Gas prices have been on the rise lately, with the cost of a gallon pegged at just about $4 for the national average. What Americans pay still pales in comparison to drivers in Europe, but with prices reminiscent of the gas price hike in the summer of 2008, we thought this might be a good time to ask: Will you be changing your driving style to save more gas?
The compact sedan segment is becoming a more significant segment, with strong sales from newer entries like the Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Focus, and Hyundai Elantra challenging the Honda Civic. Volkswagen’s diesel-powered entries under $30,000 no longer have a monopoly in the non-hybrid inexpensive and efficient car market.
Even if we see a temporary dip in gas prices over the next couple weeks, the long-term trend is upward. So what would it take for you to change your driving habits? At what price would you consider purchasing a more efficient vehicle instead of driving an inefficient car that’s fully paid for?
Even at the 35 mpg combined mark, there are still a number of choices. According to the EPA, here are the 2011 model year vehicles with an official combined city/highway rating of 35 mpg:
Lexus HS 250h – 35 mpg
Smart ForTwo – 36 mpg
Honda CR-Z – 37 mpg
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid – 37 mpg
Chevrolet Volt – 37 mpg on gas, 93 mpg equivalent with electricity
Ford Fusion Hybrid – 39 mpg
Lincoln MKZ Hybrid – 39 mpg
Honda Insight – 41 mpg
Honda Civic Hybrid – 41 mpg
Lexus CT 200h – 42 mpg
Toyota Prius – 50 mpg
Nissan Leaf – 99 mpg equivalent
So tell us, would $4 a gallon gas convince you to alter your driving habits and buy one of the above cars? How about $5 gas?
