Toyota, Honda top U.S. government's list of fuel-efficient vehicles

Hybrid and economy-class vehicles made by Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. have topped the U.S. government's list for 2007 fuel-efficient vehicles.

The list, released by the Energy Department on Tuesday to help consumers make well-informed choices when purchasing new vehicles, showed Toyota and Honda made seven of the 12 vehicles listed in the top 10.

Toyota Prius Hybrid was first with 60 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 51 mpg on the highway, while the Honda Civic Hybrid was second with 49 mpg in the city and 51 mpg on the highway.

Toyota Camry Hybrid was third with 40 miles per gallon in the city and 38 mpg on the highway, while the Ford Escape Hybrid was fourth with 36 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

"Each year millions of Americans buy new cars, and by using fuel economy information, each consumer can make a more educated decision that will help conserve energy and save money," Energy Secretary Samuel W. Bodman said.

"In addition to looking at the miles-per-gallon rating, I would also encourage Americans to buy flex-fuel vehicles, which are also good for our economy because they use homegrown E-85," he added.

Source: Xinhua