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Economy Cars
The Versa is Nissan's global small car and the least expensive car sold in the United States. But the cheap thing is a bad rap. And getting what one pays for? It ain't true. With a base price of $10,000 and change, the Versa base model has a lot to offer — whether it's in the U.S. and Canada, or in Mexico, Japan, China and several other countries where it's called the Tiida.
Now in its third year in the United States and ninth worldwide, the Honda Fit keeps getting better. For 2009, the Fit has undergone its first interior and exterior redesign. It’s all good. There’s a new four-way backseat configuration, 10 cupholders (really?), vision-improving triangular front side windows, increases in length and width and a nifty van-like windshield position.
The 2009 Toyota Yaris is the Japanese manufacturer's smallest and least expensive vehicle. But it's also among Toyota's most “flexible” offerings. Thirty trims are available, three-door hatchback configurations to the four-door sedan to the five-door liftback. That's substantial variety for an entry level vehicle. And it's one of many reasons the Yaris is firmly positioned among several economical vehicles ideal for tight budgets but that don't scrimp on safety or workmanship.
It’s easy to dismiss entry level sub-compacts. They’re unlikely any buyers’ dream cars. And, really, what can a consumer expect for about half of the $30,000 average price of new car in the United States? The answer, as Honda (Fit), Nissan (Versa), Smart (ForTwo) and Scion (XD) have all proven, is a lot. There’s much to offer in the sub-compact segment. And Suzuki should be included in fraternity of the surprisingly strong entry level sub-compacts with the 2009 SX4.
Many car shoppers have adopted the perspective “bigger is not better.” Even my college-age daughter, not always the most practical shopper, has decided her first car should be a hybrid or a very gas-efficient model. As a consumer and parent who usually who pays my daughter’s gas bill, her thinking is applauded and appreciated. Even with gas taking a much needed downward turn, prices are still high enough that gas-guzzling sport utility vehicles are no longer the rage. In fact, auto manufacturers are beginning stray from SUVs. With gas price still an over-riding theme and shoppers seeking value, here are two gas-conscious vehicles offered by Toyota in 2009.
Once Chevrolet turned to General Motors' South Korean subsidiary Daewoo
to build the Aveo, drivers started noticing an affordable and greatly
improved subcompact over previous small Chevys. The 2009 Chevrolet Aveo has a more fuel-efficient engine standard on all trim levels, and it's a worthy contender in its class.
Gas mileage and price are two major selling points, and considering the cost of gas these and turbulent economy, perhaps this vehicle is just the right Fit.
Pardon the pun, but there's definitely more interest in Honda’s smallest and least expensive car.
So, let’s state upfront its price and gas mileage. The base model Fit costs $13,453 and mileage ranges from 27-33 mpg (with a manual transmission).
The 2008 Hyundai
Accent might be one of the better economy-minded cars available.
Edmunds compares to the Honda Fit, Nissan Versa and Toyota Yaris. I haven't driven those cars, so I can’t compare. Overall,
the entry-level Hyundai Accent is a value-filled economy car
ready for the daily commute grind, although, hopefully not too far of a
commute.
The 2009 Mazda 3 S
Grand Touring compact is done right. It's the summation of
years of automotive awards, good reviews and positive ownership
experiences — and thus improved sales. Add my impressions to the list of
good reviews. This Mazda was the most fun economy car I've driven in
a long time and overall one of the best cars I have driven in recent months.
It’s been nearly a decade since Ford Motor Company made the decision to branch out and purchase Volvo, the conservative Swedish automaker. While the brand has basically remained true to its roots, Volvo has certainly evolved since the Ford takeover in 1999. It’s been noted many times Volvo has softened its former dull styling practices and gradually added more appealing vehicles. Boring station wagons are not the only thing car shoppers see now when stepping on a Volvo lot
Copyright 2009 The Weekly Driver. All rights reserved.
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