Best in class: Sedans under $20,000
By Terry
Jackson • Bankrate.com
The cars in this category get better and better every year, making it ever more difficult to single out just three as Bankrate's top picks. The surprise for 2005 is that there are two brands here that just two years ago probably wouldn't have made the cut.
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Mazda3
Click image for larger view | Mazda3:
In terms of all-around bang for the buck, this replacement
for the well-regarded Protégé moves Mazda ever closer to its desire
to be thought of as the BMW of Japan -- but without the BMW price premium. The
Mazda3 is available in two body styles -- a four-door sedan and a four-door hatchback,
with the latter being the sportier style. The base four-cylinder engine produces
150 horsepower, while a 170-horsepower four is optional. The base engine has more
than enough power, and linked to the five-speed manual transmission (a four-speed
automatic is optional), makes for a peppy drive. Interior space is generous for
this class and in the hatchback model there's a maximum 19.8 cubic feet of cargo
capacity. List prices start at about $14,000 for the sedan, but that doesn't include
air conditioning, which is an $850 option. Front- and rear-side curtain airbags
are also on the option list, as is a wide range of luxury add-ons. Nonetheless,
a very well-equipped Mazda3 can be bought for less than $18,000.
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Honda Civic
Click image for larger view | Honda Civic:
Still the quality and reliability leader in this category,
there are few changes to the Civic for 2005 -- not that many were needed. Shop
for the LX sedan with side airbags, and expect to pay about $16,000. If you're
inclined to go for the eco-friendly Civic Hybrid, which uses a gas engine in concert
with an electric motor to deliver as much as 50 miles per gallon, expect to pay
about $21,000, plus a dealer premium in some parts of the country because hybrids
are in demand.
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Chevrolet Cobalt
Click image for larger view | Chevrolet
Cobalt: It looks like Chevrolet may have finally gotten the formula right
for building an affordable compact sedan. Although the Cobalt replaces the unloved
Cavalier in the lineup, there are few carryover parts. The Cobalt is based on
the same platform as the Saturn Ion, which is known for its solid feel. The Cobalt,
available as a sedan or coupe, looks and feels like a car costing a few grand
more than the approximately $14,000 base sticker. Opt for the LT version at about
$16,500, and it comes with anti-lock brakes, keyless remote entry, a CD player,
power windows and door locks. Side curtain airbags add another $395. --
Posted: Feb. 15, 2005 |
