How Much Does Your Dream Car Pollute?

Posted: 03-Sep-2002; Updated: 16-Sep-2003

Thinking of buying a new car but wondering how it rates on fuel economy and tailpipe emissions? Our new, improved 2002 version of Tailpipe Tally lets you do just that: it allows you to build your own comparison list of up to four vehicles for all model years going back to 1978. You might discover that your dream car does more harm to the environment that you thought.

For example, if you compare the gasoline-electric, hybrid Toyota Prius to a similar compact car, say, the Ford Focus (both 2002 model year vehicles), you'd find out that the Prius consumes approximately 260 gallons a year versus a whopping 440 gallons for the Focus. Moreover, the Prius emits half as much smog-forming pollution than the Focus, including 90% less nitrogen oxide that contributes to ground level ozone - a significant problem in many of our nation's cities. If that doesn't convince you which car makes more sense, maybe the savings you'd realize in fuel costs would: if you went the Prius route, you would save an estimated $254 each year -- and even more if the price of fuel continues to go up.

	Go to Tailpipe Tally
	Find out how cars and trucks contribute disproportionately to greenhouse gas pollution at Cars and the Environment
	Find out how you can save money and help the planet this Labor Day weekend