Looking for a vehicle to take on road trips this summer? NADAguides.com has announced its list of top vehicles for this summer that are fuel-efficient and affordable.
We've all felt a pinch in our wallet this year as gas prices have hit a new record. A lot of families and travelers have had to find alternative means of travel this year or even canceled trips due to fuel prices and their gas-guzzling SUVs and Trucks.
Well, if you're in the market to replace that gas-guzzler in your driveway, according NADAguides.com, these are the vehicles you should be considering. They make the grade when it comes to fuel efficiency, affordable purchase price, and overall summer-driving-and-travel appeal.
Top New Truck -- 2007 Ford Ranger MSRP: $13,970 (picture above)
With EPA estimates of 24 mpg city and 29 mpg highway and with an MSRP of $13,970 for the base 2WD model, the 2007 Ford Ranger easily made the NADAguides.com Top Summer Vehicles of 2007 list. "It's extremely hard to find a brand-new vehicle that offers the utility of a pickup truck with the efficiency and affordability of a compact car," says Don Christy Jr., president and CEO, NADAguides.com. "Not only is the Ranger an excellent value to buy and own, we like its styling too."
Top New SUV -- 2007 Jeep Compass MSRP: $20,175
Considered a "car-type" SUV, the 2007 Jeep Compass made the grade for its excellent fuel economy rating (24 city/27 highway), considered one of the best in the SUV category today, as well as its affordable pricetag at $20,175 for the base model. "Any way you slice it, the Jeep Compass is one heck of a ride," notes Christy. "From its affordability to its styling to its long list of standard equipment and safety features, we're impressed." The Compass features a 172-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, ABS brakes, and traction/antiskid control.
Top Minivan -- 2007 Honda Odyssey MSRP: $25,645
"Not only does the Odyssey feature one of the best EPA ratings in the minivan category, it's our editors' favorite minivan in terms of styling and ride," comments Christy. The 2007 Honda Odyssey offers a 244-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine and plenty of comfort and convenience features, including cruise control, keyless entry, and a variety of power controls, as well as front, side-body, and side-head airbags, ABS brakes, and traction control.
Top New Hybrid -- 2007 Toyota Prius MSRP: $22,175
The 2007 Toyota Prius is a four-door, five-passenger gas/electric hybrid car powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with 110 horsepower, coupled with a battery-powered electric motor. According to EPA estimates, the Prius achieves 60 mpg city and 51 mpg highway. "In addition to excellent fuel economy, the Prius offers more passenger and cargo space than most of its competitors," says Christy. "We also appreciate the Prius' long list of safety features and its MSRP of $22,175, a deal compared with equally equipped four-door sedans."
Top New Convertible -- 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata MSRP: $20,585
"Not only does the Mazda MX-5 offer stylish, fun-in-the-sun driving, we like its affordable pricetag and its great fuel economy," Christy remarks. "We're especially like its fast-revving engine and its incredible handling." The MX-5 is available with a retractable hardtop and the engine makes 166 horsepower with the automatic transmission, 170 with the manual. Other features include side airbags and ABS brakes.
Source: NADAguides.com