The Search is On!

Which vehicles will turn out to be the best ones for the city to use? A comparison study will be conducted to determine which cars give the best gas mileage, have the best performance and the lowest maintenance costs.

The Fleet Services department will conduct a life-cycle study of the hybrid, compact, and midsize sedans that are used by city inspectors and other employees who have to drive to different locations to perform their jobs.

The midsize cars currently in use are fueled with gasoline, and have a history of fuel cost and maintenance cost to judge against. Hybrid cars use a combination of gasoline and electricity for power; they are more fuel efficient and pollute less. More hybrid cars will be purchased this year and put into service. Smaller, compact cars will also be included in the study.

	Honda Civic Hybrid (2006) 1.3 liter engine, 4 cylinders continuously variable transmission integrated motor assist system Purchase Cost: $20,100 Estimated: 51 mpg highway 49 mpg city annual fuel cost $660
	Nissan Sentra Compact (2006) 108 cubic inch engine, 4 cylinders 4-speed automatic transmission ultra-low emissions rating Purchase Cost: $13,600 Estimated: 34 mpg highway 28 mpg city annual fuel cost $1099

news release about the car study