Here are some websites that will give you basic information about vehicle characteristics that matter to you:

USEPA fuel efficiency ratings: www.fueleconomy.gov

Crash test data and rollover ratings, and child safety information: http://nhtsa.gov

Outstanding article on the relative safety (or danger) of specific vehicle models and types pose both to their occupants and to the occupants of other vehicles: http://eetd.lbl.gov/EA/teepa/pdf/Are_SUVs_Safer.pdf

Guide to the cleanest vehicles in terms of tailpipe emissions: www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/ccbg/ccbg.htm

Data on reliability, resale value, handling and performance, and other attributes:
www.consumerreports.org/news/AutoHub/Reports/

Choose Your Options Thoughtfully

Even when you've narrowed your choices down to a single model, you still have choices to make that will affect safety and fuel efficiency:

• an automatic transmission burns more fuel than a manual,
• a 4-speed manual burns more fuel than a 5-speed; and
• 4-wheel-drive models nearly always consume more fuel than their 2-wheel-drive counterparts, even when the 4-wheel-drive isn't used (and 4-wheel-drive is almost never used — so skip it if you can).

When choosing accessories, keep in mind that every 200 pounds of extra weight shaves 1 mpg off fuel mileage. Also, some auto safety experts think grille guards, rear racks and other external accessories create an additional hazard to others, especially pedestrians and cyclists, in collisions. Also, external paraphernalia increase aerodynamic drag, dragging down fuel efficiency.

Good luck!

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