There has been a nationwide push to drive more eco-friendly cars, and now as gas prices continue to increase, the emphasis is even greater. While many people are trying to go green behind the wheel, some cities have been doing a better job than others, and Cars.com recently revealed which are the best.

At the top of the list was San Francisco, which probably won't surprise many people. California is often seen as one of the more progressive states in the country, and it looks like Cars.com's figures back up the assumption, at least when it comes to buying an eco-friendly vehicle.

"There's a perception that Californians are more eco-conscious, and our car shopping data shows that's true," said Cars.com editor-in-chief Patrick Olsen. "With more charging stations than any other state and dedicated car-pool lanes, it's easy to understand why manufacturers typically choose California as the place to launch their new 'green' vehicles."

Although San Francisco and five other California towns made it into the top 10, the Golden State is not the only place where going green has become especially popular. At the number two spot was Madison, Wisconsin, and Portland, Oregon, came in at number four.

Even if you don't live in one of the top cities for green cars, that doesn't mean you still can't save gas. If you're looking for fuel-efficient used cars in New Jersey, you should head to New Jersey State Auto Auction, which offers a wide variety of makes and models. Whether you're looking to downsize to a compact vehicle or want to get behind the wheel of an SUV, there's something for everyone.

Many people have speculated that high gas prices are having a significant impact on which cars consumers are buying, and results of a recent survey show just how true that assumption is. Research from Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com found 66 percent of new car shoppers in the first quarter of 2012 thought about buying a different car due to the price of gas.

The findings should not be that surprising. The same survey found that in just a span of a few months, consumer's attitudes toward gas prices worsened significantly. In the fourth quarter of 2011, around 46 percent of respondents expected gas prices to rise in the next 30 days. In the first quarter of 2012, that number rose to 76 percent. Though it seems like a dire situation, the fact that cars are getting better gas mileage than ever before may lessen the blow.

"The reality of today's economy means that many shoppers are factoring in fuel efficiency and gas prices toward the top of things they consider when choosing their next new car,"  said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for kbb.com. "Lucky for them, each year auto manufacturers work increasingly hard to improve fuel economy in their new models, with many gasoline-powered vehicles now achieving 40 mpg or higher."

In addition to looking toward a fuel-efficient new vehicle, some consumers may want to help offset the high cost of fuel by purchasing a quality used car at New Jersey State Auto Auction. With a wide variety of makes and models, including cars with high gas mileage, there is the perfect vehicle for everyone.

The Ford Mustang is one of the most iconic cars in the world, but for its 50th anniversary the classic vehicle may be getting a new look. The famous design that defined the car for decades may soon be a thing of the past, which could be a shock to the many baby boomers who grew up with the Mustang, The Wall Street Journal reports.

The automaker is expected to roll out the new-look Mustang in 2014, and analysts say they hope it will appeal to a younger demographic. Though the company risks alienating the segment of the population that made the car what it is today, experts say it's a smart move on the part of Ford.

"The main goal that all automobile companies need to be successful at is, let's prepare vehicles that the next generation will want to be in, but have all the other features that will still appeal to the older generation as well," analyst Alexander Edwards told the newspaper.

Details are scarce about what the Mustang will look like, but early reports suggest it could more closely resemble a hybrid between the popular Ford Fusion and an Aston Martin. Though the look would change a bit, it will still retain the Mustangs iconic shark-nosed grille and round headlights, according to WSJ.

The Mustang is not the only car to get a fresh look in the last several years. The Volkswagen Beetle, Dodge Charger and Chevrolet Camaro have all received upgrades. As a result, drivers may have to turn to pre-owned vehicles as a way to get behind the wheel of more classic-look cars. New Jersey State Auto Auction has plenty of makes and models so consumers can find the exact vehicle they're looking for.

Whether it be due to the rising cost of gas or a desire to be more environmentally friendly, many drivers are looking for the most eco-conscious cars on the road. With that in mind, Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com recently released its picks for the best green cars of the year, and there are some very familiar names.

"With the rollercoaster of gas prices affecting consumer buying habits and pressure from the government to produce more environmentally friendly new-vehicle fleets, auto manufacturers are responding with more robust offerings in the 'green car' segment than ever before," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for kbb.com.

At the top of the list is the Toyota Prius c. The Prius has long been one of the greenest cars around, but this newer version of the popular sedan is the smallest of the family. According to kbb.com, the Prius c offers drivers an impressive 53 miles per gallon in the city. It also provides ample storage room, which makes it practical as well as eco-friendly.

Along with the Prius, the relatively new Nissan Leaf made the list as well. The much ballyhooed electric vehicle may not have enjoyed the sales it originally anticipated in 2011, but that doesn't make it any less fuel-efficient. The website says the Leaf can get 100 miles per charge and it is also made from recycled material. Other cars that made the cut were the Hyundai Elantra, Mitsubishi i and Chevrolet Malibu Eco.

Any motorists in the market for a more fuel-efficient car should head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. Thanks to a wide variety of makes and models, drivers will be able to find whatever car or SUV they're in the market for.

One of the central tenets of the Obama administration's plan for lowering fuel costs and limiting gas consumption is a mandate that would require all automakers to provide more fleets with higher gas mileage. Though it might seem like a smart plan, experts say it could result in expensive cars that drive consumers away.

The study, from the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), found the mandate could raise the average price of cars and light trucks by as much as $3,000 by 2025. Though the more expensive vehicles may help consumers save money on gas, some experts say it's not enough to justify the increase in initial costs. Some dealers also warn that more expensive cars may make banks less likely to approve drivers for auto loans.

"To work, fuel economy improvements must be affordable," industry insider Don Chalmers said at a recent press briefing. "While you can mandate what automakers must build, you can’t dictate what customers will buy, nor can you dictate if a bank will make a loan."

As a result of the increased prices, NADA believes the mandate could result in 7 million drivers being shut out of the new vehicle market. According to The New York Times, the mandate, which was made in 2010, requires all automakers to create new cars that have an average of 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016.

While the prices of new cars may be rising due to new standards, there are still many fuel-efficient used vehicles available at New Jersey State Auto Auction. Whether you're looking for a compact used Ford or a pre-owned SUV, NJ Auto has a wide variety of makes and models that will appeal to every driver.

Tailgaters are some of the most annoying drivers on the road, and while most people are probably guilty of the faux-pas sometimes, a recent survey from Michelin found they don't admit to it. Researchers discovered 74 percent of respondents said they were tailgated in the last six months, but only 11 percent admitted they themselves were guilty, according to USA Today.

The findings may seem funny at first, but the rest of the research revealed some startling facts. In addition to a finding a large amount of tailgating, Michelin also found it could be caused by the fact that people don't know how closely to follow other motorists. In fact, a whopping 47 percent are unaware of what the safe driving distance is.

For those who are unaware, most experts recommend the three-second rule for following the car in front of you. To check if you're the right distance away, pick a fixed point on the road ahead, and when the car in front of you passes it, you should pass it three seconds later.

It may seem like a rudimentary thing to remind people of, but tailgating can be the cause of some significant accidents. According to the Law Office of Michael Pines, a San Diego-based personal injury lawyer, tailgating is one of the leading causes of accidents they see behind the likes of speeding and distracted driving.

In addition to driving smartly, having a car that is up-to-date with its auto maintenance is key to being safe on the road. Anybody looking to get their car worked on should head to New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center, which is home to a number of experienced and knowledgeable mechanics.