2004 Scion xB
It took us several years, but the styling of the boxy Scion xB has finally warmed up to us at hi-mpg.org.
While it cannot be described as beautiful, it can be described as both cool, different, and fun. With its round wheel arches and very short overhangs, it can even be described as sporty. And while it could certainly be labeled a “box”, few will accuse it of being a mere “econobox.” » Read more..
2001 Honda Insight
The Honda Insight was first introduced in 2000 as the world’s first production hybrid vehicle. Its short, 2-seat fastback profile harkened back to the glory days of Honda’s fun-loving CRX, all while signifying a new era of responsible, eco-friendly vehicles.
The Insight was the first car sold in the U.S. to achieve more than 60 mpg. Indeed, its original EPA fuel economy ratings of 66 mpg on the highway and 61 mpg in the city still are the best of any car. Insight owners report that they have achieved as high as 80 or even 90 mpg with careful modulation of the gas pedal and other advanced techniques. Imagine driving from Sacramento to San Francisco on just one gallon of gas! » Read more..
2005 Ford Focus
It used to be that a U.S. car manufacturer could not produce a compact car that could be described as anything but “mediocre”. Even Ford’s best-selling Escort was nothing but ho-hum in styling, ride, performance, and interior design. No car, it seemed, wearing an American nameplate would ever rival the Japanese or European compacts in terms of refinement and overall quality.
This all changed with the Ford Focus. » Read more..
2004 Scion xA
The xA was one of the original products from Toyota’s new division, Scion. Scion was conceived to fill the small-car void left by Toyota which, over the years, were making their cars larger, more powerful, and seemingly able to attract primarily older people to their showrooms. » Read more..
1988 Honda CRX
It was the only new car in America during its time that could rival the Geo Metro in gas mileage, yet was beautiful to look at and was a hoot to drive. Long gone but not forgotten was the second generation Honday CRX HF, which is perhaps one of the true Japanese classics of the late 80s and early 90s. » Read more..
