Driving fun and fuel economy aren't always oxymorons

3rd: 2008 Lotus Elise/Exige – $46,270 base price

A Lotus? Third place on a list of fuel-efficient cars? You bet, and you can thank the premium-fuel sipping Toyota-sourced engine for its high ranking here. The Lotus Elise is not for everyone. Its light weight makes it fun to drive, but the Elise is also tiny, noisy and cramped. Yet it's a giant killer, and can whip much more expensive and powerful cars around a track, and nail them on fuel economy, too.

Annual Fuel Cost
$2,675
City/Highway/Combined
21 mpg /27 mpg /23 mpg (with six-speed manual transmission)
Expert Rating:

• Learn more about the 2008 Lotus Elise Convertible