What's the best economy car bang for the buck?

Ok, so my wife and I have finally decided to pull the trigger on a new car. Our car needs more in repairs than it will ever be worth, we can't afford a new car cash, and a used car will be about as nice as ours was when we first bought it (80,000 miles, just waiting for parts to break). We are looking for a 5 speed, 4 cylinder, basic car.


We are Ford people by heart but the Chevy Cobalt looks more and more appealing. (Especially with a 0% for 60 month finance plan and a 5 year/100,000 mile warranty).





What are your suggestions? I've read reviews, looked at prices, compared programs.


I've looked at Cobalts, Focuses, the Fit, the Yaris, the Hyundai Accent, and the Rabbit.





I understand trade and locale all play a part, but personal opinions, reviews, program info., etc. would be extremely helpful.





Thanks!
What's the best economy car bang for the buck?
Saturn Astra. GM Warranty, No Haggle Price, Great Looks, You Can't Go Wrong.


http://www.saturn.com/saturn/vehicles/as...








Or, check out the Mazda 3.
What's the best economy car bang for the buck?
Grand-daughter just bought a Ford Focus 4 door, brand new...loves it. Better priced and incentives than imports.
Reply:I hope that you will entertain the Honda Civic and Fit in your search, especially considering the Great Resale Value and Car for the money you get with them, not to mention they have some of the best Real-World Fuel Economy of any vehicle in their class....





Depending on your Budget....they all range between 14.7k and 19.5k from Low end to High end....but all come with Standard Features like Power Windows / Locks / Cruise etc...plus there are some really great Finance Specials on the Civics right now too...





Lastly, the Legendary Honda "Fit and Finish" / Reliability will give you peace of mind over the long term.
Reply:Totally the Saturn Astra. The 5 door has a panoramic moonroof and it rocks!


Great reviews, also.
Reply:GM has some great incentives, but the Cobalt is a very mediocre car. If your choice is between that and the Focus, I'd stick with the Focus.





I'd stay away from the Rabbit. VWs tend to be unreliable. The Fit is a very good car with a lot of versatility. The Yaris is good as far as entry-level cars go, but there are better choices for just a little bit more.
Reply:wait for the 2009 VW Jetta TDI





avoid ford focus %26amp; toyto yaris





Honda Fit is 10 times better than both of them.





if you want a Hyundai get the Elantra, avoid the accent.





the cobalt is cheap and unpolished, handles poorly.





consider a Kia Optima or Rondo, the best value for your money, they don't have the resale value of a Honda but they cost thousands less.





http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/overvi...
Reply:Volvo xc90


lexus rx400h


ford explorer


Toyota land cruiser


land rover