5 Affordable Gas Sippers for 2011
Reducing your carbon footprint and saving on gas doesn't necessarily mean paying the price premium to purchase a hybrid car. There are plenty of fuel-efficient traditional gas-engine vehicles out there that can give you near-hybrid fuel efficiency for significantly less upfront cost. Review these five affordable gas sippers for 2011 to find the best option for you and your budget.
2011 Ford Fiesta ($13,320)
The Ford Fiesta is an all-new compact car that is earning stellar reviews from the vast majority of media outlets. Offering as much as 29 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway (33-mpg combined), the Ford Fiesta is dollar-for-dollar one of the cheapest options out there for those concerned about gas mileage. Despite the price point, the Fiesta delivers a spirited drive thanks to a 120-hp 1.6-liter engine. It also surprises with a fairly upscale interior. Both sedan and hatchback models are available. One potential downside worth considering is limited interior cargo and rear passenger space.
Learn more about the 2011 Ford Fiesta.
2011 Toyota Yaris ($12,885)
Though diminutive in size, the 2011 Toyota Yaris delivers big in the category of fuel efficiency. EPA ratings for models equipped with a manual transmission come in at 29 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway (32-mpg combined). Three different body styles (three-door hatchback, five-door hatchback and four-door sedan) allow shoppers to choose a trim that best fits their needs. Front passengers will find a good amount of comfort and plenty of room to breathe. However, a sluggish engine and barebones base package may turn off some potential buyers.
Learn more about the 2011 Toyota Yaris.
2011 Mazda MAZDA2 ($14,180)
With an estimated 29-mpg in the city and 35-mpg on the highway (32-mpg combined), the all-new MAZDA2 is a subcompact that sips fuel with the best of them. Like all Mazdas, the MAZDA2 earns praise for offering a bit of "zoom zoom" without adversely affecting affordability. Available as a four-door hatchback, this little car will certainly charm a good amount of shoppers with its cute exterior and interior design. However, the MAZDA2 suffers from an undersized rear cabin area and fairly limited set of available features.
Learn more about the 2011 Mazda MAZDA2.
2011 Nissan Versa ($9,990)
The Nissan Versa is one of the most inexpensive vehicles for the year. An estimated 28-mpg in the city and 34-mpg on the highway (30-mpg combined) also help reduce the long-term cost of the car. Despite its compact status, the Versa offers a roomy interior that does a good job of accommodating rear-seat passengers. Both sedan and hatchback models are available (though hatchbacks are a bit more expensive). Be aware, however, that the Versa offers a somewhat ho-hum driving experience. Additionally, you'll need to shell out a few extra thousand dollars to get such basic amenities as air conditioning.
Learn more about the 2011 Nissan Versa.
2011 Kia Forte ($14,995)
Among the small car class, the Kia Forte offers one of the roomiest interiors. This is especially true for the all-new hatchback body style (a coupe and sedan model return from last year). At its best, the Kia Forte delivers 27 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway (30-mpg combined). A long list of standard features also helps set it apart from the competition. The base 156-hp engine delivers a bit of a boost when compared to the ponies offered by other compact vehicles. Despite this, some car shoppers may still find the vehicle's performance to be a bit tepid.
Learn more about the 2011 Kia Forte.