In the market for a fuel efficient used car, but stretched a little thin because of the economy? With a gallon of milk north of $4, a gallon of gas hovering at $3, and a credit squeeze, it can be tough to buy the car of your dreams. Here is a collection of fuel-efficient cars that won't give you nightmares. Pricing info courtesy of KBB.com. Reliability info comes from ConsumerReports.org and fuel economy stats come from FuelEconomy.gov.
Here are the abbreviations used with these listings:
- CR = Consumer Reports
- EPA = Environmental Protection Agency
- 22/29 = city mpg/highway mpg
- AFC = Annual Fuel Costs
11. 1996 Subaru Legacy $4915
Photo © Subaru
The 1996 Subaru Legacy comes from the similar stable of the Impreza. It, too, is sure footed thanks to all-wheel drive and comes in sedan or station wagon versions. No CR info available before 1998. Decent f21/30, AFC-$2232
12. 1995 Toyota Camry $4995
Photo © Toyota
The 1995 Toyota Camry is about the best overall four-door sedan on the market. There is little to complain about here and it comes from a time when practically 100 percent of Toyota products were reliable. No CR info available before 1998. 20/29 AFC-$2427
13. 1997 Toyota Corolla $4850
Photo © Toyota
I’ve never owned one, but friends have owned Toyota Corollas and swear by their reliability. It’s a good little car that is perfect for a small family thanks to a relatively spacious interior and a generous trunk. No CR info available before 1998, but this is a Toyota after all from back when Toyota made 100 percent reliable cars. Strong fuel economy at 26/32 AFC-$1925
14. 1993 Volvo 240 $4950
Photo © Volvo
1993 Volvo 240 sedans are popular for their tank-like safety records. A lot of safety innovations in U.S. vehicles can be tracked to Volvo. No CR info available before 1998. Decent fuel economy for a four-door sedan at 19/26 AFC-$2656
