[RH77]

So, I haven't posted in a while -- call it a combination of buying a Hybrid and not really reporting a lot of efficient activity. Between a combination of back surgery and our first kiddo, my vehicle choices for work rentals have been less-than-efficient.

The following list represents vehicles rented and driven in late '09 and 2010. I used to review FE-friendly vehicles, but time constraints have offered little opportunity to review and post FE results and driving opinion this past year.

If you're interested in a particular model, feel free to post it and I can respond with a rundown of the experience and FE. Overall, awards go to the Ford Focus and Fusion (4-cylinder) for best fleet efficiency and quality, with an honorable mention to Kia/Hyundai for practicality and FE. The Jeep Compass wins the "What Were They Thinking Award", with the Camry as the most bland offering (over my own 2010 Honda Insight Sedan, which has been rated by every car mag as lacking a soul -- more on that later -- it's not that bad for the efficient driver with both cost and fuel economy).

Here's the list in the following format...

Year (2 separate listings for major re-designs), Make, Model, Trim Levels Driven, and Engine and Transmission in Trim Tested (detailed listing: 2.5L-4/CVT = 2.5L 4-Cylinder and Drivetrain):

2010 Buick LaCrosse, CX (3.0L-6)
2010/2011 Buick Lucerne, CXL-3/CXL (3.9L-6)
2010/2011 Cadillac DTS, Base (4.6L-8)
2010 Chevy Camaro, 1LT (3.6-6)
2010 Chevy Cobalt Sedan, LS/LT (2.2L-4)
2010/2011 Chevy Impala, LS/LT/LTZ (3.5L-6/3.9L-6)
2010/2011 Chevy Malibu, LS/LT1/LT2/LTZ (2.4L-4/3.6L-6)
2010 Chrysler 300, Touring (2.7L-6)
2010 Chrysler Sebring Sedan, Touring (2.4L-4)
2010 Chrysler Town and Country, LX/Touring/Limited (3.8L-6/4.0L-6)
2010 Dodge Avenger, SXT-Express-R/T (2.4L-4)
2010 Dodge Charger, Base/3.5L (2.7L-6/3.5L-6)
2010 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Quad Cab, SLT (4.7L-8)
2010 Ford Edge, SEL (3.5L-6/FWD)
2011 Ford Edge, Limited (3.5L-6/FWD)
2010/2011 Ford Escape, Limited (3.0L-6/FWD)
2010/2011 Ford Flex, Limited (3.5L-6/FWD)
2010/2011 Ford Focus, SE/SES (2.0L-4)
2010/2011 Ford Fusion, SE/SEL (2.5L-4/3.0L-6)
2011 Ford Taurus, SEL (3.5L-6)
2010 Honda Accord Sedan, LX (2.4L-4)
2010 Hyundai Accent Sedan, GLS (1.6L-4)
2010 Hyundai Azera, Limited (3.8L-6)
2010 Hyundai Elantra, GLS (2.0L-4)
2010/2011 Hyundai Elantra, SE (2.4L-4)
2010 Jeep Compass, Sport, (2.4L-4/CVT)
2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Laredo, (3.7L-6/RWD)
2010 Kia Forte Sedan, EX (2.0L-4)
2010 Kia Optima, LX (2.4L-4)
2010 Kia Sorento, Base (2.4L-4)
2010 Kia Sportage, LX (2.0L-4/AWD)
2010/2011 Kia Soul, "!" (2.0L-4)
2010/2011 Lincoln MKZ, Base (3.5L-6)
2010 Mazda 3 Sedan, i Touring (2.0L-4)
2010/2011 Grand Marquis, LS (4.6L-8)
2010/2011 Nissan Altima, 2.5 S (2.5L-4/CVT)
2009 Subaru Outback (Wagon), 2.5i (2.5L-H4)
2010 Toyota Avalon, Limted (3.5L-6)
2010/2011 Toyota Camry, LE/XLE (2.4L-4)
2010 Toyota Prius, II (1.8L-Hybrid-CVT)
2010 Volkswagon Jetta Sedan, SE PZEV (2.5L-5)

Happy Motoring!

RH77