Shopping for a car is typically a very time consuming, difficult chore that most do not enjoy. The amount of research required to narrow choices down is significant. There are so many different brands and models to choose from, so many options to consider. It can be difficult to compare one car against another with their myriad differences. There is one very convenient bit of information, however, that allows consumers to easily compare one car to another, and is displayed on every car at every dealership in the U.S.: The EPA’s Fuel Economy and Environment label. The EPA has required that vehicles measure and report fuel efficiency since 1978, when the U.S. established a gas guzzler tax for cars that failed to meet statutory fuel economy levels.
Over the years, the testing has gotten better as has the information presented to the consumer.