Five top wallet-friendly cars for 2013

Posted on May 3, 2013 by CarCluster

Car makers have taken notice that consumers are looking for more fuel efficient cars, so that they can save extra money at the gas station without sacrificing the other things they want to have. We all know that over time the price of gas will rise. As a result, car makers have come up with various technological innovations such as employing hybrid technology or smaller engines that are still packed with plenty of power. Gone are those days when you had to purchase a compact car in order to obtain excellent fuel mileage; now you can have fuel efficient sedans and SUV’s, all within an affordable range as well.

This change, popularly known as “greening” of the automotive industry, has taken place because of three primary reasons: pending federal regulation for improved gas mileage vehicles, augmented influence from the environmental movement and the public’s desire for less dependence on foreign fuel. Under the new EPA and Department of Energy guidelines, passenger cars have to achieve an average of 35.5 mpg by 2016 and an average of 54.5 mpg by 2025.

Consumers are more aware of the automotive industry nowadays. The car makers also have now realized that in order to attract more buyers they have to manufacture cars which are eco-friendly and consume less fuel while also keeping the cars affordable.

Let’s have a look at the top 5 wallet-friendly cars to consider which represents the best value for you.

Chevrolet Cruze

The Chevrolet cruze has redefined everything a compact car represents. This car maker knows that they should not give their buyers less just because it’s a compact car. It offers more cargo space, more technology and more miles per gallon. Your wallet is going to thank you, as it has the best highway mileage any gas engine in America will give you.

Base price: $17,130-23,550. Fuel Mileage Estimate (Eco edition), 28 mpg (city), 42 mpg (highway)

Ford C-MAX

This is a five passenger multi-activity vehicle. The car maker has also launched Ford

C-MAX Energy as its first plug-in hybrid. Often referred to as the most “car like” among the top eco-friendly cars, it has a 2.0 L hybrid I-4 Power train that is combined with the electric motor to produce 188 horsepower always giving you responsive power when you need it most.

Base price: $25,200-28,365; Fuel Mileage Estimate, 47 mpg (city), 47 mpg (highway)

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

This is the first no-plug in hybrid with lithium polymer battery technology. So, now you don’t have to sacrifice power to get impressive highway fuel economy. It has got a refreshing new look that makes it stand apart from category norms.

Base price, $25,850; Fuel Mileage Estimate, 34 mpg (city), 40 mpg (highway)

Kia Optima Hybrid

Kia has made some small changes in the Optima Hybrid which improves the car’s fuel efficiency and broadens its price appeal. First it was offered in just a single trim level, but now they are offering 2 trim levels. It has a new electric motor and a four cylinder engine generating 159 horsepower.

Base price: $25,700; Fuel Mileage Estimate, 35 mpg (city), 40 mpg (highway)

Toyota Prius C
With Toyota Prius c you can select the driving mode you want, whether its gas or electric. Under certain settings, Prius c runs only on battery power. Prius c comes with a lot of technological innovations along with information and entertainment features. ECO Mode in this car helps make the most of fuel economy by limiting the operation of the climate control while also adjusting the throttle response.