Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Cash for Clunkers

New ‘Clunkers’ Analysis: Trucks, SUVs More Popular Than Suggested

When the Obama administration first called for more "cash for clunkers" last week, two influential senators said they could not back an extension without stronger efficiency standards for the program's trade-ins -- only to drop their opposition after viewing U.S. DOT sales figures that showed buyers snapping up gas-sipping cars.

1097.jpgIs this Ford Escape the real winner of "cash for clunkers"? (Photo: InfoBarrel)

But as it turns out, those figures relied on a bit of fuzzy (and Environmental Protection Agency-approved) math. Vehicles were separated according to 4WD, 2WD, and hybrid varieties, unlike more traditional auto-sales figures that tally all three, listing only the make and model.

When CNN enlisted independent auto-industry trackers at Edmunds.com to project the sales figures if all engine varieties counted as a single vehicle, a funny thing happened: The top "clunkers" seller went from the efficient Toyota Corolla to the Ford Escape SUV.

The Escape is available as a hybrid, which gets 29 miles per gallon and 11.8 barrels in average annual oil consumption, according to the government's fuel-economy tracker. The Corolla gets identical scores.

But the Escape's conventional varieties get 22 and 24 mpg, with much higher oil use estimates.

The Edmunds.com study also found that two full-size trucks, the Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado, would rank in the "clunkers" top 10 if the DOT counted their multiple varieties as a single vehicle. The Silverado gets either 15 or 17 mpg, depending on the engine type, while the F-150 gets between 16 and 17 mpg.

In contrast to the DOT's sales list, which ranked foreign-made cars in six of the top 10 spots, Edmunds.com's adjusted list found that eight of the top 10 most-purchased vehicles were GM, Ford, or Chrysler.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Friday’s Headlines Drink From the Firehose

A key DOT nominee's role in Project 2025, more dubious executive orders, climate change accelerates and more headlines.

February 7, 2025

Friday Video: It’s Been a Week! Take A Breath And Watch People Bike In Utrecht

Take a break, regulate yourself, and get back to fighting for a better future for transportation in America.

February 7, 2025

Talking Headway Podcast: 20 is Plenty in Wales

Welsh MP Lee Waters and the University of Sydney's Dr. Jennifer Kent on how Wales passed a national 20 mph speed limit.

February 6, 2025

Who is Trump’s FTA Pick Marc Molinaro — And Will He Kill Congestion Pricing?

If confirmed, Trump FTA pick Marc Molinaro can do a lot to gum up funding for mass transit across the country. Here's a look at his record.

February 6, 2025

This City Is Turning Bikes into Data-Collection Devices to Support More Bike Lanes

A recent high-tech pilot is helping one Michigan city make the case for low-tech safety technology that saves lives and gets people in the saddle.

February 6, 2025
See all posts