The Economical Cars of Summer ... NADAguides.com Editors Pick Top Summer Rides for Fuel Efficiency and Affordability
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COSTA MESA, Calif., June 21 -- With the rising cost of gasoline as well as summer's busy driving season fast approaching, it's no surprise consumers are turning to more affordable cars to buy, drive and own. Along these lines, the editors at NADAguides.com (http://www.nadaguides.com/) -- a leading vehicle pricing and information website -- today announced their Top Vehicles of Summer 2007. According to NADAguides.com, these picks make the grade when it comes to fuel efficiency, affordable purchase price and overall 'summer-driving-and-travel' appeal -- whether you're traveling, towing, hauling or just plain enjoying the ride. Following is the complete list.
Top New Hybrid -- 2007 Toyota Prius (60/51) MSRP: $22,175
The 2007 Toyota Prius is a four-door five-passenger gas/electric hybrid car powered by a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder 110 horsepower gasoline engine coupled with a battery-powered electric motor. According to EPA estimates, the Prius achieves 60 MPG City and 51 MPG Highway. "In addition to excellent fuel economy, the Prius offers larger passenger and cargo space than most of its competitors," said Don Christy Jr., president and CEO, NADAguides.com. "We also appreciated the Prius' long list of safety features and its MSRP of $22,175, a deal compared to equally-equipped four-door sedans."
Top New Convertible -- 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata (25/30) MSRP: $20,585
"Not only does the Mazda MX-5 offer stylish, fun-in-the-sun driving, we liked its affordable price tag and its great fuel economy," said Christy. "We were especially fond of its fast-revving engine and its incredible handling." The MX-5 comes available with a retractable hardtop and features 166 horsepower with the automatic transmission, 170 with the manual. Other features include side airbags and ABS brakes.
Top New Truck -- 2007 Ford Ranger (24/29) MSRP: $13,970
With EPA estimates of 24 MPG City and 29 MPG Highway, and with an MSRP of $13,970 for the base 2WD model, the 2007 Ford Ranger easily made the NADAguides.com Top Summer Vehicles of 2007 list. "It's extremely hard to find a brand new vehicle that offers the utility of a pick-up truck with the efficiency and affordability of a compact car," said Christy. "Not only is the Ranger an excellent value to buy and own, we liked its styling too."
Top New SUV -- 2007 Jeep Compass (24/27) MSRP: $20,175
Considered a 'car-type' SUV, the 2007 Jeep Compass made the grade for its excellent fuel economy rating (24 City/27 Highway), considered one of the best in the SUV category today, as well as its affordable price tag at $20,175 for the base model. "Any way you slice it, the Jeep Compass is one heck of a ride," said Christy. "From its affordability to its styling to its long list of standard equipment and safety features, we were impressed." The Compass features a 172 horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, ABS brakes and traction/antiskid control.
Top Minivan -- 2007 Honda Odyssey (17/24) MSRP: $25,645
"Not only does the Odyssey feature one of the best EPA ratings in the minivan category, it was our Editors' favorite minivan in terms of styling and ride," said Christy. The 2007 Honda Odyssey features a 244 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine and plenty of comfort and convenience features, including cruise control, keyless entry and a variety of power controls, as well as front, side-body and side-head airbags, ABS brakes and traction control.
To research these vehicles, as well as virtually every vehicle on the market today, log onto http://www.nadaguides.com/ for more information. The website also offers a 2007 new car buying guide, car prices, car buying reviews, car quotes, used car prices and classic car prices, including a wealth of additional pricing and specification information for motorcycles, boats, RVs, classic cars, vans and van conversions.
About NADAguides.com
N.A.D.A. Appraisal Guides (NADAguides.com) is the world's largest publisher of vehicle pricing and specification information for new and used cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs, as well as van conversions, limousines, classic and collectible cars, boats, RVs, motorcycles, snowmobiles, personal watercraft and manufactured housing. The company's consumer website, NADAguides.com (http://www.nadaguides.com/), offers a variety of new and used vehicle services in addition to valuation information. Throughout its 74-year history, N.A.D.A. Appraisal Guides has earned the reputation as the recognized authority for vehicle valuations. Its website, NADAguides.com, is the most comprehensive vehicle information resource on the Internet today.
