5 Fuel-Efficient Flex-Fuel Vehicles to Consider for 2011

Opting to purchase a flex-fuel vehicle (FFV) is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. All flex-fuel vehicles are designed to efficiently burn either traditional gasoline or a gasoline blend that contains as much s 85 percent ethanol (E85). Because ethanol gas is created from corn and other renewable resources, the use of E85 helps lower the world's dependence on fossil fuels. For those serious about saving gas with E85, it may be worthwhile to review the top five most efficient flex-fuel vehicles.

It should be noted that FFVs earn about 25 to 30 percent fewer mpgs when running on E85. This is because ethanol offers less energy per volume. For 2011, the Chevy HHR earns the title of most fuel-efficient FFV. When using E85, the vehicle delivers 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. On traditional gas, the HHR boosts these figures to 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. Those looking for an eco-friendly family wagon may find much to like about the 2011 Chevy HHR. Base price for the vehicle comes in at $18,720.

Learn more about the 2011 Chevrolet HHR.

The Chevy Malibu earns 15 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway when using E85. As a mid-size sedan, the Malibu is one of the better FFVs for families. A two-tone interior design and fairly comfortable ride help set the vehicle apart from the competition. When filled up with traditional gas, the Chevy Malibu offers 22 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. These figures are good for the class. Pricing for the 2011 Malibu starts at $21,975.

Learn more about the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu.

Those looking for an eco-friendly large sedan may want to take a look at the 2011 Chevy Impala. On E85, the vehicle offers 14 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. Gasoline mpgs are also fairly competitive, with an estimated 19-mpg in the city and 29-mpg on the highway. Other advantages of the Impala include a quiet ride, good suspension and room for up to six passengers. A base price of $24,390 also serves to make it one of the most affordable large sedans for the year.

Learn more about the 2011 Chevrolet Impala.

Ford's twin mid-size sedans earn 14 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway when operating off of ethanol-based fuel. Efficiency jumps to 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway when drivers opt for traditional gasoline. The Fusion and Milan have been receiving good reviews thanks in part to an upscale interior, competitive price and long list of available technology features. Add in solid fuel economy, and both of these models are worth a look if you are in the market for a mid-size sedan. Base price for the 2011 Fusion and 2011 Milan starts around $20,000.

Learn more about the 2011 Ford Fusion.

Learn more about the 2011 Mercury Milan.

Ford offers three nameplate cousins that share the same engine and similar styling. All three models deliver 14 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway when operating on E85. Traditional gas fuel numbers come in at 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. Compared to other compact SUVs, these Ford SUVs stand out for their technology features and comfortable front and rear seating. Base price for the Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner and Mazda Tribute is set around $21,000.

Learn more about the 2011 Ford Escape.

Learn more about the 2011 Mercury Mariner.

Learn more about the 2011 Mazda Tribute.