4.4.2008 6:24 AM

Small Cars Sell Big

As Gas Prices Rise, Gas-Guzzlers Stay on the Lot

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No. 10 Most Fuel-Efficient 2008 Vehicle
No. 1 Most Fuel-Efficient 2008 Small Station Wagon

Fuel Economy
City: 28 mpg
Highway: 34 mpg

Fuel Cost:
25 Miles: $2.40
Per Year: $1,444

Annual Carbon Output:
5.9 tons

Photo: Honda

By Dan Shapley

The demand for fuel-efficient cars is so great that used-car dealers are offering owners premiums and special deals to trade in humble options like the Chevy Prism.

So it's no surprise that, as USA Today put it, "The smallest, cheapest cars are the biggest, brightest spot in the dreary auto market."

Sales of small cars stayed flat, year-over-year, in March – a bright spot considering the overall 12% decline in sales – while sales of the smallest (and cheapest) of the small boomed 27%.

Some of the most fuel-efficient vehicles of 2008 are selling the best, including the Toyota Yaris and the Honda Fit.

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