I have a 2004 Honda Element (AWD, automatic) and get about 25 mpg, but most of my driving is on the highway, very little city driving. I had a 2001 Subaru Forester, but the transmission went bad after only 4 years (and, admittedly, close to 100K miles; I have a long commute, and it was our travel car as well), so I traded it in on the much-roomier Element.

If I were buying now, with gas prices what they are, I think I'd look long and hard at hybrids, but since we need a lot of space for hauling boat gear, bikes, dog (and crate), etc., it would have to be a larger one, like a Highlander or Ford Escape; for commuting one of the smaller ones would be great, but I can't afford a car for every purpose (a bike for every purpose is different! )

Good luck with your choice!

Emily