5 Most Fuel Efficient Cars 2011

At the summer of 2008 in U.S, gas prices average around $4.50/gallon in the U.S. After the summer of 2008, gas prices plummeted down to $2.00/gallon and people were beginning to enjoy going out more. However, as of April 2011, the price is already $4.00/gallon and it is predicted that it will reach over $5.00/gallon within the next year or so.

The best ways to save money is not drive at all and just stay home, sit in front of your computer all day long! Most of us can't do that because we must drive to work and we live in a society where driving is a necessity. How many miles are you getting from a gallon of gas? There will be no expensive cars in this post and none of the cars here will reach 0-60 in 5 secs, but these cars will save you money on gas every year. Lets see...

1. Toyota Prius: 51 City/48 Hwy (50 Combined), Base Price: $23,050. 1.8-liter, with 4-Cylinder engine and 134 hp, 0-60 mph in 9.8 secs. The most fuel efficient car on the market is the Toyota Prius, also the most demanding car in the U.S. A small sedan, but roomy enough for 5 and it is perfect for those that drive over 100 miles a day to work. The 3rd Generation Toyota Prius model is on sale since 2009 and currently available for purchase at most Toyota dealers.

2. Lexus CT 200h: 43 City/40 Hwy (42 Combined), Base Price: $29,120. 1.8-liter, with 4-Cylinder engine and up to 134 hp, 0-60 mph in 9.8 secs. Why not have both luxury and fuel efficiency in one car? The Lexus CT 200h does just that by offering great gas mileage with a luxurious feel. Wow your friends and colleagues with a whopping 42 mpg in a Lexus.

3. Honda Civic Hybrid Tie for third are the Honda cars, which both give an estimated combined 41 mpg. The Civic Hybrid has more room and cargo space, while the Insight is much more affordable.

Honda Civic Hybrid: 40 City/43 Hwy (41 Combined), Base Price: $23,950. 1.3-liter, 4-Cylinder engine with 110 hp, 0-60 mph in 11.3 secs.

4. Ford Fusion Hybrid in the fourth spot are two contenders from Ford Motors with each having a combined 39 mpg. These hybrids are packed with a powerful engine which give out 191 hp. The Fusion Hybrid is more affordable. Ford Fusion Hybrid: 41 City/36 Hwy (39 Combined), Base Price: $28,405. 2.5-liter, 4-Cylinder engine with 191 hp. 0-60 mph in 8.4 secs.

5. Honda CR-Z or Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: Ranking in fifth place is a duel between the H companies; CR-Z and the Sonata Hybrid each has a estimated combined 37 mpg. Honda offers a sporty coupe at a comfortable price range while Hyundai offers a full sedan with great gas mileage.

Honda CR-Z: 35 City/39 Hwy (37 Combined), Base price: $19,345. 1.5-liter, 4-Cylinder engine with 122 hp. 0-60 mph in 9.7 secs.

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: 35 City/40 Hwy(37 avg.) Base Price: $25,795. 2.4-liter, 4-Cylinder engine with 206 hp. 0-60 mph in 9.2 secs.

What do you think of this list? If there are better fuel efficient cars available on the market, please list those cars and link to them. We only list cars that are currently available for purchase and has already been on the market. Concept cars that have not been release cannot be on the list because it is not yet available for purchase. Your comment is very valuable and it will help us keep the list accurate.

Ford Fiesta 2011 Specs And Features

Ford Fiesta 2011 is a 4-door, 5 passenger family sedan or wagon, available in 5 trims, ranging from the Sedan S Hatchback SES. Upon introduction, both motifs are equipped with a standard 119-horsepower 1.6-liter, I4, which achieves 28 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional.

Fiesta gets the most out of every corner, thanks to the technical precision only a Ford-tuned suspension can offer. Taking on straightaways is a smooth affair, too, when you combine electric power-assisted steering with the proprietary Ford invention, active nibble control. Covert aerodynamic design and critical technology such as the class-exclusive PowerShift six-speed automatic and 1.6L Ti-VCT Duratec® I4 engine with twin-independent variable cam timing make it a responsive and fuel-responsible driving experience.

Rapid-fire shifting is enhanced by a powertrain control module making real-time adjustments, producing efficient mobility. Fiesta also boasts many aerodynamic design characteristics that help minimize air resistance and increase fuel efficiency, such as the aero-shaped body-mounted mirrors and the line cut into the rear taillamps. The optional Super Fuel Economy Package offers additional aerodynamic details such as underbody shields and blockers on the lower grille.

Fiesta is designed to amplify the anticipation of the drive and physically engage your senses. Thoughtful design cues like the class-exclusive* 4" multifunctional LCD display screen and cell phone-inspired center console with cascading buttons are pleasing to the eyes and the touch. Available features such as front heated leather-trimmed seats, SYNC® in-car connectivity system and Intelligent Access with push-button start reinforce that Fiesta is a choice, not a compromise.

The safety advancements in the 2011 Fiesta give you the peace of mind to enjoy the quick and nimble performance that makes Fiesta so much fun to drive. Fiesta provides seven standard air bags-more standard airbags than any other compact cars in its class*- and includes side curtain airbags. There’s even an airbag at the driver’s knees. And here’s another way Fiesta raises the bar on safety: a protective “safety cage” made of boron - an element so strong it’s used in the aerospace industry- surrounds both driver and passengers.

Fiesta has no qualms about standing out, starting at the front end with a three-bar grille and distinctive dragon’s-eye headlamps. A razor-slash side panel highlights the car’s cut-and-run stance, while the upswept rear end makes it look like it’s ready to launch. Available ambient lighting and available bright metallic accents create a radiant glow that surrounds the interior, and unique exterior colors emphasize Fiesta’s effervescent personality bubbling to the surface.

Powertrain Specifications
	S Sedan	SE Sedan/Hatchback	SEL Sedan/Hatchback
Engine Type	1.6L 16-valve Duratec® I4	1.6L 16-valve Duratec® I4	1.6L 16-valve Duratec® I4
Drive Type	FWD	FWD	FWD
Transmission Type	Std. 5-speed manual/Opt. PowerShift 6-speed automatic	Std. 5-speed manual/Opt. PowerShift 6-speed automatic	Std. 5-speed manual/Opt. PowerShift 6-speed automatic
Engine Electronics	Twin-Independent Variable-cam Timing (Ti-VCT)	Twin-Independent Variable-cam Timing (Ti-VCT)	Twin-Independent Variable-cam Timing (Ti-VCT)
Compression Ratio	11:01	11:01	11:01
Valve Lifters	16-valve	16-valve	16-valve
Fuel Delivery	MFI	MFI	MFI
Engine block material	Alloy	Alloy	Alloy
Fuel Economy	28 city/37 hwy/32 combined (manual) 29 city/38 hwy/33 combined (automatic)	28 city/37 hwy/32 combined (manual) 29 city/38 hwy/33 combined (automatic)29 city/40 hwy/33 combined (automatic w/ SFE package)	28 city/37 hwy/32 combined (manual) 29 city/38 hwy/33 combined (automatic)
Horsepower(SAE net@rpm)	120 @6350	120 @6350	120 @6350
Torque (lb. ft. @ rpm)	112 @5000	112 @5000	112 @5000

Ford F-150 2011

Ford F-150 2011

Ford F-150 2011

Ford F-150 2011

Ford F-150 2011

Ford Fiesta 2011

Ford Fiesta 2011

Ford Fiesta 2011

Ford Fiesta 2011

Ford Fiesta 2011

Ford Focus Exclusive Car

Ford Exclusive Car

Ford Exclusive Car

Ford Exclusive Car

Ford Exclusive Car

36' Ford Coupe

36' Ford Coupe

How Not to Customize Redux: 1996 Ford Taurus “Space Ship”

Do you want a car that, "look deferent and feel deferent [sic]"? If so, this Australian tuner - whose skill at vehicle modification is in line with his comprehension of the English language - has the car for you...

The third generation Ford Taurus was not a very pretty car to begin with. Its ovoid shape, which extended to the taillights, rear window and even the dashboard was not especially attractive and made the car look like it was slowly melting.

This enterprising owner has attempted to fix that by adding an ill-fitting body kit, hood and roof scoops and a generous amount of black and gold paint (which makes the car look like a tin of Lyle's Golden Syrup). The result is...well, you can see for yourself.

Underneath that hideous façade the Taurus appears pretty stock with a 3.0 L V6, automatic transmission and 164,321 km (102,104 miles) on the clock. It looks like it even has the stock wheels and tires.

For the enterprising buyer in Blacktown, NSW, this...thing could be yours for a little over AU$1,500 - or at least that's the highest bid currently on eBay.

By Tristan Hankins

Link: eBay 1 & 2 , Via: Jalopnik

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New Fiesta to Take Center Stage at Ford's SEMA Show Booth with 350HP Turbo Concept and Tuner Project Cars

Hot on the heels of the Euro-designed subcompact's U.S. market launch, Ford is planning to bring a gaggle of tuner Fiestas to this year's edition of the SEMA Show, which takes place at the Las Vegas Convention Center during the first week of November.

"SEMA represents a special opportunity, because we can show off unique designs that other companies have created," said Sam De La Garza, Fiesta brand manager. "It's not just Ford coming to the table. It's other companies interpreting what Fiesta is, and bringing their own style to the Fiesta launch."

Aside from the independent tuner project vehicles that you can read more about below, Ford's in-house Racing Performance Parts division will display a concept Fiesta fitted with a production-based 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged engine, enlarged to 2.3 liters to pump out 350 horsepower.

"The goal of our 350-horsepower Fiesta is really twofold – first to reinforce Fiesta's fun-to-drive nature with an extreme version that captures the attention of the influential enthusiast, and second, to introduce the Ford Racing/EcoBoost connection in a way that's unexpected and outrageous," said Mickey Matus, Ford Racing Performance group marketing manager.

The sported-up Fiesta will also get Brembo brakes, Ohlins dual-flow valve dampers, a short-throw shifter, a Ford Racing exhaust system, and 17-inch cast-aluminum alloy wheels.

Ford said the concept model, which will hit the show floor in a blue color, will be painted by an as of yet unnamed artist during the show with the intention of auctioning the car in the near future to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund (JDRF).

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2011 Ford Fiesta by Ford Vehicle Personalization

The Ford Vehicle Personalization Fiesta uses green accent colors on the wheels and grille to set off the unique car, which is equipped with a four-piece body kit. A new interior package debuts, featuring white-and-black seating surfaces, door trim inserts, steering wheel and interior components. It also comes with a newly developed side graphic – an evolution of the tattoo graphic that is currently available.

2011 Ford Fiesta by Universal Technical Institute

This unique Fiesta from Universal Technical Institute offers a custom DuPont paint job and an Air Lift full digital suspension. A custom roll cage and Status racing seats make it track-ready, while Baer brakes and 18-inch wheels and tires provide upgraded performance.

2011 Ford Fiesta by 3dCarbon

3dCarbon's Euro Series Fiesta makes a bold statement with race-inspired styling, which includes 3dCarbon racing stripes, window films and rear roof spoiler. A four-piece body kit consists of an aggressively sculpted front air dam, aerodynamic side skirts and a rear lower skirt accented with black trim.

2011 Ford Fiesta by L&G Enterprises

L&G Enterprises has created the digital Fiesta, which shows off circuit board-inspired graphics on the exterior. Complete with a lowered and more aggressive stance, the Fiesta also has a new exhaust and air intake. Inside are carbon fiber accents, highlighting a sleek black interior with integrated iPad command center.

2011 Ford Fiesta by H&R Springs

This Fiesta by H&R Springs makes a style statement and demonstrates the versatility of Fiesta with several interior and exterior modifications. A color-matched body kit and large rear wing, along with European hood vents offer style and functional benefits. A graphics wrap around the car shows off a high-tech look, playing on the nature of Fiesta.

2011 Ford Fiesta by Steeda Autosports

Steeda Autosports is putting a Fiesta on display that has serious handling and performance upgrades for enthusiasts. A short-throw shifter and cold air intake developed by Steeda up the performance level. Additionally, tuned front and rear lowering sport springs, retuned dampers, antiroll bars and a front strut tower brace provide what enthusiasts are looking for in a high-performance car.

2011 Ford Fiesta by FSWerks

FSWerks is showing its appreciation for the all-new Fiesta with a complete line of high-performance parts. Features on the SEMA vehicle include FSWerks-developed cool flow air intake system and race exhaust, along with stress bars. Other modifications include a body kit, Continental ExtremeContact™ DW tires and Aristo Noble two-piece wheels.

Ford Reportedly Considering New Lincoln Continental Model, but a Compact Makes so Much More Sense

Reports indicate that Ford has been meeting with dealer representatives to discuss the brand's options, including batting the Continental name around. Sadly, that's not likely because of the silly alphabetical naming system Ford's luxury brand has been using (I liked Zephyr to begin with) and the fact that Lincoln needs to be made young, not even more inaccessible.

As part of the renovation, Lincoln hopes to reveal up to seven new models in the next couple years. After the 2011 MKX, expect the rest of the lineup to get significant refreshes; that means new marketing and styling for the MKZ, MKS, Navigator, and MKT (with new limousine and extended-legroom models once the Town Car has moved on).

That leaves room for one new model, which could either be the aforementioned flagship or possibly even a compact entry-level model to make up for the loss of Mercury.

The compact seems more likely in the short term, as Ford is trying to convince Lincoln dealers it can make the brand youthful and yuppie to drive sales (versus its current aged, stagnant, and scattered state).

If that's the case, there's no need to rule out the flagship down the line. Once Lincoln can pull in some sales, money could then be aimed at the top-tier S-Class and LS segment. If Lincoln can get that far, it may very well be considered "ok". However, as it stands, Ford is looking shut down more than 200 dealers due to slumping sales.

Jesse Toprak, an analyst at TrueCar, says, "The biggest problem is [Lincoln's] brand identity itself. A lot of people have the image of the car that your grandpa owned." If you'll recall, that was Cadillac's major problem about ten years ago and now they're putting out M5-hunters, power-wagons, and good-looking crossovers. Should Lincoln be able to pull off the type of renaissance that Cadillac did, CEO Alan Mulally is even willing to get Lincoln its passport and go international with the brand.

By Phil Alex

Source: Autonews (Sub. Req.)

*Opening Photo: 2002 Lincoln Continental Concept Study

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