Due to an increase in price of gas, car manufacturers have introduced cars that run on hybrid technology. If you are looking forward to buy a car, your best bet will be to purchase a car that uses hybrid technology.

The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) in the U. S. publishes the most fuel efficient cars in their report each year. This year, the EPA updated its method of computing fuel economy based on stronger acceleration, faster driving and comfort along with fuel efficiency.

Here are some of the most fuel efficient cars as rated by the EPA:

Toyota Prius is rated at 48 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on the highway. This five seated midsize sedan combines an electric motor and the power of a 1.5 liter 4 cylinder gas engine. This car was redesigned as a mid-sized sedan for the 2004 model.

The Mercury Mariner Hybrid as well as the Ford Escape Hybrid achieves an impressive 32 mpg. The fuel economy is achieved by hybrid cars quite impressively. But if you are thinking of buying a non-hybrid vehicle which ensures less fuel and greater comfort, you better buy the Toyota Yaris. The Toyota Yaris is the top-ranked non-hybrid vehicle of 2008. Yaris is rated at a combined 32 mpg. The package is quite impressive and the interior is quite versatile and roomy.

If you are thinking of purchasing a car that runs on diesel, you better wait for a year. The new Volkswagen diesels are due next year with fuel economy numbers expected above 50 mpg.