by Keith Jean

Created on: October 01, 2008   Last Updated: October 08, 2008

Gas is expensive! Theres no denying it. Tired of shelling out big bucks at the pump? Fortunately there are options out there that can save your hard earned money. Following are some new vehicle technologies, and also tips you can apply to the vehicle you already have to increase its gas efficiency.

The Hybrid
Hybrid vehicles start at around $22,000. The two most popular at this price range are: Toyota Prius which gets an average of 46 mpg, and the Honda Civic Hybrid which gets an average of 42 mpg. For around $25,000 you can purchase either a Nissan Altima Hybrid or a Toyota Camry Hybrid. Both will get you about 33-34 mpg average. Looking for a gas efficient SUV? The Hybrid SUV has arrived! Ford's Escape model and Mercury's Mariner both will run you about $27,000 and both achieve an estimated 32 mpg.

The Compact
Auto makers are designing compact cars that get around 30 mpg or better. These include: Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Scion xD, and Honda Fit all starting around $15,000. Between $15,000 and $20,000 are the Mini Cooper, Mini Cooper Clubman, Pontiac Vibe, and Toyota Matrix. Under $15,000 are the Toyota Yaris and the Kia Rio.

Diesel
Diesel is expensive and less available in the US compared to Europe. In Europe it is a good option as many automakers are releasing fuel efficient diesel vehicles. The cost of diesel compared to gasoline is often lower in those countries. The Volkswagen Jetta TDI is an excellent choice with an estimated 35 mpg and a tag of $21,900.

The Plug-in Hybrid
Not widely available yet, but automakers will be releasing them in the next couple years. They are a better option than traditional plug-in electric models, because the gas tank is also a backup increasing their range of travel. They are efficient achieving 100+ mpg, and can be recharged for the equivalent of gas costing $1 a gallon. Traditional hybrid vehicles can be modified to become plug-in hybrids, but this is costly at around $7,000- $15,000 due to the cost of batteries and installation.

E85 Ethanol and Hydrogen
E85 vehicles run on a fuel of 85% ethanol. Hydrogen is clean burning but costly to produce. Automakers are releasing models that run on E85. Fuel cell technology has come along way, and soon we might start to see more Hydrogen powered cars. Neither are widely enough available to be a real practical solution yet, but both look like very promising future fuels.

Your Car
Even your car that you own now can be made more fuel efficient. Regular tune-ups and proper tire inflation will help improve fuel efficiency, and so will proper air conditioning usage. If you are traveling over 45 mph turn on the A/C, and below 45 mph roll down the windows. Using cruise control can save you gas, and so can gradually accelerating. There are plenty of options out there to keep your hard earned cash in your pocket; even if you don't buy a new vehicle today.

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