Snappy handling, smart styling, 39 mpg fuel economy, and a starting price of $16,050. No wonder the Ford Fiesta is the best-selling car of its size on the planet, and a top choice for first-time buyers and for millennials here in the USA. I just had the chance spend a day test driving the 2014 Ford Fiesta, arriving now in dealer showrooms, and was suitably impressed. It's a lot of car in a … [Read more...]
Best 2013 sedans under $25,000: Honda Civic, Honda Accord
The 2013 Honda Accord and 2013 Honda Civic have both been named best sedans under $25,000 by KBB, on their annual top ten list. The Honda Accord is the #1 vehicle overall on the list, and the Civic is the highest rated compact. Both Honda models offer fuel efficiency, top safety ratings, and performance, which adds up to top value. The 2013 Honda Accord was recognized for its redesigned … [Read more...]
Best 2014 cars under $20,000: 2014 Nissan Versa Note, $13,990
The all-new 2014 Nissan Versa Note is a stylish, feature-packed, fuel efficient addition to the Nissan line, with a $13,990 starting price that's hard to beat - especially because the new model is $680 LESS than the 2013 Nissan Versa Hatch it is replacing. What a concept - an auto manufacturer lowering instead of raising the price of a new model! Find all best new cars under $20,000 … [Read more...]
Best 2013 cars under $20,000: hybrid 2013 Toyota Prius C
The 2013 Toyota Prius C is a best buy with a starting price of $18,950 and a fuel-sipping overall fuel economy rating of 50 MPG, the highest of any vehicle without a plug. This is the smaller version of the best selling hybrid on the planet, an ideal choice for a first car for a new graduate, second car for a family to use for commuting, or for anybody living in a city where fuel economy and … [Read more...]
Best new cars under $20,000: 2014 Kia Forte compact sedan
Get more car for your money with the all-new 2014 Kia Forte Sedan, with a starting price of $15,900, including as standard equipment safety and comfort features rarely found at this price. Even fully loaded, the top-of-the-line model still comes in under the $20,000 price line. The redesigned Forte is longer and wider than the current version, which means more legroom, and … [Read more...]
Best 2013 compact cars under $20,000: 2013 Dodge Dart
With a starting price of $15,995, and styling, technology and performance shared with corporate sibling Alfa Romeo, you can't beat the 2013 Dodge Dart. Even fully loaded, with the award-winning 1.4 liter MultiAir Turbo, this spirited compact is under $23,000. That engine, by the way, was developed by another Chrysler sibling, Fiat. The 2013 Dodge Dart competes in the largest and consumer car … [Read more...]
Best 2013 cars: Consumer Reports
What are the best cars of 2013? The April issue of Consumer Reports tells all, with reviews of 281 models. Watch the CR video, below, or just read the winners by category. Budget car - Hyundai Elantra ($18,445). One of CR’s top-rated compact sedans, the well- rounded Elantra delivers a lot for the money. It’s roomier and more refined than a typical subcompact yet gets competitive fuel … [Read more...]
Best 2013 cars manufactured in USA
The new Cadillac ATS performance sedan has been named "Best of the Year" 2013 car by MotorWeek, the longest running automotive series on television. This award includes only vehicles made in America, on assembly lines operated both by Detroit based manufacturers and foreign companies including Toyota/Lexus, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and Nissan/Infiniti, which have been building cars and trucks … [Read more...]
Safest 2013 cars: crash test results
All new car models undergo strict crash testing. Some do better than others. What are the top safety picks for 2013? Here's the list from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which is awarding its Top Safety Rating+ to just 13 models. Winners include the Acura TL; Dodge Avenger and its twin, the Chrysler 200 4-door; Ford Fusion; Honda Accord 2-door; Honda Accord 4-door; Kia … [Read more...]
Green cars rule the 2012 LA Auto Show
There are nearly 50 world or North American debuts of new cars at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show. More than half are fuel efficient, eco-friendly green cars. It's tough to choose the most important new car, but my vote goes to the BMW i8 Spyder Concept electric -- pictured here -- and the Volvo plug-in diesel hybrid. The BMW i8 Spyder Concept is a gorgeous plug-0n electric roadster … [Read more...]