Fuel economy, which measures the amount of gas needed to travel certain distances, is one of the most important factors of a vehicle for any driver. No one wants to be saddled with high gas bills, and the improved driving experience and vehicle maintenance that comes with having an efficient car is incredibly desirable.
According to a recent report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average fuel economy for vehicles reached a peak of 23.8 miles per gallon in 2012. This marks a 16 percent increase in value from 2007 and helped decrease carbon dioxide emissions by 13 percent.
"Today's report shows that we are making strides toward saving families money at the pump, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and cleaning up the air we breathe," said Gina McCarthy, an assistant administrator at the EPA's Office of Air and Radiation.
The increase in 2012 came just one year after a slight dip in fuel economy. An off-year in 2011 made the strides all the more impressive, as there was a 1.4-miles per gallon improvement throughout 2012 - the biggest increase in history, Torque News reports.