EPA Finds Fuel Efficiency Drops In 2003 Models

- The newest cars, trucks and sport utility vehicles rolling off the assembly line aren't winning praise for fuel economy.

According to statistics released by the Environmental Protection Agency, 2003 models are averaging 20.8 miles per gallon.

That's about 6 percent below the high point set for fuel consumption 15 years ago.

One scientist says the technology is there to average close to 30 to 40 miles per gallon.

But according to the EPA, only 4 percent of vehicles are getting more than 30 miles per gallon. That's down from 6 percent one year ago.

This year's best performer is the hybrid gas- and electric-powered Honda Insight. It gets 64 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving.

Only one car in the top 10, the Toyota Echo, operates solely on gasoline. The others are either hybrid powered or use diesel fuel.

By class, the best achievers are compact cars, followed by small station wagons and subcompact cars. Cargo and passenger vans guzzle the most gas, followed by standard pickups and four-wheel-drive SUVs.

Congress has rejected any substantial increase in fuel economy requirements. The auto industry argues that it gives buyers what they want.