Just because a vehicle gets great mileage, it is not necessarily the greenest vehicle on the road. Cars built in the 80’s that got exceptionally high mileage produce as much carbon as modern day pickup trucks! Today we have vehicles that are much more environmentally friendly. This list provides an environmental choice between hybrids, compressed natural gas and regular internal combustion – gasoline vehicles.
To create this list, the “Smartway” ratings scale was referenced. In addition, cars were compared by their average EPA fuel mileage rating. “SmartWay is a designation earned by those vehicles that score a 6 or better on each of the Air Pollution and Greenhouse Gas Scores and achieve a combined score of at least 13 when added together. Higher Air Pollution Scores indicate vehicles with reduced levels of emissions that cause smog and health problems. Higher Greenhouse Gas Scores indicate vehicles with reduced levels of emissions that cause greenhouse gases and have improved fuel economy. SmartWay Elite is a designation given to those vehicles that score 9 or better on each of the Greenhouse Gas and Air Pollution Scores.”
The Ford Focus is Ford’s second vehicle on our list. The Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) engine has 136 horsepower (at 4,250) that produces 133 lbs feet of torque (at 4,250). With “European Inspired” suspension, the little Focus is a joy to toss around the corners. The Ford Focus is the cheapest vehicle in Ford’s American fleet and offers the remarkable SYNC® system. “The voice-activated Ford SYNC® Communications and Entertainment System is optional in Focus SE and standard in Focus SES. This state-of-the-art, voice-activated system fully integrates many Bluetooth®-enabled mobile phones and digital media players. What can SYNC do? Here’s a sampling: Connects a Bluetooth®-enabled phone. Allows you to control the entire library of your connected MP3 player by voice. Offers complete hands-free control of your cell phone. Want to know more? Go to syncmyride.com.” Being that it is on this list, it is a joy at the gas pump and for the environment too! The Ford Focus achieves the following Smartway scores:
Air Pollution Scores = 9.5
Greenhouse Gas Score = 8
EPA fuel mileage is 24 city mpg and 35 highway mpg.