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Dealers
Marty PadgettMINIVAN: Dodge Grand Caravan
Likes:
- The ultimate in family practicality
- Kids will love satellite TV
- Two DVD screens available
- Lots of storage
- V-6 engines with six-speed automatics
Dislikes:
- Chunky styling
- Plasticky interior
- Lack of polish
Chrysler invented the minivan 25 years ago, and in the interim it's polished and padded its trademark vehicle with big V-6 power and all sorts of flexible seating arrangements, not to mention a class-leading set of features. The new Dodge Grand Caravan may have some iffy interior plastics, and reliability is no better than average, but this minivan delivers unparalleled entertainment features for your family, including in-car satellite TV and a hard-drive music player. The Grand Caravan's optional Stow 'N Go seating sets the standard, too, for fold-away utility--all the seats aft of the front buckets can be tucked away to create a flat load floor. If Chrysler's current condition worries you, know that Volkswagen's new Routan is essentially the same vehicle with a revised look and an upgraded interior, while Hyundai's Entourage offers an inexpensive, roomy alternative to the Detroit minivans, as does its twin, the Kia Sedona.
Other Choices: Volkswagen Routan, Hyundai Entourage
2009 Chevrolet Malibu LS w/1LSEnlarge Photo The stock market's jittery, banks are closing and the smell of recession is in the air. Is anyone worried about new cars? The answer is yes. Regardless of the tattered condition of Wall Street and some big has-beens in the money world, the real world still is turning--and that means people are still shopping for cars. There may be fewer buyers, but automakers from all corners of the world are eager to let Americans know that the showrooms are still open, and credit is still available for those who would be a good risk. The tumult in the economy has made some striking changes in the new-car market, though. There's not much room for frivolous purchases in times like these. Any new car has to do it all: It needs to be relatively inexpensive, it should have plenty of room, plenty of power, leading fuel economy and good looks, too. Above all, it should have all the safety gear buyers expect--and the kind of features across the board that make even base models a satisfying purchase. As it turns out, cars and trucks and crossovers that fit the bill aren't difficult to find. TheCarConnection.com's car experts think these six cars will give car buyers the most bang for your buck--and make the most sense for drivers who have to buy now: SEDANS: Chevrolet Malibu Likes: - Smooth responsive engines and transmissions - Good fuel efficiency from four-cylinder models - Surprisingly elegant interior styling and materials - Relaxed on the highway, with good roadholding - Feels different than follow-the-crowd competitors Dislikes: - Doesn’t feel very sporty - No Bluetooth hands-free interface - No screen-based nav system New in 2008, the Chevrolet Malibu proves that GM can field a competitor for the best from Honda and Toyota, and do it with superior style and even better interior room. The Malibu comes in four- and six-cylinder form, with automatic transmissions, all the safety gear you expect, lots of cabin space and great looks. At just over $21,000, the Malibu offers 30-mpg highway mileage--or in a new four-cylinder LTZ version with a six-speed automatic, 32 mpg. Other Choices: Honda Accord, Toyota Camry MINIVAN: Dodge Grand Caravan Likes: - The ultimate in family practicality - Kids will love satellite TV - Two DVD screens available - Lots of storage - V-6 engines with six-speed automatics Dislikes: - Chunky styling - Plasticky interior - Lack of polish 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan SEEnlarge Photo Chrysler invented the minivan 25 years ago, and in the interim it's polished and padded its trademark vehicle with big V-6 power and all sorts of flexible seating arrangements, not to mention a class-leading set of features. The new Dodge Grand Caravan may have some iffy interior plastics, and reliability is no better than average, but this minivan delivers unparalleled entertainment features for your family, including in-car satellite TV and a hard-drive music player. The Grand Caravan's optional Stow 'N Go seating sets the standard, too, for fold-away utility--all the seats aft of the front buckets can be tucked away to create a flat load floor. If Chrysler's current condition worries you, know that Volkswagen's new Routan is essentially the same vehicle with a revised look and an upgraded interior, while Hyundai's Entourage offers an inexpensive, roomy alternative to the Detroit minivans, as does its twin, the Kia Sedona. Other Choices: Volkswagen Routan, Hyundai Entourage GREEN: Toyota Prius Likes: - Fuel economy - Roomy cabin - Hatchback utility Dislikes: - Digital gauges - Price premium - Steering feel - Midgrade interior materials 2009 Toyota Prius Enlarge Photo The Toyota Prius has done nothing less than convince the American public that hybrid cars are a good thing. It's in its second generation--and next year, a third version is in the works--but today's Prius blends 48-mpg fuel economy with a roomy package that's usefully sized to carry four adults, or with the rear seats folded, more gear than you imagine. The space-age dash takes a little getting used to, as does the Prius' somewhat artificial steering and braking feel. The Prius won't win any awards for a luxurious interior, either. At $23,375, it's changed forever the notion of what a family car should be. As an alternative to this highly alternative vehicle, Honda's Civic Hybrid takes a more conventional approach to its body style, but offers similar fuel-economy ratings. Other Choices: Honda Civic Hybrid PICKUPS: Nissan Frontier Likes: - Rugged styling - V-6 performance - Four-door version’s flexibility - High towing capacity Dislikes: - Longest bed is six feet - Interior trim is mid-grade 2009 Nissan Frontier XEEnlarge Photo For those who still rely on pickup trucks for their daily bread, Nissan's Frontier is strong and flexible enough to cover many of the tasks that often get punted into the full-size category. Instead of full-size gas mileage, the Frontier offers a frugal four-cylinder version, a choice of body styles, a reasonably long bed and an optional V-6, not to mention automatic or manual transmissions. It's do-it-yourself attitude to the extreme--right down to the spray-in bedliner and the hooks and cargo holds that make its mid-size bed more useful. For those who worry about it, the Frontier's built in Tennessee, too. Other Choices: If a full-size truck is a must, the new 2009 Dodge Ram and Ford F-150 are equals to Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra. SUVs/WAGONS: Subaru Forester Likes: - Improved styling - Reduced interior noise - All-wheel drive - Carlike handling Dislikes: - Still not a great-looking machine - No manual gearbox on turbo models - Only four speeds on automatic - Lots of silver plastic in the cabin 2009 Subaru ForesterEnlarge Photo Sport-utility vehicles and newfangled car-based crossovers are meant to haul people and cargo in a more stylish way than minivans. The excess of the SUV fad--think HUMMER and Escalade and Navigator and Excursion--has been neatly balanced all along by the Subaru Forester, a plucky four-cylinder wagon with a tall roof and an option for turbo power. The Forester makes all-wheel drive standard, which makes it a favorite in the Rocky Mountain states and the snowy Northeast--but buyers across the country can appreciate its 26-mpg highway fuel economy and sub-$20,000 base price. Motor Trend picked up on the smaller-is-better trend by naming the Forester its 2009 SUV of the year; anyone who's spent $100 on a fill-up can see why. Along the same lines, Honda's CR-V has more controversial styling and is a touch slower, but has an enviable repair record. Other Choices: Honda CR-V TWO-DOORS: Volkswagen GTI Likes: - Solid build quality - Rich interior materials - Torquey acceleration - Great driving dynamics - Nice detailing Dislikes: - Bland exterior - Not great economy - Modest passenger and cargo room - GTI and R32 aren’t performance kings - GTI and R32 are pricey 2009 Volkswagen GTI Enlarge Photo There's little balm for the financial turmoil hitting the country, but for the few buyers who can afford a little indulgence, some two-doors with tons of personality and baked-in driving fun can also provide good fuel economy and a good measure of practicality, too. Tops among them is the Volkswagen GTI, one of the best-handling cars in its class, and one with an enthusiast's dream of a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. With more than 200 horsepower on tap through an available dual-clutch transmission, the GTI has superb driving feel and response, while turning in 29 miles per gallon on the highway--all for less than $23,000. The squared-off tail gives it a step up on its two-door competitors for occasional cargo needs. Ford's Mustang is a perennial winner among two-doors, with a more economical V-6 option, while Volvo's C30 is a slow seller with great dynamics and a useful hatchback style. Other Choices: Ford Mustang, Volvo C30 ARTICLEURL --- Make sure you check out our partner sites dedicated to focused news, reviews and more for Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, Honda, and the Toyota Prius.
Responses (12 total)
By Ed #1, Posted: 10/28/2008
THESE are the "best bang for the buck" cars?
You MUST be joking.
Either that, OR you have no clue about the difference between the FIRST COST of a vehicle and the TRUE, TOTAL cost of OWNERSHIP, including FUEL, MAINTENANCE, and DEPRECIATION.
You have also omitted several HUGE, MONUMENTAL Bang-for-the buck cars in almost every one of your categories.
Just a few Examples: The OUTSTANDING, 46 ACTUAL HWY MPG JETTA DIESEL, in the first category, where it ties with the ACCORD in MY book, and the CIVIC HYBRID that is even BETTER "bang for the buck-wise" than the SHOWOFF Prius.
In MINIVANS: All are inferior to the Honda Odyssey since its 1999-00 debut, even the new Chryslers, and as for the VW ROutan you mention, it is a sickening FRAUD REBADGED Chrysler. It is SHAMEFUL how some pretend it is a "NEW" car.
You do not even MENTION the Odyssey and the Sienna, but do mention the silly HYUNDAI??? DO you EVER read reviews of these vehicles? did you learn anything from them?
Pickups: i could care less.
SUVs-Wagons: Subaru is sure the UGLIEST looking, and has been for decades, BUT I agree they are good bang for the buck value.
2-doors: GTI: RELIABILITY? This may be fun to drive, BUT NOT a good bang for the buck car. Owners I know personally call them "DAMNGTIs" (one word!) so frequently do they fail.
And the MALIBU may have nice styling BUT its transaction (actual) prices are way up there at $25k! You can buy a Chevy IMPALA with a bigger, srtonger engine and much, much more room for LESS. THAT Impala is indeed a far better baNG FOR THE BUCK, but why would you know, right?
By Marty Padgett #2, Posted: 10/28/2008
1) Try to find a Jetta diesel at under sticker.
2) Civic Hybrid isn't a whole lot cheaper than the more functional Prius.
3) Have you priced an Odyssey lately? Also, no stowing seats.
4) Have you ever sat in an Impala for more than a minute?
By Reece #3, Posted: 10/28/2008
OK what did someone put in Ed's breakfast this morning?
By Ed #4, Posted: 10/28/2008
"Marty Padgett
October 28th, 2008 - 2:00 pm
1) Try to find a Jetta diesel at under sticker.
I am not. My commute is 1.5 miles and if I walk it, which I frequently do, it's a 20 min, 1 mile shortcut.
And you cannot find a Jetta diesel either at or above sticker, they are such bargains that they are all GONE. Of course, an unscrupulous Dealer will always try to profit...
2) Civic Hybrid isn’t a whole lot cheaper than the more functional Prius.
I think it is. The Prius, even USED copied, were sellign at ludicrous prices. The civic has the disadvantage that it looks just like the non-hybrid, and the de Caprios of the World need to show off their pretend-greenness.
3) Have you priced an Odyssey lately? Also, no stowing seats.
You still focus on first cost. Have you checked the RESALE VALUE of Chrysler minivans lately? Plus their higher operating and maintenance costs?
But one addition you could make to the Minivan list, for those that do not need a full size van, is the Mazda 5.
"
4) Have you ever sat in an Impala for more than a minute?"
I have even sat in the back seat of a cheapo rental Impala for half an hour and it felt absolutely fine. I did sit on the older and execrable Lumina driver's seat a decade ago and it was indeed bad.
(But here you are talking bang for the buck, not looks or ergonomics?)
ALSO, glaring omissions in 2-doors: You include the flaky Volvo 30 and forget the massive successes that are the Accord and Civic Coupes? I owned an Accord coupe for 14 of its 18 years. You can guess it was GOOD. I still own an excellent Civic 2 door hatch 1992 (use it only in my summer home.) with lo miles and 44 mpg highway. And NOT a hybrid.
By Ed #5, Posted: 10/28/2008
Reece
October 28th, 2008 - 5:44 pm
OK what did someone put in Ed’s breakfast this morning?
Full Disclosure:
I just had a glass of skim milk before driving to the office, where I take my coffee.
By Marty Padgett #6, Posted: 10/28/2008
I'm not sure if I love hearing about, or don't want to hear more, about Ed's day.
I rarely think first about resale value--I hope with what's going on out there, people are planning on driving any new car until the wheels fall off.
By Tony D #7, Posted: 10/28/2008
For once, Ed makes some good points. But GODDAMN is he annoying to listen too. Maybe you should start your mornings with a Valium, dude!
By Ed #8, Posted: 10/29/2008
Actually, this article should be titied "best bang for the buck when you restrict it to buying NEW cars"
This will NEVER be as good bang for the buck if you instead buy a certified used car from a dealer, with a good warranty,
And even that will be far inferior, $-wise, than doing what I always do, regardless of my budget:
Buy a USED car from a PRIVATE SELLER.
You will do FAR, FAR better, no matter what your budget.
By Ed #9, Posted: 10/29/2008
The only legal pharmaceuticals I take every morning are a 100% daily vitamin or two, and on occasion an aspirin, not because of any pains or aches, but because it is touted as such a wonder, for preventive heart care etc.
I don't even know what a Valium pill looks like, and same with the PROZAC that so many of you out there are addicted to.
By Henry #10, Posted: 10/30/2008
I find these squabbles between posters and Ed to be quite comical, only because Ed points out very valid statements, and is correct in much what he writes. However, I do agree that a Honda Odyssey can cost up to 10,000 more than a Caravan, and I do not think that the cost of ownership of ten years would yield better results.
There are so many good cars on the market these days, that it has become ever more difficult to compare them. Our bias tells us that the Malibu is inferior to the Accord (and I own an Accord), but in reality, had GM built solid, reliable, good looking, value Malibu's as they have with this version, I would agree that GM's resale, reliability and value would be increased. Here Honda is really strong, because they focus their resources on every car they release. But hey, they also had some duds, like the first Odyssey, the Insight, Element. So Honda isn't perfect, nor is GM. I do see hope for GM though, but the hardest part for them isn't building better vehicles (which they are) but to capture customers from other automakers.
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