Poll: Most Americans Support Higher Fuel Economy Standards

Even though gas prices may have ebbed lately, the cost of fuel is still a primary concern for the majority of drivers. A recent poll taken by the Consumer Federation of America (CFA), an association of nonprofit consumer advocacy organizations, found consumer needs and demands are perfectly matched with the latest federally issued Corporate Automotive Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards that were decided upon earlier this year. The CAFE standards, which will be finalized this summer, require automakers to have a fleetwide fuel economy of 54.5 miles per gallon (mpg) by 2025.

"The 54.5 mpg by 2025 standard will be one of the most important consumer protection measures to be adopted in decades," said Dr. Mark Cooper, director of research for CFA. "Record spending on gasoline for American families, combined with consumer demand for better mileage and a broad political consensus over higher national standards, are driving faster improvements in fuel economy than at any time since the oil price shocks of the 1970s."

Not only do consumers want to save at the pump, but they are also concerned for the environment and the impact the U.S. has on on it – 88 percent of survey respondents are in favor of reducing oil consumption across the nation, and believe improving fuel efficiency is an effective way to do so. Industry experts have raised concerns that higher fuel economy standards will result in more expensive vehicle costs, but 66 percent of consumers are not worried about  this factor.

There are already many different vehicles that offer excellent fuel economy on the market today, and a number of these models can be found used. NJ Auto Auction carries a variety of makes and models at affordable prices, so drivers looking to save on a car and at the pump should head over to the used car dealership.