Why Are Gas Prices So High?

The best gas mileage cars may surprise you. While many of the top gas mileage cars this year are ones that might come to mind right away, like the hybrid Toyota Prius, some aren't so obvious.

Gas prices were at an all-time high last week, just as they were the week before, and the week before that. And guess what? They will probably reach a new high next week, and the week after that, and the week after that.

Oil prices have not stabilized, which means that gas prices will continue to fluctuate. Unfortunately, those fluctuations usually don't come out in our favor.

The best gas mileage cars are not always the least expensive vehicles to purchase. Years ago, the cheapest cars were the smallest cars, which usually meant they were also the most fuel-efficient. But the technology in the hybrids doesn't come cheap.

So what are the 2008 best gas mileage cars?

With an MSRP of $21,100, the Toyota Prius leads the way with an EPA Combined Mileage of 46 miles per gallon.

Next up is the $22,600 Honda Civic Hybrid, getting an EPA estimate of 42 mpg.

Surprisingly, number 3 is the $25,170 Nissan Altima Hybrid at 34 miles per gallon.

Fourth is Toyota again with the $25,200 Toyota Camry Hybrid - 34 mpg.

And fifth place goes to the MINI Cooper. $18,050 gets you an EPA estimate of 32 mpg.

The best gas mileage cars include some more surprises, though the hybrids aren't gas mileage secrets any longer. What is a pretty big secret is why gas prices have risen so suddenly and steeply, and whether they'll ever return to their 2007 prices.