Fuel efficiency is at the forefront of every new car-buyer’s mind. No one wants to spend $30,000 and find themselves throwing money away at the gas pump, so we’ve compiled a list of the cheapest vehicles that get 40 miles per gallon (combined) in order from most expensive to least expensive.

While great advancements have been made in internal combustion engine technology over the past few years it still comes as little surprise that every car on this list is a hybrid. For those looking for cars that get 40 mpg on the highway alone, keep an eye open for our top-10 next week! And before the comments start rolling in, the $32,000 Prius PHEV Plug-in seen above, did not make our list, due to its limited availability. For fans of the plug-in Prius, check out our latest review.

Toyota is going to donate $250,000 to help the relief effort for victims of a massive Tornado that wiped out whole subdivisions of homes in Moore, Oklahoma and the greater Oklahoma City area.

The money will go towards helping first responders, along with mid-to-long term needs in the areas of food, small business revitalization and home rebuilding. Toyota is one of at least four other automakers who have already pledged money and or vehicles to the relief effort.

SEE ALSO: Detroit Three Donate Cash, Cars to Tornado Relief

“On behalf of Toyota, we express our sincere condolences to everyone impacted by this devastating tornado. Our thoughts are with the affected families as they work to rebuild their lives,” said Latondra Newton, Toyota VP of philanthropy and chief diversity officer.

 Discuss this story at toyotanation.com

Toyota has already teased the upcoming Corolla with the Furia Concept, but now the brand has released the first official photo.

The styling of the new Corolla is expected to take a major departure from the current car, borrowing cues that were introduced by the Furia Concept. From a technical perspective, the new Corolla is expected to stay close to the same.

According to a leaked order guide, the 2014 Corolla will get its power from a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that includes the automaker’s Valvematic continuously variable valve timing and lift system. The current Corolla also uses a 1.8-liter four cylinder, though that engine only has variable valve timing.

SEE ALSO: 2014 Toyota Corolla to get 40 MPG, Sporty Handling

For transmissions, the base four-speed automatic is expected to stay, though a new CVT will be introduced to higher trim levels. A six-speed manual transmission will also be available.

On the sidelines of the Detroit Auto Show, a Toyota said that the new Corolla will top 40 mpg, as well as offer a sporty driving experience.

GALLERY: Toyota Corolla Furia Concept

The joint sports car project between Toyota and BMW is moving right along with a concept model expected to be shown at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show.

According to sources close to the project, GT86 (Scion FR-S) chief engineer Tetsuya Tada is also heading up the new jointly developed sports car between the two automakers. Tada has already visited BMW multiple times in the past year and even headed to Munich shortly after the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

SEE ALSO: BMW, Toyota Announce Plans for Co-Developed Sports Car

It appears that BMW will be tasked with modifying the GT86 platform to underpin the new sports car, stretching it so that it can enter the midsize sports car market segment. There is, of course, a small chance that a BMW platform will be used to underpin the project, but given the success of the GT86 and Tada’s involvement, that’s unlikely.

As for engines, all signs point to a BMW-sourced, four-cylinder – especially with the success of their recent turbocharged four cylinders. But it’s not entirely safe to assume that the powerplant will be turbocharged or even supercharged. The sports car could very well be a hybrid, the same way recent supercars such as the Ferrari LaFerrari and the McLaren P1 has opted to go.

The biggest news however is that this project won’t be going the same route as the GT86, where the FR-S and the BRZ share similar sheetmetal. Both sports cars will look significantly different, making Supra enthusiasts hope for a true successor to Toyota’s sports car.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Discuss this story at ToyotaNation.com

It may not be perfect but the United States is a great country. America has her share of problems, both past and present, but for the most part this nation is pretty sweet; when it comes to being awesome we’ve done better than most.

This land is your land, this land is my land; it’s home to freedom and possibility, abundance and Coney dogs. Hundreds of years ago the U.S. was courageous enough to stretch clear across an entire continent, bold enough to caress two oceans at the same time and smart enough to never let the other one find out.

That intrepid, flirtatious attitude is alive and well today. Americans boldly go where others refuse and tackle issues no one else will; we even tolerate hipsters and live-action roll-playing. If this roiling kettle of patriotism gets any closer to boiling over the AutoGuide Oracles’ ocular organs will erupt with tears of pride and thankfulness.

America is a land of endless expanses, suburbia and the open road. Our Interstate Highway System connects small towns with major population centers; it’s like an asphalt internet, an analog Cyb3rw3b. Thankfully the real net isn’t constructed of crumbling bridges and potholes.

Bumps, cracks and frost-heaves are an unfortunate reality of motoring in ‘Murica. With miles and miles of miles and miles it’s not always easy to maintain our infrastructure the way it should be. This necessity was the mother, or at least the wet nurse of invention; it spurred the wide-spread adoption of smooth-riding, comfortable cars. Traversing disintegrated pavement in a rough-riding sports car is hardly enjoyable, nor is having your adiposity quiver like a Doberman’s dewlap, hence the need for smoothness.

This week Bob dispatched a communiqué asking for assistance. He’s in the market for something that at first glance sounds like an automotive paradox. He wants a fuel-efficient large car. Generally big does not equal economical, but thanks to modern technology the two are no longer mutually exclusive.

Robert has between $25,000 and $40,000 to spend. He wants technology, lots of safety features and good fuel economy. Long-term reliability is critical as well since he plans on driving this vehicle into the ground. What’s a sedan fan to do? Where can a four-door aficionado turn for advice? He’s come to the right place.

Suggestion #1 – 2014 Chevrolet Impala

Right now Bob’s vehicular stable consists of a 2005 Subaru Outback and a ’95 Acura Legend. As you can tell he leans toward imported auto-mo-beels but he’s not totally opposed to Detroit iron. The last American car he owned was a ’66 Mustang, which likely provided a flurry of memories, but not necessarily all of them good. Corresponding via electronic mail he wrote he would consider a Big Three car if they really “knocked it out of the park.”

Just like his baseball reference, Chevrolet is about as American as it gets, never mind that it was founded by a Swiss-born Frenchman. Keeping our large-car tradition alive is the Bow-Tie brand’s redesigned Impala.

Long a staple of rental lots this full-size sedan has been completely transformed for the 2014 model year, going from fleet queen to prom queen. The previous car was the potted meat of the automotive world, cheap, mushy and of questionable origin, but the ’14 version is like surf and turf at a fine steakhouse.

The car’s exterior design has gone from anodyne to awesome, its interior municipal to magnificent. But there’s a whole lot more to this vehicle than just handsome styling. To keep up with its competition the new Impala can be loaded with enough high-tech safety and convenience features to make the Bill Gates apprehensive.

While the car has not been tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) just yet it comes standard with 10 airbags, so it should be plenty safe. Like many new vehicles it will probably earn at least “Top Safety Pick” status, how could it not? There are more inflatable devices in the cabin than at a balloon-industry convention.

Helping lessen the driver’s burden 2014 Impalas offers all kinds of advanced assistance features. A collision-mitigation system, lane-departure and forward collision warning are but a few of the items available. It also comes with blind-spot alert, a backup camera and full-speed-range adaptive cruise control. If technology and safety are what Bob’s after this car is hard to top.

But wait, if you order in the next 15 weeks they’ll throw in six months of OnStar service, ABSOLUTELY FREE!

SEE ALSO: 2014 Chevrolet Impala Review

While not quite a Baskin Robbins 31 Flavors, buyers have three different options from to choose from in the engine room. The base powerplant is a 2.5-liter EcoTec four-cylinder. It’s thrifty and efficient, delivering 196 horsepower and up to 31 miles per gallon on the highway.

The biggest engine available is a 3.6-liter V6. It puts out a muscular 305 horses but is only slightly less efficient than the four-banger, offering up to 29 MPG on the open road, which is nothing to sneeze at.

For maximum efficiency a thrifty eAssist version will be offered toward the end of the year. The heart of this hybrid drivetrain is a 2.4-liter gasoline engine. Output is slightly less than the base four, but at 182 horsepower it’s not far off.

Where eAssist really shines is in the fuel economy department. Impalas equipped with this drivetrain should manage 25 miles per gallon in the city and up to 35 on expressway jaunts. Small cars from just five years ago had trouble delivering such impressive numbers.

Base price for a 2014 Chevrolet Impala with the 2.5-liter engine is about $27,500. That’s not too shabby for a large car with an attractive design, comfortable interior and 10 airbags. Throw in a ginormous trunk and impressive fuel economy and this Chevy can handle just about anything.

Suggestion #2 – 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word “hybrid”? It’s probably Prius, and by extension Toyota. The Japanese auto-giant is practically synonymous with electrified vehicles, selling more of them than any other company.

Just like the Impala, Toyota’s Avalon has been completely transformed, going from dull to dreamy in one fell swoop. Every previous version of the car was critically boring, sleepier than nap time at Golden Sunset Retirement Community, though at least the Avalon’s seats remained dry.

Driving one of these antiquated Avalons was about as enjoyable as birthing a television set; one of those old-school rear-projection behemoths that were terrible at everything except taking up huge amounts of floor space.

Luckily for large-car customers the new Avalon is a revolutionary product for Toyota. It’s actually got swagger and presence; it no longer looks like a watered down Buick Lucerne, one of the blandest cars ever built. It’s the result of the company’s push to deliver more exciting, emotional products, and Toyota deserves a big pat on the back because they succeeded, but they didn’t ruin the car in the process.

Out on the road the Avalon, even in economy-minded hybrid trim delivers an engaging driving experience… for a large sedan. It’s no Scion FR-S, but it’s no longer a snooze-factory, either. The ride is smooth but the car still handles pretty well; it’s a nice balance.

It’s powered by a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine that delivers just 156 horsepower, which sounds pitifully quaint, but this vehicle is full of surprises. It’s augmented by a 105 kW electric motor that’s amped up by a nickel-metal hydride battery pack. Total system power is more respectable at 200 ponies.

Despite its low horsepower rating the Avalon actually accelerates pretty briskly. Merging with fast-moving highway traffic is no problem, but efficiency is the Avalon’s trump card. The car promises an amazing 40 miles per gallon in urban driving and 39 on the interstate – numbers that quite simply destroy the Chevy’s Impala eAssist hybrid.

SEE ALSO: 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Review

In the unfortunate event of a crash the Avalon protects its occupants with an IIHS Top Safety Pick rating. The car has not been put through the fear-mongering organization’s new, and very rigorous small-overlap test.

When it comes to standard equipment the Avalon is offered with much of what you’d expect in a modern, large sedan. A moonroof is part of the deal as is a backup camera, rear-seat air vents and dual-zone automatic climate control with an air filter to keep pollution and allergens at bay, or at least out of the cabin.

The Avalon is an excellent large car, but greatness ain’t cheap. Chevy is happy to sell you a stripped-down Impala but the Avalon Hybrid is considerably richer than its domestic competitor. Base price for the car is a few hundred bucks more than $36,000, including shipping and handling. Of course that’s still within Bob’s budget but it’s close to the upper limit. Pricey or not the car does not disappoint.

Suggestion #3 – 2013 Subaru Outback

In an effort to pinpoint Bob’s automotive needs and desires we’ve explored some of the freshest options in the large-sedan segment. The Chevy Impala and Toyota Avalon both offer some compelling plusses and crippling minuses, but now it’s time for something completely different, a product so far out of left field it comes from first base. The vehicle in question is the Subaru Outback.

Toss an extra shrimp on the barbie, this Australian-themed crossover is a familiar option; Robby already has one from the exciting 2005 vintage in his automotive cellar (read: garage).

This crossover is a modern cure for station wagony. If you lust after a spacious vehicle with car-like dynamics this could be the answer to your vehicular prayers. It delivers fryer-basket full of features in a practical, efficient package, all without the stench of burnt oil… at least not for the first decade.

When it comes to schlepping the Outback is ready for action. With the rear seats folded it offers more than 71 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume. The best the Avalon can muster is just 14 cubes for luggage or other sundry miscellany.

Upholding Subaru’s commitment to quirkiness the Outback is powered by one of two boxer engines, a layout not used by many manufacturers. The base powerplant is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that posts 173 horsepower on its stat sheet. A 3.6-liter six-shooter is the up-level choice, delivering 256 horsepower.

To maximize fuel economy Bob has no choice but to go with the base engine and the optional continuously variable transmission (CVT), which is a $1,000 up-charge. On the highway this combo can stretch a gallon of gasoline up to 30 miles, a far cry from the Avalon Hybrid’s efficiency rating. A six-speed manual is the standard gearbox and the enthusiast’s choice.

Base price for an Outback so equipped is a little more than $24,000, making it a very strong value, especially when you factor in the standard all-wheel drive system. Unfortunately it falls short in the opulence department. Sure, it’s got a host of safety features from brake assist to side-curtain airbags, but Bob would probably want to spring for the limited model, which starts around 30 grand.

SEE ALSO: 2013 Subaru Outback Review

One options box he’d absolutely have to check is Subaru’s EyeSight system. This driver-assistance technology incorporates adaptive cruise control, land-departure warning and a pre-collision braking system that will stop the car automatically to avoid a crash. It comes bundled with a navigation system and adds about $4,000 to the price tag.

As for safety the Outback earned “Top Safety Pick +” honors meaning it’s better than the best, if that makes sense, which it shouldn’t since the IIHS is just trying to confuse people.

Unlike the region it’s named after the Subaru Outback is neither vast nor barren. It’s a smart-sized vehicle with lots of standard and optional equipment. G’day mate!

DISHONORABLE MENTION

What installment of Ask AutoGuide would be complete without some Dishonorable Mentions? These vehicles come close to the mark but aren’t quite worthy of a full recommendation. Think of them as good students trapped at community college.

The Ford Taurus is a large sedan with a stylish body and some interesting features. Buyers can choose between three different engines, from an economical four-cylinder to volume V6 to a fire-breathing twin-turbo; there’s something for everybody and every budget. For Bob we’d recommend a bull with the optional 2.0-liter EcoBoost powerplant. It delivers a responsive 240 horsepower and up to 32 MPG. The car is super safe but ultimately it’s let down by its space inefficiency. The passenger compartment is unacceptably cramped for one of the largest sedans on the road. Also, Ford’s fuel economy claims are likely to be bogus. The Taurus is a good car but not a great one.

The Volkswagen Passat is an intriguing option. When equipped with the optional diesel engine and a manual gearbox it delivers and EPA estimate of 43 MPG highway. With an 18.5-gallon fuel tank the car has a theoretical maximum range of nearly 800 miles! Past quality issues and a relative dearth of features hold the Passat back. Like the other cars discussed this installment of Ask AutoGuide it’s also a “Top Safety Pick,” as is the Taurus.

DOCTOR’S ORDERS

Bob is the patient this week and he needs a healthy dose of luxury, safety and long-term reliability. What’s the best car for him?  Here’s our final report.

Let’s start with the Outback. This capacious Subaru offers cargo volume, decent fuel efficiency and a proven track record for quality. If Bob lives in an inclement-weather area standard all-wheel drive could be a godsend. But ultimately the Outback isn’t that opulent nor does it feel particularly special, plus he already owns one, so why buy another? It’s a terrific vehicle but we’re pushing for something else.

Unlike the Subaru, Chevy’s Impala is loaded with character. It’s a stylish and spacious large sedan that shares nothing with its rental-grade predecessor. The car’s very newness is highly appealing, but it’s also the vehicle’s greatest drawback. With no medical history on file we have no idea how the Impala will hold up, and Chevy isn’t exactly known for faultless reliability. Also, a full-size car named after an agile African antelope is as inappropriate as it is oxymoronic. This Chevy’s a looker and a great contender.

Of course that leaves one vehicle left, the Toyota Avalon Hybrid. This amped up sedan won everyone over with its combination of emotional styling, spacious interior and unassailable fuel economy. Its combined rating is 40 MPG! Throw in legendary Toyota reliability and you have a recipe for success, and victory in this week’s installment of Ask AutoGuide.

As always, good luck Bob in your quest for a new car and thanks again for taking the time to Ask AutoGuide.

If you need a little assistance shopping for your next vehicle feel free to do the same. Send a short message to ask@AutoGuide.com. Let us know the basics of what you’re looking for. How many seats do you need? What size of vehicle do you want? How much are you willing to spend? With some of those fundamentals out of the way we’ll get busy to come up with two or three must-see vehicles that you’ll have to put on your test-drive list.

Production of the Toyota Yaris has begun in the Japanese automaker’s French factory, which will export the subcompact to the North American market.

Toyota Motor Manufacturing France (TMMF) held an official ceremony to kick off the Yaris compact’s production and marks the first-ever, Europe-built Toyota model that will be exported to North America. Around 25,000 units will be exported each year for the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.

SEE ALSO: 2013 Toyota Yaris vs 2013 Honda Fit

The French-made Toyota Yaris will be sold in more than 40 countries globally including South Africa and Egypt. The Yaris is the first vehicle ever produced in France to be certified with the new “French Origin Guaranteed” label.

The third-generation Yaris launched in Europe in the summer of 2011 with the Yaris Hybrid following in June 2012. The Yaris range saw sales grow 27 percent in 2012 compared to 2011. Last year, the Yaris accounted for nearly 22 percent of Toyota’s total European sales.

“Building on more than 10 years of experience in high quality car production, this Yaris is another endorsement of TMMF’s excellence in manufacturing,” said Makoto Sano, President of TMMF.

GALLERY: Toyota Yaris Production

Discuss this story at ToyotaNation.com

Even after concerns about the Toyota FJ Cruisers blinding headlights, Toyota is pushing NHTSA to relax its stance about its high beam headlights.

While the FJ Cruiser’s blinding lights issues is being worked out, the Japanese automaker is referring to its  new automatic high beam headlight technology, which is currently banned for use in the US. The system allows automatic control of the high beam headlights, and even uses a shade to prevent blinding pedestrians and on-coming traffic. This is possible thanks to a camera and sensor which can detect traffic and pedestrians.

Currently Toyota and its luxury brand Lexus have sold 16,000 vehicles in Japan and Europe with this technology, and is unable to bring the potentially life-saving feature to the US market.

SEE ALSO: Toyota FJ Cruiser Recalled for Blinding Lights

Other automakers including Audi and Mercedes-Benz are also looking into automatic high-beam technology, but still face similar hurdles.

NHTSA issued a statement in response to the petition, claiming, that it will assess the regulations.

“The agency continues to look at ways in which the federal lighting standard can provide even better illumination for drivers,” NHTSA’s statement said. The regulation was last updated in 1999, and automakers claim that it is preventing change which can help improve driver and pedestrian safety.

According to Automotive News about 2,334 people die in the US due to dark road conditions. Toyota estimates that with its new technology it can help save at least 9 of those killed. A low percentage yes, but better than nothing.

Source: Automotive News

Anticipation has been building up for the 2014 Toyota Corolla’s official unveiling ever since the Japanese automaker previewed it in the Corolla Furia concept.

The next-generation Corolla looks to be promising, and if a leaked order guide is to be believed, the overhaul will be substantial. Though the styling is expected to be a bit more tame than what’s shown on the Furia concept, the 2014 Corolla will still maintain a sleek and more modern design with a bit of influence from the Camry.

SEE ALSO: 2014 Toyota Corolla to be Unveiled Before L.A. Auto Show

As for what the order guide revealed, the new Corolla will be powered by a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine that includes the automaker’s Valvematic continuously variable valve timing and lift system. The current Corolla is also powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder, but that car only sports VVT-i, which only has variable valve timing.

The bad news is, the base model will apparently still feature a four-speed automatic, though the manual transmission option will sport six gears. On higher trim levels, buyers will be able to opt for a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

No performance figures were leaked, but it’s expected that the Corolla will improve on its current 132 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque offering, and will get better fuel economy.

Trim levels were revealed in the leak however, if it’s accurate. Four models will be available for purchase: base, LE, S, and Eco. Options in the guide include Softex leather, push-button start, and navigation.

[Source: Car and Driver]

Discuss this story at ToyotaNation.com

Believe it or not, the most expensive Asian car ever sold is probably a classic Toyota.

News of a 1967 Toyota 2000GT selling for $1.2 million at an auction graced headlines but didn’t draw the attention it probably should have. According to David Kinney, publisher of Hagerty’s price guide, the car is more than the world’s most expensive Toyota. It might be the most expensive Asian production car car ever sold.

“I have looked for anything higher and have been unable to find it,” he wrote in an e-mail to the New York Times.

In a world where rare Lamborghinis sell for millions, a $1.2 million price tag doesn’t turn heads the way it would have years ago. Seeing 2000GTs sell for high prices isn’t new either – although the most recent instance dwarfs the $650,000 paid for another from the same model year in March, 2011.

[Source:  New York Times]

Discuss this story at ToyotaNation.com

A solid sign of Toyota’s recovery, the Japanese automaker is expected to announce a post operating profit of around $13.1 billion for the year.

That figure is 3.7 times more than the previous year and Toyota hasn’t posted numbers like this since 2008. For the year through March 2008, Toyota had posted close to a $23 billion operating profit. The figure is also $1.5 billion more than the automaker forecasted in February.

SEE ALSO: 2014 Toyota Corolla to be Unveiled Before L.A. Auto Show

Toyota is planning to unveil a new Corolla in a month, which AutoGuide will be attending. The new Corolla will surely continue to bolster Toyota’s sales into the future.

[Source: Automotive News]

Discuss this story at ToyotaNation.com

Break out the flowers, cards and brunch because Mother’s Day is just around the corner. Or in Toyota’s case, try serenading Hispanic moms.

Sorry Italian moms, it looks like you’re out of luck this year. Toyota is offering a chance for Facebook users to send their mothers an Ecard with a personalized message and a video serenade by a mariachi band. This probably won’t replace the traditional fare, but if your mom might like this if she happens to be irrationally enthusiastic about Toyota.

The page will let you pick from six songs and a list of word for “mother” in Spanish. You can also include a personalized message. Toyota says the Mother’s Day campaign will be featured across its social media platforms using the hashtag #paramamá.

AutoGuide’s advice? Don’t forget the flowers. You can also see it for yourself at SingForMyMom.com.

Sometimes automakers have holes in their line-up bigger than Van Halen did in 1985. Due to a lack of time, resources or manufacturing facilities, the company looks for a quick fix. The solution? Grab a vehicle from another company that fills the void and rebrand it as their own. But like Wade Boggs in a New York Yankees uniform, these rebadged vehicles never look quite right. And, like any decision made by cobbling together bits and pieces from here and there, it doesn’t always work.

In the world of rebadging, Australian General Motors division Holden is king. The company will rebadge anything and everything for the Australian market. Since Holden could have a top ten list entirely their own, we’ll skip them. Instead, let’s focus on vehicles most in North America will recognise in either current or rebadged form. We are not talking platform engineered cars within a company or ones co-developed between two companies, but rather vehicle rebrand jobs that seem to come out of left field and are thinly disguised.