10 best Used Cars / SUVs with good fuel economy
Constantly rising gasoline prices and environmental concerns force us to re-adjust our priorities when it comes to a car or SUV choice. Power, performance, size - those were the priorities when gasoline was cheap and we didn't think much about the environment.
Times have changed: better fuel economy and lower emissions are important today.
Here, we picked 10 best late-model used cars and SUVs that are pretty reliable and post decent fuel economy numbers.
These are not the most fuel-efficient cars and SUVs - it would be all hybrids in that case.
These are rather some of the best choices among commonly available used cars and SUVs that also post reasonably good fuel economy in each respective category.
If you are not comfortable with a used car buying process, check our How to buy a used car - step by step guide. We also have a detailed Used car buyer's checklist with illustrations to help you. The fuel economy ratings we used are from Fueleconomy.gov. The MPG numbers are the US MPG, not imperial.
• Toyota Corolla
• Honda Civic
• Pontiac Vibe
• Toyota Matrix
• Toyota Camry
• Honda Accord
• Toyota RAV4
• Honda CR-V
• Subaru Forester
Toyota Echo/Yaris
Yes, it's a very small city car, but if you look closely, the Yaris actually has decent passenger room inside and plenty of available features like the air conditioner, power windows and the ABS. The Yaris is very maneuverable and easy to park. Plus, it's not very expensive.
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Toyota Corolla (2003 and up)
The Corolla is a reliable easy-to-maintain and easy-to-sell compact car. It has a simple but comfortable interior and a smooth ride; excellent for commuting. |
Honda Civic (2001 and newer)
Unlike the Corolla, the Civic offers more sporty ride and look. Similarly, the Civic is easy to maintain and very easy to sell. The 2007 Honda Civic automatic EPA estimates: |
Pontiac Vibe
Pontiac Vibe is a product of joint venture between General Motors and Toyota. The Vibe is a tall hatchback with sporty interior, decent cargo space and good fuel-efficient low-maintenance engine. The Vibe is simple, reliable and easy to maintain. |
Toyota Matrix
Toyota Matrix is based on the Toyota Corolla's platform. Unlike the Corolla, the Matrix has more sporty in and out design and sharper handling. High roof line provides more space. Similarly, the Matrix is reliable and easy to maintain. |
Toyota Camry (4-cylinder, 2002 and newer)
Toyota Camry is reliable roomy and very comfortable family sedan with smooth and quiet ride. It has plenty of rear-seat and cargo space. The Camry's low-maintenance 4-cylinder engine is very fuel-efficient, yet it provides enough power for daily driving. |
Honda Accord (4-cylinder, 2003 and newer)
Sporty, sharp looking family sedan, the Accord has spacious interior, precise handling and sporty ride. The Accord's selling points are its excellent low-maintenance 2.4L 4-cylinder engine, plenty of cargo space, contemporary interior design and good reliability records. The EPA estimates for 2007 Accord automatic: |
Toyota RAV4 (4-cylinder model, 2001 and up)
The RAV4 is a small, practical car-based SUV with sleek styling. Toyota RAV4 is fun to drive and easy to maintain. Available as 2WD or 4WD. |
Honda CR-V (2002 and up)
Honda CR-V is a small, versatile, car-based SUV. It's fairly reliable and easy to maintain. The CR-V offers very practical interior with many well-thought amenities, including even a foldable picnic table. |
Subaru Forester (non-turbo model, 2003 and up)
The Forester is a solidly built small car-based SUV (although it looks like a tall wagon) with excellent all-weather handling. The Forester is maneuverable, it has good visibility, capable AWD system, decent towing capability and very good crash-test scores. |
- How to buy a used car step by step guide »
- Illustrated used car buyer's checklist »
by Vlad Samarin
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