Fuel-efficient vehicle reviews

Jim Mateja: Mercedes singing the BlueTEC with ML

Now that the petroleum industry has cleaned up its act, the auto industry has, too.

Jim Mateja: Pontiac builds m.p.g. excitement

Pontiac has trouble deciding what it wants to be when it grows up.

Test Drive: 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid

Jim Mateja: Zippy, thrifty Escape hybrid is truly politically correct

Why would President-elect Barack Obama trade in his sporty and luxurious, Hemi-powered Chrysler 300C on a 4-cylinder and battery Ford Escape hybrid compact SUV?

Test Drive: 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI

Jim Mateja: Lively Jetta puts VW back in the cleaner, meaner diesel game

Before hybrids arrived on the scene, diesel vehicles were the alternatives to gasoline-powered cars. They got far better mileage and thus a much greater driving range before need for a refill than gas.

Test Drive: 2009 Acura TSX

Jim Mateja: Acura weds luxury and economy in TSX

The host of first-class amenities from power moonroof to leather heated seats to automatic climate control leaves no doubt that the Acura TSX is a luxury car.

Test Drive: 2009 Honda Fit

Jim Mateja: Econo Fit

Though the mini Honda Fit debuted only two years ago for the 2007 model year as the automaker's highest-mileage, lowest-priced car, it already has been redesigned.

Test Drive: 2009 Chevrolet Aveo

Jim Mateja: Aveo5 not only–or best–option for thrift

Some folks reached for their cash, others for a Valium when gas topped $4 a gallon.

Test Drive: 2009 Honda Pilot

Jim Mateja: Unyielding Pilot running on all 3, 4, 6 cylinders

When a vehicle controls the number of cylinders in use based on its need for more or less power, you'd think the automaker would shout it from the highest mountain—especially with gas prices rising like CEO salaries.

Test Drive: 2009 Toyota Corolla

Jim Mateja: Corolla at 40: A little wider, more solid

The Toyota Corolla has survived more than 40 years since its 1968 U.S. debut.

Test Drive: 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan

Jim Mateja: What do you get when you cross tiger, iguana?

Don't ever let Volkswagen name one of your kids.