I got a birthday present on Saturday: 40 mpg hwy!

[Jane Austin]

Because I'm going foreign for the first time in 30 years.

I have tried so hard to support American workers, but you know what?

American car companies have been torpedoing CAFE standards for decades, and the technology is available.

I traded my Plymouth Voyager minivan (18 mpg, highway) for a Volkswagan Passat Diesel wagon (40 mpg, highway).

Upon reading about diesel vans on the internet (ecoworld.com) it turns out that Chrysler makes a diesel minivan, but it's for export to Europe only. Huh? Thanks a lot, Chrysler. In cahoots with the oil companies, maybe?

It also turns out that Volkswagon makes a sub-compact called the Lupa that gets 90 (NINETY!) mpg. But it's not available for import to the US yet because it uses low-sulfur diesel fuel, currently not available in the US.

They have a car on the drawing board that is supposed to get 190 (!) mpg.

Meanwhile, if the US will allow import of low-sulfur diesel fuel, my mileage will be even better.

BTW , my new wagon has all the bells and whistles for this now-senior driver: heated seats, fancy radio, mileage computer, moonroof, car alarm, room for my dog's crate, umpteen airbags (curtain?) and some kind of sensor system that makes it hold the road in a turn better than my ZX did in 1980!

It has rained here in central Texas ever since I took delivery, and this Passat handles fantastically on slick streets and when there is deep water.

Sorry US auto industry. I tried . . . but you didn't.

[glitch]

1. My '87 Toyota gets 40 mpg - it was made in America.nt

[Booster]

2. Like you, I tried to keep it American too until I found out they are

making American mostly in Mexico. I finally broke down and bought an Acura and as soon as the Toyota Highlander Hybrid becomes available, I will more than likely get that next. What I noticed the most is the service with Japanese cars; they really bend over backwards trying to please you and they are so courteous, something sorely missed by American car dealers. I had a Ford Explorer which was recalled and when I tried to get it in for the fix, MY dealer said they don't make any money for fixing recall problems so why didn't I take it to another dealer - that did it - no more American cars for me.

[Jane Austin]

11. That Highlander hybrid is going to be neat.

I think they're going to bring out the Lexus SUV hybrid first though, then the Highlander.

[TXDemGal]

3. Congrats, Jane!

My hubby and I both have New Beetle diesel turbos that are a few years old. Love the comparatively good mileage, and the cars are fun to drive. Best of all, they're both paid off!

Do be careful of the deep water, though. You probably heard about that woman in Blanco whose car was swept away over the weekend with her in it when she tried to cross a flooded area.

[Jane Austin]

4. Not to worry about the deep water crossings . . . .

I wasn't doing anything dangerous. Just driving through Manor on US 290, and wham there was a lot of water on the road.

I never even came close to losing control, although my heart did speed up a bit.

My car-savvy husband is mightily impressed with the pep and go of this car. It's amazing, and now he's starting to whine about wanting his own turbo-diesel. :)

[BlueOhio]

5. 1989 Ford Escort GT

When i first got it, it averaged 25-30 mpg highway depending on how heavy my foot was, then about 5 years in, the fuel pump malfunctioned, and was getting hot, but still worked ok, funny thing was, after the malfunction the fuel economy went up to about 45 highway.

Wierd huh..

Now I have a 2002 Ford Focus SVT out on the highway, as long as I take it easy on the gas and dont try to go 150MPH it gets about 30 mpg.

not too bad.

[Jane Austin]

6. That's fascinating about your mileage..

The Ford Focus wagon was what I was aiming at when my husband steered me toward the Passat turbo diesel.

It's a neat little car.

[Glenda]

8. How close have you come to that 150 mph?

Just curious :)

[BlueOhio]

10. How Close?

Just a touch over, 152 according to the speedo.

SVT. Damn. 4Cyl 2.0l 6 Speed. 170 HP

[Worst Username Ever]

7. Foreign cars are sold in the US are generally manufactured here anyway

using american workers, etc.

[Jane Austin]

9. I assumed this one was made here,

but it turns out all the turbo diesels are made in Germany.

At least my salesman made something on it, and I really liked him.