Circles (out of 5) in our 2008 APEAL Study.
2008 Honda Fit Sport
Though its 109-hp, 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine doesn’t produce blistering acceleration, neither will its combined EPA fuel economy rating of 31 mpg (with manual transmission) blister your wallet. If you can live with often leisurely acceleration, the Honda Fit Sport proves fun to drive thanks to its nimble handling, bite-sized dimensions, and Euro-tuned suspension. The Sport comes standard with a manual transmission, or you can get a 5-speed automatic with paddle shifters mounted to the steering wheel. Very racy. Standard equipment includes 15-inch aluminum wheels wrapped in 195/55 tires, fog lights, and a body kit. Inside, there’s standard air conditioning, side-impact and side-curtain air bags, 200-watt audio system, and Honda’s Magic Seat system that provides multiple cargo and passenger hauling configurations, and up to 41 cubic feet of interior space.
The combined EPA fuel economy rating for the Fit Sport with a manual transmission is 31 mpg, while the automatic is rated 29 mpg. This engine operates on regular unleaded fuel. The Honda Fit was the highest-ranked model in its class in the 2008 IQS and in the 2008 APEAL Study.
2008 Mazda 3i Touring Value Edition
This is a tricky one. The 2008 Mazda 3 is offered with one of two engines, and only the standard 148-hp, 2.0-liter makes the cut. That means the hatchback is out; you’re limited to the sedan, and to maximize handling you need the Mazda 3i Touring Value Edition, which includes the 17-inch alloy wheels and P205/50 tires from the more powerful Mazda 3s. This particular model also comes with fog lights; a body-color grille; 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with a brake-assist feature; side-impact and side-curtain air bags; and an input jack for your iPod.
The combined EPA fuel economy rating for the Mazda 3i with a manual transmission is 27 mpg, while the automatic transmission is rated 26 mpg. This engine operates on regular unleaded fuel. The Mazda 3 received 3 Power Circles (out of 5) in the 2008 IQS and 4 Power Circles (out of 5) in the 2008 APEAL Study.
2008 Mini Cooper & Clubman
It’s tough to believe that BMW almost decided against bringing the Mini Cooper to the U.S. back in 2002, considering how much passion it inspires and how successful it has become. The cheeky styling is only part of what makes the Mini so appealing; performance and fuel economy are also its strong suits. For 2008, the new Clubman model adds rear seat and cargo room, and like the standard Cooper is offered in base and turbocharged S trim levels. Standard engines generate 118 hp while the turbocharged powerplant whips up 172 horses and torque that ranges between 1600 and 5000 rpm. Better still, there’s no reason for any two Minis to be exactly the same, given the number of color, interior, and accessory combinations available.
The combined EPA fuel economy rating for the 2008 Mini Cooper with a manual transmission is 32 mpg, while the automatic is rated 29 mpg. The heavier, more powerful Clubman S receives a combined rating of 29 with a manual and 27 with an automatic transmission. Premium fuel is required for each of the Mini’s engines. The Mini Cooper received 2 Power Circles (out of 5) in the 2008 IQS and was the highest-ranked model in its segment in the 2008 APEAL Study.
2008 Nissan Altima
Before you start thinking that the Altima 3.5SE and its 270-hp V-6 engine qualify for this list, forget it. We’re talking the Altima Hybrid here, and its gas-only 2.5 counterpart. If you don’t believe it, go and try one out. Nissan has staked a brand claim on performance and handling, and the Altima is a nimble family hauler. Add a good-size interior with room for 5 passengers, a big trunk, impressive combined fuel economy ratings, and 5-star government crash-test ratings, and this is one fun, fuel-efficient sedan. Plus, you can luxe it up with the addition of the 2.5 SL package, which includes leather and other goodies.
The combined EPA fuel economy rating for the Nissan Altima Hybrid and its continuously variable transmission (CVT) is 34 mpg. The Altima 2.5 is rated for 26 mpg with the manual or CVT. Both powertrains operate on regular unleaded fuel. The Nissan Altima received 3 Power Circles (out of 5) in the 2008 IQS and 3 Power Circles (out of 5) in our 2008 APEAL Study.
2008 Nissan Sentra SE-R
The suffix defining this trim level of the 2008 Nissan Sentra has a long and storied history. It means something to the Nissan faithful: performance. It could be argued that in recent years the SE-R badge has lost some luster, especially considering that today’s Sentra SE-R is equipped with a standard CVT instead of a manual gearbox, but the fact remains that when you choose this model you get more horsepower (177), more torque (172 lb.-ft.), a tighter suspension, bigger wheels and tires (17-inch), improved front seats and, for the purposes of this group of vehicles, good fuel economy (24 mpg city/30 mpg highway).
The combined EPA fuel economy rating for the Nissan Sentra SE-R is 26 mpg. This engine operates on regular unleaded fuel. The Nissan Sentra received 3 Power Circles (out of 5) in the 2008 IQS and 3 Power Circles (out of 5) in the 2008 APEAL Study.
2008 Pontiac G5 GT
Few people give the 2008 Pontiac G5 GT any love, but there’s reason to consider this sleek, attractive coupé. Though it’s nothing more than a rebadged Chevy Cobalt, the Pontiac G5 is a good-looking car. It’s quite affordable, too, what with nearly continuous rebates available on the car. For fun, the G5 GT is equipped with the same 171-hp, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine as the Cobalt Sport, paired with a standard 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic transmission and riding on 17-inch alloy wheels wearing performance tires. Side-impact and side-curtain air bags are standard along with stability control, and options include a power sunroof, remote engine starting, XM satellite radio, and something called Personal Audio Link, which delivers full-read capability for an iPod.
The combined EPA fuel economy rating for the G5 GT with a manual transmission is 26 mpg, while the automatic is rated 25 mpg. Premium fuel is required for this engine. The G5 received 2 Power Circles (out of 5) in the 2008 IQS and received 3 Power Circles (out of 5) in the 2008 APEAL Study.
2008 Saturn Astra XR
People looking for good fuel economy and the utility of a hatchback blended with German road manners and an attractive price tag need look no further than the 2008 Saturn Astra XR. Available in 3- or 5-door hatchback configuration, the Astra XR is essentially identical to the Opel of the same name that is sold across the Atlantic, right down to the odd dash layout and indecipherable control markings. Under the hood is a 138-hp, 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine. Given how capable and communicative this car’s steering, brakes and suspension are, Saturn should consider adding the more energetic 2.4-liter engine from the Chevy Cobalt Sport and Pontiac G5 GT to the Astra lineup.
The combined EPA fuel economy rating for the Astra is 27 mpg, regardless of transmission choice or door count. This engine operates on regular unleaded fuel. J.D. Power and Associates does not have ratings for the Saturn Astra, as it went on sale too late to be included in our 2008 customer satisfaction studies.
2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI
Since when is a car equipped with a turbodiesel engine fun to drive? Since it’s a Volkswagen Jetta TDI, which is available as a sedan or new SportWagen. Most Volkswagens deliver nimble handling and a good feel for the road, regardless of how fast they are in a straight line, and the Jetta TDI is no exception. What’s surprising is how the turbodiesel’s range torque between 1750 and 2500 rpm can launch the Jetta with enthusiasm. Add the fact that this engine employs common-rail technology to reduce sooty emissions and burns the new “clean” diesel fuel to enable it to meet strict California standard for exhaust particulates, and the Jetta TDI is clearly one fun way to maximize your mpg.
The combined EPA fuel economy rating for the Jetta TDI with a manual transmission is 34 mpg, while the automatic transmission is rated 33 mpg. Low-sulfur diesel fuel is required for this engine. The Jetta received 3 Power Circles (out of 5) in the 2008 IQS and received 4 Power Circles (out of 5) in the 2008 APEAL Study.
