WASHINGTON, DC -- The U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have released the 2006 Fuel Economy Guide to help consumers make well-informed choices when purchasing a new vehicle.

Hybrid and diesel vehicles continue to be the fuel economy leaders, with the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius hybrids, and Volkswagen New Beetle and Golf diesels topping the list.  Other hybrids making the top ten list for model year 2006 include the Lexus RX 400h, Ford Escape Hybrid, Mazda Tribute Hybrid, Mercury Mariner Hybrid and Toyota Highlander Hybrid.  Hybrid technology can be used to improve fuel economy and performance.  The only conventional gasoline-fueled vehicle to make the top model year 2006 is the Toyota Corolla manual transmission.

“The Bush administration is working to get more fuel efficient vehicles on the road by educating the public and by incentivizing the production and purchase of fuel efficient vehicles,” Energy Secretary Samuel W. Bodman said.  “In January, consumers can take advantage of tax credits worth thousands of dollars by purchasing a hybrid, electric, or hydrogen fuel cell vehicle.  Also, we are working with car manufacturers through our FreedomCar initiative to develop next generation technology that will bring more fuel efficient vehicles to market.”

“We know that when consumers are provided the information they need to make informed, educated decisions they choose products that will both save them money and help protect our shared environment,” said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson.  “This year's fleet offers a wider variety of cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles for car buyers to select from -- encouraging more Americans to heed President Bush’s call to reduce the demand on the nation’s energy supply.”

Fuel economy estimates, which appear on the window stickers of all new cars and light trucks prior to sale, are determined by tests conducted by manufacturers and EPA according to EPA specifications. To ensure these estimates continue to remain as reliable as possible, EPA plans to propose updates to the methods used to determine the sticker fuel economy by the end of the year.

The following are online sources for more fuel economy information:  

The joint EPA and Department of Energy Fuel Economy Web site offers detailed information on vehicle fuel economy, including a complete downloadable version of the Fuel Economy Guide.  The Web site is located at http://www.fueleconomy.gov/.

Comprehensive information about EPA's Fuel Economy program is available at http://www.epa.gov/fueleconomy/.

The Green Vehicle Guide Web site to give consumers a better picture of fuel economy and automobile emissions. Consumers can use this guide to locate the cleanest running and most fuel efficient vehicle that meets their needs. To access this guide, visit http://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/.

The 2006 fuel economy leaders within class as well as the lowest fuel economy models are listed below.

Highest Fuel Economy Models by Vehicle Class
2006 Model Year

Highest Overall Fuel Economy Models*
2006 Model Year

Lowest Overall Fuel Economy Models*
2006 Model Year

*Trucks over 8500 pounds gross vehicle weight rating are exempt from federal fuel economy requirements.

Lowest Fuel Economy by Vehicle Class*
2006 Model Year

*Trucks over 8500 pounds gross vehicle weight rating are exempt from federal fuel economy requirements

Media contact(s):
Craig Stevens, 202/586-4940
Tom Welch, 202/586-5806
John Millett (EPA), 202/564-4355

Number: R-05-239