<b>Chevrolet Cobalt LT:</b>
The Cobalt replaced Chevrolets long-running Cavalier in 2005. Though it hasnt changed much since then, its clean looks and competitive pricing help keep sales strong. It also offers stronger acceleration than most competing economical cars. As tested, it has a sticker price of $19,250 and gets 27 miles per gallon.
- <b>Chevrolet Cobalt LT:</b> The Cobalt replaced Chevrolets long-running Cavalier in 2005. Though it hasnt changed much since then, its clean looks and competitive pricing help keep sales strong. It also offers stronger acceleration than most competing economical cars. As tested, it has a sticker price of $19,250 and gets 27 miles per gallon.
- <b>Ford Focus SE:</b> The Focus was redesigned last year but is still fundamentally the same car that first came out a decade ago. Its audio/Bluetooth system with voice recognition is marketed as a key selling point, and it also has more nimble handling than the average economical car. As tested, it has a sticker price of $18,500 and gets 27 miles per gallon.
- <b>Honda Civic LX:</b> The Civic has for years been one of the most popular economical cars. Its expensive but has good gas mileage, high resale value, and a reputation for longevity. Loyalists used to Civics from before 2006 might have mixed reactions to the unconventional digital speedometer. As tested, it has a sticker price of $19,042 and gets 29 miles per gallon.
- <b>Hyundai Elantra GLS:</b> Hyundai may be beset known for its low prices and long warranties, but the Elantra also has a smooth ride and a roomy interior going for it. However, though it does have the longest warranty of these seven economical cars, its not actually the least expensive. As tested, it has a sticker price of $17,965 and gets 28 miles per gallon.
- <b>Mitsubishi Lancer ES:</b> The Lancer was redesigned last year from a somewhat anonymous compact car to a sportier and more aggressively styled one. Though it shares its appearance inside and out with the high-performance EVO X, the regular Lancer feels more like other economical cars. As tested, it has a sticker price of $17,965 and gets 24 miles per gallon.
- <b>Nissan Versa 1.8S:</b> The Versa was introduced as a hatchback in 2007 and added a sedan last year. 2009s have the second-lowest base price of any new car in the country, but the price gets a bit closer to other economical cars once you add such optional equipment as air conditioning and a radio. Its stumpy appearance lends itself to providing a very roomy interior. As tested, it has a sticker price of $16,100 and gets 27 miles per gallon.
- <b>Toyota Corolla LE:</b> The Corolla was redesigned this year, and its the best-selling economical car, popular for its long history of offering excellent fuel efficiency and reliability. It also has a heavy focus on comfort and refinement. However, it's not known for its exciting driving dynamics. As tested, it has a sticker price of $18,564 and gets 30 miles per gallon.
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