Eh? Well, I'm not trying to start a war or anything like that, but if you would have said Honda or Toyota, I might be a little more inclined to go along with that. It seems like all through history American car makers have been playing 'catch-up' to imports. Right after the oil embargo, american companies rushed out anemic powered, over weight slugs, while the imports were already producing moderately powered, relatively peppy and efficient models. The domestics have come around recently, both in efficiency and quality. Although it never seems too hard to find an import that does 'just a little better' in fuel efficiency. Toyota Prius or Honda Civic Hybrid, anyone?

Specifically to your question about fords, I'm sure it wouldn't be too hard to get an old model and update it for more MPG. The laws of physics would say, get the smallest, lightest, most aerodynamic shell you can and stuff it with the smallest, most efficient engine that will 'just' get you up to the speed you want. Throw on some skinny, low rolling resistance tires and call it good.

Personally I would love to see an 89 Escort GT (my old highschool / college car) stuffed with a hybrid system from the Escape I have no idea what all the packaging and fitment issuse would be. But, what the heck!

If you were looking for ultimate MPG, that would almost certainly dictate a diesel powerplant. Although, the last time I looked, diesel was costing more than premium gas around here, so I am not sure that the Miles per Dollar - which is what I really care about - would totally offset.