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The list of 2011's most fuel-efficient vehicles is out. With the introduction of two mass-market electric cars, the Nissan Leaf and the Chevrolet Volt -- both of which are included on the list -- the 2011 model year will be a milestone for the U.S. auto industry. And with incentives such as federal tax rebates and long warranties, electric cars are now priced competitively enough to grab potential buyers' attention.
The number of fuel-efficient vehicles -- those getting 30 miles per gallon or better -- continues to grow. While 2010's list of most fuel-efficient cars and SUVs was comprised of familiar models -- Toyota's Prius and Honda's Civic hybrid among them -- the 2011 model year also includes the Fiat 500, the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid and the Ford Fusion Hybrid.
And not all the cars are wee two-seaters or hatchbacks (see the fortwo or the Toyota Yaris). Several midsize sedans are now available, such as a station wagon from Volkswagen -- the "clean diesel" Jetta SportWagen.
The leaders in the SUV category remain the same, with three hybrids the only models in their class to achieve better than 30 miles per gallon.
If you're in the market for a new car, these fuel-efficient models will save you money on gas year after year, which is an important consideration.
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