The Perfect Economy Car – Does it Exist?

With the memory of $4 gas still fresh in the public’s mind, both car manufacturers and car buyers realize that the days of mammoth gas-guzzling SUVs and pickup trucks may be long gone, and its heyday might never return. Although fuel-efficient “econoboxes” may be easy on the wallet in terms of their initial cost, maintenance, and insurance, they are often hard on the eyes. Econoboxes have often been characterized as bland, boring, and a struggle to drive as they usually feature a harsh and noisy ride, a list of standard features that could have been created by Henry Thoreau, and are more than lacking in the fun department.

Fortunately, the days of the boring sedan which can barely creep over steep hills are now over – car companies are realizing that there is value in providing the consumer with vehicles that sip fuel, have style, and – dare I say it – are actually fun to drive. Below are some of the vehicles that have been critically acclaimed by experts and consumers alike:

1) Kia Forte and Kia Soul (Suggested MSRP: $13,695 & $13,300 respectively) – Leading the pack is Korean mainstay automaker Kia, whose pair of new 2010 offerings are a result of a new design studio in California, a necessity given that Kia’s former biggest claims to fame are cars with a good warranty which, at their best, are not offensive to the eyes.

2010 Kia Forte

The Kia Forte features aggressive, sharp lines that look futuristic without approaching the outer space realm of the Lincoln MKZ – at first glance, it even looks like a smaller Acura TSX or Lexus IS250. Powered by either a four-cylinder 156-horsepower engine (LX, EX trims) or a 173-hp 2.4L in the sportier SX, the Kia Forte has plenty of pep for city driving and feel spirited off the line with either transmission (the SX models even have a 6-speed manual!). Inside the cabin, there is a lot to like – road noise is minimized, the trunk is large for a car in its class, and road vibrations were well dampened as a result of the tuned suspension. Standard features include Bluetooth (!), Sirius Satellite Radio, and the now ubiquitous auxiliary input jack (read: iPod jack). There is a lot of car for a sticker price that is under $14K and nets 27/36 mpg.

2010 Kia Soul

The Kia Soul’s refrigerator box shape continues the trend of lovable boxy cars trail blazed by the college student mainstay Scion xB. However, the Soul isn’t content to simply follow the market leader – Kia emerges with a car that has a unique identity that can more than hold its own. From its rakish windshield to the flowing lines that extend to the bizarrely vertically stacked taillights (ala Mazda5, but better executed), it’s clear that Kia’s designers put some extra time trying to make this $13,300 car different from the rest. The simple and intuitive dashboard, as well as the center console, are well designed – different colors and materials help make the grey material palatable to the eyes, and the highest trim (known as the Soul!, with a suggested price of $16,950) even features a booming 315-watt sound system with illuminated speaker “mood lighting.” The interior is spacious, and can comfortably fit four normal adults and one child. The capable engine, while not speedy by any means, is perfectly suitable for normal use and nets a more than respectable 24/30 mpg rating.

2009 Honda Fit

2) Honda Fit (Suggested MSRP: $14.750) – The Honda Fit is one of the pioneers of the “hip” econo-car revolution, and still remains as one of the best. Although its semi-awkward, scrunched-up mini-van design is a hit and miss depending on who you ask, this five-door hatchback has been flying off dealer lots since it has been first released. This is due in part to its spacious, well-designed interior and storage space (an impressive 20.6 cubic feet of cargo room with folding seats), fuel sipping mileage of 28/35 mpg, and surprising performance characteristics. With a 0-60 time of 8.3 seconds, the Fit doesn’t exactly fly when the traffic light turns green, but is more than sufficiently speedy and the 1.5L four cylinder VTEC engine happily revs up to the 6600 rpm redline with a roar. Handling is tight, and body roll is more than manageable on twisty turns. It is no wonder that the Honda Fit has been one of Honda’s best sellers, and an upcoming 2010 Hybrid that boasts 50+mpg will ensure this trend will continue.

2009 Hyundai Elantra

3) Hyundai Elantra (Suggested MSRP: $14,120) – The Hyundai Elantra frequently draws comparisons to the Toyota Corolla – both cars are well-priced and fuel-efficient (the Elantra gets 24/33 mpg), offers a smooth, refined riding experience, and a timeless design that is easy on the eyes and helps retain value. Despite some hard plastic trim on the dashboard, the interior looks surprisingly upscale, and offers plenty of storage space and room for passengers. Combine this with a 138 horsepower inline-4 engine mated to either a 4-speed auto or 5-speed manual, a smooth ride, and Hyundai’s much improved reliability, and the Hyundai Elantra is a big hit with cost conscious buyers.

2009 Volkswagen Rabbit

4) Volkswagen Rabbit (Suggested MSRP: $16,300) – Thinking that German performance might cost you an arm and a leg? Look no further – the Volkswagen Rabbit arrived in 2006 (replacing the VW Golf) and the “pocket rocket” scene has never looked the same. Boasting a well-tuned inline-5 170hp engine and 16 inch wheels, this front wheel drive hatchback is comfortable on the street and nimble on the track while still maintaining 21/30 mpg.The boxy, hatchback shape ensures that the available storage space inside the cabin is maximized, and upscale features such as heated seats and mirror-mounted signal repeaters are rarely seen, if ever, in cars in this price segment. With its performance, mileage, and good looks inside and out, the VW Rabbit is a favorite for those seeking a little fun during their daily commute.

2009 Mazda3

5) Mazda3 (Suggested MSRP: $15,045) – The name “Mazda” has always been synonymous with “affordable performance.” Venture out to any track, and it’s a good bet that you can see why more people drive Mazdas on the track than any other vehicle. The 2010 Mazda3, a perennial favorite among car buyers and reviewers, continues this tradition with an improved affordable and attractive hatchback or sedan. Handling is downright impressive for a car in this price segment, with a firm and tight ride and minimal understeer during hard turns, usually a characteristic of much more sportier cars. As with all popular cars in this competitive segment, the Mazda3 offers fantastic storage and passenger room, and gone are the hard beige plastics of yesterday – the interior is refined and elegant. Estimated mileage for the base automatic is 22/30 mpg, while the manual nets 24/32 mpg.

As one can see, the frugal car buyer can now have his cake and eat it too – automakers are now considering aesthetics, performance, and feature set in addition to mileage and affordability, a trend that will only continue.