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Best Cars for the Money
Value shopping doesn’t mean having to settle.
By Nick Kurczewski

Whether you’re in the market for anything from a sport-utility to a sports car, certain vehicles stand out when it comes to value for the money. A funny thing happens when gas prices creep upward and the economy slows down; people start paying closer attention to what they’re in for once they drive off the dealership lot.

Reliable engineering, strong resale value, safety, new technology and fresh design have all been factored into our top picks for Best Car for the Money. Some vehicles, like the totally redesigned 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, have better quality and more features than the outgoing model it replaces. And in the case of the Grand Cherokee, the new model even costs less than the previous generation.

Other vehicles, like the Nissan 370Z sports car, prove that high performance and excellent value are not mutually exclusive. Meanwhile, cars such as the 2011 Ford Fiesta and Honda CR-Z hybrid bring sharp handling and cool styling to the fuel-sipper segment. Just remember, the cheapest price doesn’t always guarantee a better long-term bargain.


2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

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2011 Jeep Grand CherokeeDon’t be fooled by an exterior that looks similar to past Jeeps. The 2011 Grand Cherokee is all new and a huge improvement, both inside and out. In fact, the Grand Cherokee’s classy cabin could cause some off-road-loving owners to think twice before, say, tackling the Rubicon Trail. Soft-touch plastics and elegant wood trim, in a Jeep?

Let’s be honest, though: The majority of SUV buyers’ off-road adventures are limited to annual excursions to the local pumpkin patch. Inside the Grand Cherokee you’ll find luxurious touches like supple leather, heated and reclining rear seats, satellite radio, and TV with internet access.

The go-anywhere Jeep capability is still there if you need it, thanks to a choice of V-6 or Hemi V-8 engine, along with three automatically controlled 4x4 systems and adjustable air suspension. And did we mention most trim levels of the 2011 Grand Cherokee cost a couple hundred bucks less than the old model? A better SUV for less money sounds like a value to us.


2011 Honda CR-Z

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2011 Honda CR-ZIt’s true that hybrids are fantastic when it comes to fuel economy. But is it too much to ask for driving enjoyment to go along with bragging rights at the fuel pump? Luckily for us, Honda provided the 2011 CR-Z hybrid with sharp handling to match its miserly fuel consumption. This futuristic-looking 2-passenger coupe is a genuine delight on a twisty road – so long as you don’t put a premium (pun intended) on horsepower.

A 113-bhp 1.5-liter 4-cylinder is coupled to a 13-hp electric motor, whose battery pack is located beneath the cargo floor. The CR-Z is high-tech, but not rapid. Expect a 0-60 mph time of approximately 9 seconds—the same ballpark as many economy cars. Yet the ride and nimble handling make up for the lack of straight-line punch.

On sale in late August, and priced under $20,000 for the base model, the Honda CR-Z hybrid won’t be gathering dust on dealer lots.


2010 Nissan 370Z

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2010 Nissan 370ZChoosing a brand-new and hot-selling car can limit your bargaining at the dealership. When everybody wants one, chances are you’ll be paying full price. That’s why the 2010 Nissan 370Z is more appealing than ever before. Redesigned last year, the muscular-looking sports coupe still turns heads everywhere it goes. That it’s not the absolute newest face on the block only works to your advantage.

With a 332-bhp V-6 engine under the hood—and a base price hovering around $31,000—the Z is packed with performance and value. A fire-breather when ripping along on an empty race-track, the Z hits 60 mph in less than 5 seconds. But the Z (coupe or Z Roadster) is also remarkably comfortable in real driving world full of rush-hour traffic, red lights and potholes.

Strong resale value and an active club scene are the icing on this performance bargain.


2011 Hyundai Sonata

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2011 Hyundai SonataLots of comedians will have to start rewriting their car jokes. That’s because Hyundai, once the darling of so many automotive punch lines, has completely turned its game around. Thanks to cars like the 2011 Sonata sedan, the Korean automaker finally builds cars you want to buy—rather than fragile, but dirt cheap, economy-cars of yesteryear.

The Sonata has heavily sculpted sides and a bold grille that give the car a distinctive design in the traditionally conservative family sedan segment. Build quality has made another quantum leap forward from past Hyundais, yet the Sonata still manages to cost thousands less than many of its competitors.

A new 274-bhp turbocharged 4-cylinder model (Sonata 2.0T) and a Sonata Hybrid – capable of 39 mpg on the highway—add to this Hyundai’s considerable arsenal of talents.


2011 Ford Fiesta

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2011 Ford Fiesta The 2011 Ford Fiesta sedan and hatchback are not the least-expensive subcompacts available. But they happen to be amongst the best, thanks to chic European styling and a raft of upscale features. At long last, Ford has finally brought its European small car know-how to North America, where super-sized gas-guzzling trucks now seem as unfashionable as wearing socks with sandals.

Whether you prefer the 4-door sedan or 5-door hatchback, every Fiesta comes with precise handling, a spacious cabin, and a fuel-efficient 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine (30 mpg city/ 40 mpg highway). A $13,995 starting price (4-door sedan) is higher than some of the competition. However, the Fiesta offers luxury touches such as a pushbutton starter and Ford’s Sync hands- free communication and entertainment system, along with safety features like ABS, traction control, and seven airbags (including driver knee airbag).

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