Top 10 Non-Hybrid Gas Savers For 2008

2008 Toyota Yaris

2008 Toyota Yaris 1
2008 Toyota Yaris

What we think
Though its goofy looks may be enough to dissuade even the most vigilant eco-fighter, the Yaris’ stellar fuel economy and low entry price puts the car head and shoulders above similar models. Available in two door "liftback" or 4 door sedan, this is your best bet for getting from A to B on the fewest pennies.

At a glance
MSRP: $11,350
Engine and Drivetrain: 1.5-liter inline four cylinder engine, 106 horsepower, 103 lb-ft torque; 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission; front-wheel drive
MPG: 29 city/ 35 hwy (auto), 29 city/ 36 hwy (manual)

2008 Honda Fit

2008 Honda Fit 2
2008 Honda Fit

What we think
The Honda Fit sneaks in just behind its Toyota competition, bringing slightly lower gas mileage and a higher MSRP to the table. What pulls this little five-door ahead of its competition is the surprising amount of head, leg and cargo room inside. If you're looking to keep your bank account in shape without having to become a contortionist to get to work, the Fit is a good choice.

At a glance
MSRP: $13,950
Engine and Drivetrain: 1.5-liter inline four cylinder engine, 109 horsepower, 105 lb-ft torque; 5-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission; front-wheel drive
MPG: 27 city/ 35 hwy (auto), 28 city/ 24 hwy (manual)



2008 Honda Civic DX

2008 Honda Civic Cpe 3
2008 Honda Civic Cpe

What we think
Following close behind, both in fuel economy and price, is the Civic. It carries a beefy $14,810 base price, and with 26 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, you may wonder how it eeked ahead of its less costly competition. The answer comes from the car's powerful engine, slew of safety features and more sexy than stubby styling.

At a glance
MSRP: $14,810
Engine and Drivetrain: 1.8-liter inline four cylinder engine, 140 horsepower, 128 lb-ft torque; 5-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission; front-wheel drive
MPG: 25 city/ 36 hwy (auto), 26 city/ 34 hwy (manual)



2008 Toyota Corolla

2008 Toyota Corolla 4
2008 Toyota Corolla

What we think
The Corolla has a long tradition of great fuel economy, something that the 2008 model upholds. With 27 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, there's no denying the car's efficiency. Unfortunately, the $15,250 base price makes this commuter a budgetary heavy hitter.

At a glance
MSRP: $15,250
Engine and Drivetrain: 1.8-liter inline four cylinder engine, 132 horsepower, 128 lb-ft torque; 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission; front-wheel drive
MPG: 27 city/ 35 hwy (auto), 26 city/ 35 hwy (manual)



2008 Nissan Versa

2008 Nissan Versa 5
2008 Nissan Versa

What we think
Nissan makes its debut on the list with the Versa. While this little car comes in a wide array of body styles and drive train options, its fuel economy numbers are a product of Nissan's CVT transmission. If you opt for a 6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic, expect the mileage to dip.

At a glance
MSRP: $12,710
Engine and Drivetrain: 1.8 liter inline four cylinder engine, 122 horsepower, 127 lb-ft torque; 4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual or Continuously Varaiable Transmission; front-wheel drive
MPG: 24 city/ 32 hwy (auto), 26 city/ 31 hwy (manual), 27 city/ 33 hwy (CVT)



2008 Kia Rio

2008 Kia Rio 6
2008 Kia Rio

What we think
While the Rio lost out to the Versa in the power department, its 25 mpg city and 35 mpg highway makes this car a contender. Those numbers are a result of Kia's 4-speed automatic transmission, so expect different from other gearboxes. The car's versatility as either a four-door sedan or five-door hatch and dirt cheap starting price may put it ahead of some of its more efficient competition in your book.

At a glance
MSRP: $11,515 (four door), $13,540 (five door)
Engine and Drivetrain: 1.6-liter inline four cylinder engine, 110 horsepower, 107 lb-ft torque; 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission; front-wheel drive
MPG: 25 city/ 35 hwy (auto), 27 city/ 32 hwy (manual)



2008 Ford Focus

2008 Ford Focus 7
2008 Ford Focus

What we think
The domestic version of fuel-efficient, the Ford Focus hits our list with an average 29.5 mpg - not bad from the company responsible for the mighty F-150. The Focus brings a load of creature comforts with it, and for the first time, comes only in four-door sedan or two-door coupe. If you're looking to do your patriotic duty by buying American while keeping your gas bill in check, the Focus is the ride for you.

At a glance
MSRP: $14,395
Engine and Drivetrain: 2.0-liter inline four cylinder engine, 140 horsepower, 136 lb-ft torque; 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission; front-wheel drive
MPG: 24 city/ 35 hwy



2008 Nissan Sentra

2008 Nissan Sentra 8
2008 Nissan Sentra

What we think
Another of the old-school gas savers, the Sentra weighs in at 25 mpg city, 33 mpg highway when equipped with the companies CVT transmission. Respectable numbers by anyone's standards, but just out of reach of others on the list. The Sentra is available in a number of trims with a ton of options. If you're willing to sacrifice a little fuel economy for more comfort, the Sentra may be for you.

At a glance
MSRP: $15,830
Engine and Drivetrain: 2.0-liter inline four cylinder engine, 140 horsepower, 147 lb-ft torque; 6-speed manual or Continuously Variable Transmission; front-wheel drive
MPG: 24 city/ 31 hwy (manual), 25 city/ 33 hwy (CVT)



2008 Chevrolet Aveo

2008 Chevrolet Aveo 9
2008 Chevrolet Aveo

What we think
The Aveo's less-than inspiring styling lands it squarely behind the Sentra. At 24 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, the five-door hatch or four-door sedan will still save you buckets of cash as you roll down the road. Starting at $10,895, Chevrolet boasts it's the most affordable vehicle sold in America.

At a glance
MSRP: $10,895
Engine and Drivetrain: 1.6-liter inline four cylinder engine, 103 horsepower, 107 lb-ft torque; 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission; front-wheel drive
MPG: 23 city/ 32 hwy (auto), 24 city/ 34 hwy (manual)



2008 Chevrolet Cobalt

2008 Chevrolet Cobalt 10
2008 Chevrolet Cobalt

What we think
No one can say Chevrolet isn't doing its best to court the eco-minded out there. The Cobalt, in either a four-door sedan or two-door coupe manages to squeeze 24 mpg city and 33 mpg highway out of the most powerful engine on the list—a 148 hp 2.2-liter four cylinder. That means plenty of pep, but less savings at the pump.

At a glance
MSRP: $14,885
Engine and Drivetrain: 2.2-liter inline four cylinder engine, 148 horsepower, 152 lb-ft torque; 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission; front-wheel drive.
MPG: 22 city/ 31 hwy (auto), 25 city/ 36 (manual)






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