Mazda 3
Mazda introduced this car to replace the Protege that it had manufactured under Ford's name (a model with a reputation for not having much in the guts department). The Mazda3 gives the driver plenty of zip for his buck, with a standard engine offering 148 horsepower.
The Mazda3 gets a more than adequate 28 to 35 miles per gallon. Space is always a concern with your first car. While the Mazda3's hatchback design doesn't give you the largest trunk in the compact class, it does have a back seat that can be flipped forward rather easily, giving you some versatility that will make all the difference.
Saturn ION
This is a four-door sedan that seats five comfortably, so it's the perfect car for taking the crew out for a night on the town. This sedan also offers a sporty look that won't make you feel like you're driving your father's car.
The ION has a 2.2 liter engine that generates 140 horsepower — not overpowering, but more than enough to get the job done. At 26 miles per gallon in the city and 33 on the highway, this model's not going to set any records, but it won't break your wallet at the pump either. In short, you'll be getting a touch of style, a dash of efficiency and maximum practicality, all at an affordable price . . . It looks like a small sedan, but it's actually one of the larger cars in the sub-compact class, giving you a big cargo area.
Honda Civic Hybrid
If you're looking for a car that emphasizes fuel efficiency, this is the one for you. How does 51 miles per gallon on the highway sound? You'll also get 46 miles to the gallon driving in the city.
Honda's accomplished this great fuel economy by using a hybrid design, which means that the car is powered by both gas and electricity. But unlike electric cars, you don't have to plug it in because the battery recharges itself. Cost was the primary factor driving all the choices on this list, but the Honda Civic Hybrid is the only car that gives you gas mileage this good.
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla consistently ranks as one of the top sedans on the market for affordability and reliability. It may not be as stylish as the Mini or the PT Cruiser, but it's not as expensive either.
Still, the Corolla's lines aren't completely devoid of style. Its looks might not be top-tier, but they won't disappoint.
Where the Corolla does excel is on economy. The 1.8-liter engine delivers 130 horsepower, but you'll still get great mileage: 32 miles per gallon in the city and nearly 40 on the highway. If you're looking for an upgrade on power, you can spend a little more and step into XRS, which offers a slightly sportier look and takes you from 0 to 60 in 8 seconds It's roomy, comfortable and reliable.
Volkswagen Golf
This version of the Golf is the model's fourth generation. The Golf, designed by Volkswagen engineers to replace the Beetle, is considered by industry insiders to be the car that pioneered the hatchback into the American market, where compacts were traditionally looked down upon. But here in the U.S., and the world over, the Golf does more than hold its own —it excels.
The price might be a little steep, but the Golf offers plenty of value in exchange. All models come with standard safety features that other car makers charge extra for, like three-point seatbelts for every seat and airbags.
Comment Preview