Cars with Best Gas Mileage

WILLOW LABORATORIES NEWS

Ford Escape Hybrid Performance Since this is a hybrid, we'll answer your most burning question right now: Under our leaden feet we averaged 26 mpg against the EPA's combined estimate of 28 mpg (29 city/27 highway). Remember, we had the AWD version — the front-wheel-drive Escape Hybrid is rated more impressively at 32 mpg combined (34 city/31 highway). And according to our consumer reviews, some folks are averaging 30 mpg and better with the front-driver.

Audi A4 3.2 Quattro Function Myriad sensors on the new A4 made so many beeps and boops while we were driving, we sometimes felt like we were in a video game. This was especially true with the parking system. Our car came equipped with a rear back-up camera that made parallel parking quite easy, so we found the 1980s Atari-style guiding sounds unnecessary. Another feature we found more annoying than helpful was Audi's Side Assist. Although designed to help prevent "dangerous" lane changes, it would ding and turn on a light in the dash when we maneuvered in heavy traffic. Fortunately, this system can be turned off.

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Chevrolet Cobalt XFE Performance Our 2009 Chevy Cobalt XFE test vehicle came with the standard 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission driving the front wheels — the only configuration available for XFE variants. As with all Cobalts — SS models notwithstanding — the engine produces 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Design/Fit and Finish With its uncluttered lines, crouching stance and elegant thin-spoke 18-inch wheels, the E550 has a classy yet powerful presence. Some of us prefer the E550's cohesive look to Mercedes' new design language, with more angular lines and exaggerated wheelwell flares, as seen on the S-Class sedan.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Performance A muted growl under full throttle gives the strong and otherwise silent V8 some personality. With a 0-60-mph time of 5.2 seconds, the stunning acceleration is more full-on sports car than luxury sedan. Yet the sensation is muted, a product of the car's broad power band, smooth powertrain, effective noise isolation and aforementioned monolithic build quality. At speed, it's the same unflustered sensation; you may find yourself running down the freeway 10-15 mph faster than you realize. A radar detector is not included.

Honda Pilot 4WD Touring Performance Most distressing, however, are the braking distances exhibited by our Pilot at the test track. The Pilot came to a halt from 60 mph in 149 feet — that's 15-20 feet longer than most competitors. There's strike three, and we simply cannot recommend a vehicle that stops in such a distressing distance (other than a heavy-duty pickup). In regular driving, the brakes actually feel good, with a firm, reassuring pedal, but it's a false sense of security. Chief Road Test Editor Chris Walton pegged most of the blame on the Pilot's mud-and-snow-rated tires that offer little bite on the pavement, but he also noted that there was significant fade after only three stops, in typical Honda fashion.

Ford Escape Hybrid Function Ford's Sync system is a great feature that's fairly simple to use. Sync allows control of your cell phone, the audio system and the navigation system through voice commands. A few times we had to repeat the name of a few people we were calling, but overall the system works great, with clear transmission both ways. Techies will delight in the standard 110-volt power outlet (which can power laptops or perhaps a toaster) and a pair of audio input jacks (USB and 3.5mm) let you hook up your portable tunes, such as an iPod or other MP3 player.

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