The Government has taken steps to improve the fuel efficiency of vehicles sold in America by establishing some of the toughest fuel economy standards for passenger vehicles in U.S. history. These standards are expected to save consumers $1.7 trillion at the pump and reduce carbon pollution by six billion metric tons. As part of the program, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) developed a window sticker for new vehicles which allows consumers to compare conventional cars, hybrids and all electric vehicles by giving information on greenhouse gas ratings, emissions, smog ratings, and fuel costs. The new label came into effect for all 2013 model vehicles.

As a part of this continuing effort, the DOT and EPA yesterday released a new label that features EPA fuel economy estimates and CO2 estimates for used vehicles sold in the United States since 1984. Consumers can create the new label electronically so it can be included in online advertisements or it may be printed and affixed to a vehicles window.

The fuel economy numbers on the labels come from EPA ratings for each vehicle when it was new. According to the EPA, if the vehicle is well maintained, the original fuel economy rating should still apply. Actual fuel economy will vary for many reasons, including driving conditions and how the car was driven and maintained, and aftermarket modifications. If you are selling your vehicle go to FuelEconomy.gov to print out your fuel economy label.