When prices soar at the gas pump, drivers crave a fuel-efficient vehicle more than ever. Many car manufacturers make fuel economy a primary selling point, and Ford is no exception. Shoppers looking at Ford with an eye to great fuel economy have a few models from which to choose.
Using the "hybrid" combination of a gasoline-powered engine and an electric motor, the Fusion is aimed at fuel-conscious and environmentally conscious drivers. A front-wheel-drive four-door sedan, the 2011 Fusion has estimated gas mileage of 41 miles per gallon during city driving and 36 miles per gallon during highway driving, making it Ford's flagship fuel-conscious vehicle. It is important not to confuse the hybrid Fusion with the gas-powered Fusion models, none of which manages the fuel economy made possible by the electric motor of the hybrid version.
Those looking for a slightly roomier Ford vehicle that still nets good fuel economy should take a look at the hybrid Escape model. The Escape utilizes the same hybrid concept as the Fusion, pairing a 2.5 liter gasoline engine with an electric motor. The hybrid version of the Escape comes in two drive configurations, the selection of which affects gas mileage. The front-wheel-drive version of the 2011 Escape boasts an Environmental Protection Agency-estimated fuel economy of 34 miles per gallon during city driving and 31 miles per gallon during highway driving. The all-wheel-drive version of the hybrid Escape gets slightly less in terms of gas mileage: 30 miles per gallon in the city and 27 on the highway.
The Fiesta is another option for Ford shoppers looking for a vehicle that isn't too thirsty at the gas pump. Unlike Ford's other two most fuel-friendly vehicles, the Fiesta is a conventional gasoline-powered vehicle, not a hybrid. Available in either sedan or hatchback models, the 2011 Fiesta's 1.6-liter engine boasts an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 29 miles per gallon during city driving and 40 miles per gallon during highway driving. With a starting suggested retail price of under $14,000, the Fiesta is an affordable fuel-efficient option for Ford customers.
