Cars That Help You Drive Efficiently

I was doing my research about my recent new car purchase and wondered about gas mileage. I was reading about the "Prius Effect" at SmartGridBuzz and thought, "How simple: if you know how much gas you're using as you use it, you can adjust your driving."

Little did I know there are a lot of other cars that also give you a good idea of how much gas, or electricity, you're using. My newly purchased car tells me both average and instantaneous gas mileage. I didn't think it would make much difference, but it has. It's inspiring to see that the new car, which is actually larger than the old, gets significantly better gas mileage, as long as I drive with common sense. And the mileage tool helps me do just that.

The instantaneous mileage readout tells me whether I should drive at 45 or 55 in the 45 mph zone to get the best gas usage. Some of the results are not surprising, but it sure helps to have a constant reminder. I'm now competing against the meter instead of the driver beside me. I'll pass him at the next gas station.