How to Use This Guide
The 2011 Vehicle Buyer’s Guide includes vehicle-specific information about vehicle specifications, fuel economy, price, and air pollution and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission ratings. With this information, you can compare similar vehicles to make an informed buying decision.
Fuel Economy
The 2011 Vehicle Buyer’s Guide includes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) city and highway fuel economy estimates. Fuel economy is measured under controlled conditions in a laboratory, using EPA’s standardized tests. The city fuel economy tests simulate urban driving, in which a vehicle is started with the engine cold and driven in stop-and-go traffic. EPA’s highway fuel economy tests simulate a mix of rural and interstate highway driving with a warmed-up engine, typical of longer trips in free-flowing traffic. Federal law requires manufacturers of light-duty vehicles sold in the United States to provide customers with the EPA estimates. Fuel economy estimates are also available on www.FuelEconomy.gov.
Starting with model year (MY) 2011, fuel economy estimates are also supplied for medium-duty passenger vehicles weighing up to 10,000 lb. This includes sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and passenger vans but excludes pickup trucks and cargo vans.
Emissions
The Air Pollution Score represents vehicle tailpipe emissions that contribute to local and regional air pollution and create problems such as smog, haze, and health issues. EPA air pollution scores range from 0 to 10, and vehicles that score a 10 are cleanest, meaning they emit none of these types of pollutants.
California Emission Standards, set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), are similar to but more stringent than federal EPA standards. Several states have adopted CARB standards, including Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Washington, Vermont, and Washington, D.C., although dates vary as to when the CARB standards will go into effect.
The Greenhouse Gas Score reflects emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2 ) and other greenhouse gases, which impact the planet’s climate. GHG scores are based on EPA fuel economy estimates and range from 10 (best) to 1 (worst). GHG scores only reflect vehicle tailpipe GHG emissions. More information about GHG scores is available at www.epa.gov/greenvehicles.
Engine Size and Price
In most cases, information about engine size and manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) has been obtained from the vehicle manufacturer and the Kelley Blue Book. MSRP does not include shipping or freight charges. Information about federal and state incentives is available at www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/laws.