Are you in the market for a new car soon? Then you might want to pay particular attention to these small cars and family sedans. According to the EPA, they’re the most fuel-efficient models for 2011 so far. Please note that not all makes and models have been tested, so other contenders may find their way onto the lists.

Small Cars

Family Sedans

* Based on 45% highway driving, 55% city driving, 15,000 annual miles and the price of fuel used by the vehicle.

** Source: The gas mileage figures and fuel cost estimates found on this website are reported by the U.S. Government at http://www.fueleconomy.gov/

Sure, we might make fun of Minivan Moms, but secretly, we all love the comfort and convenience of these modern vans. Think you might be in the market for one? Here are the top 8 fuel-efficient minivans for 2010:

* Based on 45% highway driving, 55% city driving, 15,000 annual miles and the price of fuel used by the vehicle.

** Source: The gas mileage figures and fuel cost estimates found on this website are reported by the U.S. Government at http://www.fueleconomy.gov/

Due to hit U.S. showrooms this fall, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL class will have a 15% improvement in fuel economy and a 23% reduction in carbon emissions. It will do all of this with a smaller engine than in the past, yet it will produce more power. Find out how it will accomplish that here.

With the ever-changing – and sometimes outrageous – price of gasoline, drivers are always looking for ways to increase fuel efficiency while controlling costs at the pump. But how many of us really know how gas prices are determined?

Before looking at the factors that determine gas prices, let’s review some statistics on fuel consumption. According to the Department of Energy (DOE), the U.S. consumed 137.80 billion gallons (or 3.28 billion barrels) of gasoline in 2008. That’s actually about 3% less than the record high of about 142.35 billion gallons (or 3.39 billion barrels) consumed in 2007. As a comparison, consumption in 1998 was about 126.52 billion gallons (or 3.01 billion barrels).

Let’s turn our attention now to factors that help determine retail gas prices. Figures listed below are from the Department of Energy (DOE).

• Crude Oil Prices. This price varies over time and among regions of the country. In March 2010, refiners paid an average of about $80 per barrel of crude oil, which accounted for about 69% of the national average retail price of a gallon of regular grade gasoline.
• Taxes. Federal, State, and local government taxes (not including county and local taxes) accounted for about 14% of the national average retail price of regular gasoline in March 2010. Federal excise taxes were 18.4 cents per gallon and State excise taxes averaged 22.01 cents per gallon.
• Distribution and Marketing. Distribution, marketing, and retail dealer costs and profits made up the next largest share of the retail price of gasoline in March 2010. These expenses accounted for roughly 8% of the retail price of regular gasoline.
• Refining. Refining costs and profits were the smallest part of the retail price of gasoline in March 2010, accounting for 9% of the retail price of regular gasoline.

Demand is another indicator of higher gasoline prices. The demand for gasoline is usually higher in the summer, since it is a peak vacation time. This higher demand generally translates to higher gas prices.

Ford’s once-popular Explorer may not be ready for the automotive graveyard just yet – it’s getting a second life in 2011 as a more fuel-efficient crossover. Read more about how Ford plans to improve the Explorer, starting with better gas mileage.

Continental has developed a new tire that is said to improve fuel economy plus reduce harmful CO2 emissions. And according to Continental, the all season ProContact with EcoPlus Technology provides those benefits without sacrificing performance. Read more here…

Ford’s new entry into the subcompact vehicle market is earning rave reviews for fun, function and fuel economy. What makes the all-new Fiesta so special? Find out here…

Hybrids have been using stop-start technology for years, and now Hyundai and Kia are planning to introduce the technology to their gas-engine vehicles within the next two years. Stop-start engine technology turns off gas engines when vehicles come to a stop and then restarts them when drivers touch the accelerators.

According to Timothy White, Hyundai-Kia’s senior powertrain manager, this new feature should provide about a 3 percent increase in fuel economy.

Can choosing smarter routes help you get better fuel mileage? Ford thinks so. The automaker’s MyFord Touch allows drivers to choose the fastest and shortest route or a more fuel-efficient ‘Eco-Route,”  all of which are based on historical and real-time traffic data. This feature will be available this summer on the 2011 Edge and 2011 Lincoln MKX and on the 2012 Focus later in the year.

Love fast cars? And really, who doesn’t love good gas mileage? Well if you’re looking for a combination of the two, you may be in luck. A new crop of cars, including Ford, Chevy, BMW, Volkswagen and Hyundai, seem to be offering both. So take less out of your wallet at the pump and put the pedal to the metal!