Top Ten Cars For A Struggling Economy
Well car fans, it’s all over – The economy is heading nose first into a deep recession, fuel prices will probably continue to fluctuate near or past the $4.00 a gallon mark, and even with tax incentives not everyone can afford a hybrid vehicle. So what are we to do – go bankrupt for a vehicle we drive mostly to work? We say NO! NO! There is hope for you yet! Automopedia has put together a Top Ten of best cars (five new, five used) for a struggling economy.
Top Five Best Inexpensive New Cars
| Number 5 – Scion xD: $14,550 |
Scion made a big impact on youth marketing when they first came onto the scene a few years back. Since then, sales have fallen, though the auto maker is on the verge of a comeback in aspects of both design and fuel economy. The Scion xD is powered by a 128-horsepower 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine, which gives the driver a combined 25 miles per gallon (approx.) – The interior is fitted with sporty front bucket seats and rear seats that can fold for more cargo space. Many recent college grads are picking Scion vehicles as their post school rides – and so are budget conscious people in the 45+ crowd.
| Number 4 – Honda Fit: $14,550 |
With a reasonable price tag and a VTEC 117 horse power 4-cylinder engine, Honda’s Fit is quickly growing as a favorite among the 18 to 35 year old crowd. Not to mention the fact that it’s a Honda – and it looks really cool. Fit’s ad campaigns are hip and register with a younger audience, the small vehicle “fits” two, three and even four people comfortably. And did we mention it’s a Honda?
| Number 3 – MAZDA3: $13,995 |
Mazda’s 3 comes as 4-door sedans and 4-door hatchbacks in Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring trims. Under the hood you’ll find a 4-cylinder engine, 148-hp 2.0-liter engine with a 30+ miles per gallon rating. Like a Toyota, Mazda has excellent staying power – drive a new one now and you’ll continue to love it for a decade-plus. MAZDA3 also has a high safety rank – Available safety features include ABS, traction control, anti-skid system, and front side airbags.
| Number 2 – Chevrolet Aveo: $12,170 |
Chevrolet’s Aveo has evolved from it’s first generation run a couple of years back. With 34 mpg Highway and 24 mpg City, along with a newly aggressive and updated design, we’re surprised there aren’t more of these affordable, eco-and-wallet-friendly automobiles on the road. Aveo comes standard with a 103 hp 1.6-liter engine. Safety features include anti-lock brakes, front driver and passenger airbags and side airbags for the front row occupants.
| Number 1 – Toyota Yaris: $11,550 |
Number one on our list is the Yaris, but not only because of it’s starting MSRP – we also factored in its fuel economy and the fact that it’s a Toyota! If you maintain this vehicle regularly you can easily drive this car for two decades. With upwards of 36 miles per gallon, any financially strained individual would benefit from a few less stops at the pump. Toyota’s Yaris also ranked high in U.S. crash test ratings. So, is a Yaris or xD for you? If not, and it’s a reliable, inexpensive used car you’re looking for we’ve found a few of those too.
Top Five Best Inexpensive Used Cars
| Number 5 – 2002 – 2005 Toyota Echo: $2800 to $8000 |
Before the Yaris there was Echo – a not so attractive but extremely fuel efficient vehicle. Available in two or four door, it gives the driver upwards of 43 miles per gallon. Keep in mind this is long before $3.00-plus a gallon prices and the Green/Hybrid craze. Toyota Certified Pre-Owned Echo’s are less that $10,000 to start, leaving even the cash-strapped free to grab a gas saving ride. It was also one of the first cars to carry a center mounted gauge dash.
| Number 4 – 1998 Chevrolet Prism: $2000 |
Chevrolet’s rebranded Toyota Corolla (Both Prizm and Corolla were built on the same GM/Toyota assembly line in California) never was an overly popular car for any generation of buyers. Today, with a proven mpg rating of 33, you can afford to take a road trip on the weekend. Thus, a Prism is reborn. A single twin-cam 4-cylinder engine produces 120 horsepower and 122 pound-feet of torque. Not bad for this little four door, five passenger vehicle.
| Number 3 – 1996 – 2000 Honda Civic: $1600 to $7000 |
Honda’s Civic has always been popular with the kids. It’s one of the auto maker’s best selling sedans, and has undergone many successful design and performance changes since it’s initial production. At the price of a Certified Used Civic, you might as well buy a new one. But if you can find a ’99 or 2000 on Craig’s List and can get it checked out by a mechanic, it’s worth the cash now to save on fuel later.
| Number 2 – 1994 Ford Tempo/Mercury Topaz: $1100 |
The Topaz/Tempo mpg rating isn’t the best in history, with only highway mgp coming up in the mid-twenties. But today you could buy your own outright, finding a V6 fully automatic four-door Mercury or Ford at less than $2000. The V6 can produce 135 in horse power, the only downside – V6 models did NOT come with airbags. So, try not to hit any walls kids.
| Number 1 – 1989-1998 Geo Metro: $500 to $3000 |
The Geo Metro – once the butt of every joke in the automotive industry – now this tiny tike is triumphant in the world of fuel economy. With no hybrid technology, no flex fuel, and no electric plug in, it still gets 44 miles to the gallon with a 55 horse power engine. It will take you 12 seconds to reach 60 miles per hour, but when you drive a Geo, what’s the rush? The Geo driver is one of patience, ease, with a smile on their face and a wallet full of cash. So choose wisely when shopping for your next new or used car – because the economy may get worse before it gets better.
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