These new cars promise to save you at the pumo... but at what cost?

(WXYZ) - High gas prices have people driving less and thinking about getting a more fuel-efficient vehicle, according to a new survey from Consumer Reports.

When shopping for a new car, 37 percent of those polled say fuel economy will be their most important consideration.

Car owners are open to different ways of saving at the pump, including downsizing and getting an alternative-fuel vehicle. In fact, almost three-quarters say they will consider opting for an alternative vehicle such as a hybrid or an electric car.

And although high gas prices are an important motivation for opting for a more fuel- efficient vehicle, 62 percent also cite the environment.

Automakers are heavily promoting new fuel-savers.

Toyota’s Game of Life ads highlight the much-anticipated Prius c, a smaller, less expensive version of the Prius. Ford is promoting its new gas-saving Focus, the SFE version. Meanwhile, Honda is advertising its new Civic fuel-saver, the HF, and Chevy is touting its Cruze Eco.

How well can those vehicles stretch your fuel dollars?

Let’s start with the Prius c. It got 43 miles per gallon overall, and in city driving the Prius c delivers an amazing 37 mpg, which is the highest of any car Consumer Reports has tested. But the Prius c is slow to accelerate. The ride is stiff and the cabin is noisy, too.

The Ford Focus SFE, the Honda Civic HF, and the Chevy Cruze Eco are all promising 40 mpg or better on the highway.

Consumer Report’ tests show that all three cars do get 40 mpg or better, as promised. Fuel economy was 1 to 3 mpg better than the regular versions of the cars. But you pay $500 to $800 extra for those fuel-saving options.

A better choice is the Mazda3 i Skyactiv, which rated higher in Consumer Reports’ tests. Plus it gets better gas mileage and costs less than the Cruze Eco and Focus SFE.

Consumer Reports says that if your heart is set on a Prius, rather than buying a Prius c, you’re better off getting a good used Prius. It scores much higher in tests, gets 44 mpg, is reliable, and gives you a lot more room

Complete Ratings and recommendations on all kinds of products, including appliances, cars & trucks, and electronic gear, are available on Consumer Reports’ website. Subscribe to ConsumerReports.org .