green living, smart spending
Safety and value are at the top of the list for parents whose kids will be driving to school or around campus. Here are ten top-rated new cars for back-to-school, all of them a great mix of affordable, fuel-efficient, reliable, good looking and filled with the tech connectivity younger drivers want and the safety features
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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
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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
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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
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While other manufacturers are raising prices, Honda is keeping the MSRP for the 2013 Honda Fit the same as the 2012 model, a base price of $15.325, and that includes some upgraded features. The Honda Fit is an award-winner for its fuel economy, residual value and overall safety scores. And now, it’s won the award
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Chrysler has hit a bulls-eye with the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart, a fuel-efficient stylish compact sedan with sport performance handling and a starting price of $15,995 that’s sure to add to its appeal. So is the fact that it’s built in the USA, in Illinois. The Dodge Dart brings back a magical name from the
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Volkswagen is known for manufacturing fuel efficient cars, like the VW Passat, so it makes sense that VW builds them in an energy efficient factory. VW’s new $1 Billion manufacturing plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is the world’s first and only LEED certified green auto manufacturing plant. Volkswagen saves both money and the environment with this
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The all-new 2012 Hyundai Veloster is a three-door, front-wheel-drive sporty hatchback that delivers up to 40 mph on the highway, 29 mpg in city driving, priced from $17,300 for the six-speed manual and $18,550 for the six-speed EcoShift dual clutch automatic transmission. The 2012 Veloster shares a platform with the Hyundai accent compact sedan, but
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The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is GM’s newest addition to what’s called the 40 Plus mileage club. The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic delivers an EPA-estimated 40 mpg on the highway, it’s fun to drive, and has a starting price of just $14,995. No wonder sales of this well-designed subcompact are booming. Also, it just happens to be
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Even the top-of-the-line fully loaded 2012 Toyota Yaris is under $20,000, and will save you money while you drive it, since it gets an estimated 30 mpg city and 38 mpg highway. Safety features — Equally important, the all-new Yaris is loaded with safety features, some of which are unusual in a car this size
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