The Chevy Malibu is well known for being a great family car, and it also has bragging rights with its fuel efficiency pushing 33 MPG. That basically equates to about 500 highway miles on one tank of gas. If you’re thinking that’s nearly “hybrid” type numbers, your right, but it doesn’t mean you should pay extra for something that will only give marginal results.

The fact is GM is providing hybrid like efficiency without trying to charge hybrid prices. If there was a significant gain in efficiency, then it would be a different story, but that is not the case. You can sense that GM is making a smart move here despite the media crawling all over them about not offering the hybrid version of the Malibu but when it doesn’t make sense why should you pay for it.

There is so much media influence these days that it’s really tough to get unbiased information so that leaves the consumer having to do much of their own research. The dealers are able to provide good data, and those that do will be able to win over the buyers who may be just browsing. By providing useful information that new car buyers can collect and then interpret based on their own needs and interests, it allows people to not only learn about the cars but more about why the manufacturers make the decisions that they do. The media can always spin it, so having access to the information will allow you to filter out the information you need.

When you are looking at a vehicle its clear that mileage is only one factor in the decision, while other factors may be interior appearance, utility, and features you like. Finding a vehicle that is within your budget involves having some knowledge about your driving habits, distance you live from work, and number of miles you drive each year. By carefully analyzing and perhaps reducing your driving habits you can then afford to consider whether mileage is as important as having a luxurious interior.