What is the "safest" and most efficient car?

Question

I'm currently driving a 1999 Pontiac Sunfire which is literally falling apart.

The next car I purchase needs to be something affordable, hopefully somewhat fuel-efficient, and preferably not a death-trap. I'm a single, 20-year-old woman with no plans on having children any time soon. I'm planning on becoming a teacher, so the money may be an issue. I'm kind of a hippie/environmentalist, so I'd prefer not to get some giant gas-guzzler.

Any (serious) suggestions are greatly appreciated.

What I mean by "Not a death trap" is anything that's reasonably safe... Small cars don't bother me at all. I like smaller cars, actually... the few times I've had to borrow my mother's SUV for anything, it has honestly made me feel like I'm driving a school bus or something.

If I ever got an SUV of any kind, it would have to be one of the newer "low-profile" ones or something...

To me, size doesn't constitute "death-trap" status. :D

Answer 1

The Fusion is certainly a good bold move from Ford, it has received numerous accolades, here are a few.

One of them being "Best Cars for Teens", which takes safety, value, size, insurance costs into consideration. I'm giving you a link for that story.

Another was "Family Car of the Year" by another media outlet.

Parent Magazines "Car of the year"

Strategic Vision Total Quality Award given to the Fusion for best quality , it's cousin the Milan came in 2nd.

AAA Also rated it as Best Midsize Sedan.

Also received a "Most Appealing Midsize" award by JDPower surveyed participants.

In regards to interior quality, it was nominated for best interior last year. It's cousin the Lincoln MKZ won that award in it's segment. I'm providing a link for that as well.

In regards to reliability, it is rating higher than the new Camry. I'm providing a link for that as well. According to JDPower the TGW number (Things Gone Wrong) has placed the Fusion on the top of it's class for reliability beating out the Accord and Camry (providing a link for that as well).

Consumer Reports said a similar thing as well, but I only quote JDPower since it's the automotive research authority and takes a much higher sample data. Also, no recalls on the Fusion to date, as oppose to the Camry's 2 so far.

Also has a longer 5Yr/60K Mile powertrain warranty with roadside assistant.

For this year, AWD has become an option which uses a Haldex AWD system, similar to that used in Volvo's. Which helps with the safety aspect and something different not really seen on these price points. Providing a link for that... The AWD/V6 version is available for the same price as the competitors FWD V6 versions and makes it a class exclusive.

Then also providing another link for "Fusion Challenge", it compares the Accord and Camry with the Fusion, and it's testimonials taken by participants who test drove all of them on a closed course.

Don't wish to overwhelm you, but the research is there, hope you have fun and enjoy it...

Hope this helps :-)

Answer 2

You know that any car is a potential "death trap".
Safest most efficient car? The one that is parked.
The next would be a volvo. Then a Mercedes.
True not economicals, but that is because you got some extra metal strength to protect you.
Economical cars are lighter, which means less protection per se. Against a dump truck, it doesn't really matter what you were driving.
So it is a mindset. If you drive a little car - you don't drive aggressively. - You don't have to be the first one there...yada yada-
Realize too that small eco cars are not as obvious on the road especially if they are greyish.(road,cement color)

Answer 3

relies upon on the way you define the previous. From my perspective an previous motor vehicle is a 1964 Mustang that have been given approximately 12MPG on the line. additionally, the main generic motor vehicle interior the international is Ford F150 pickup truck. The mileage for those has larger dramatically over the final 10 years, yet nevertheless not as solid as your corolla. autos from the Eighties and Nineties weren't as efficient. additionally, extra moderen autos do not emit the pollutants that older autos emit. Your 2007 corolla mileage is what you gain based on your making use of conduct. you will possibly be able to get purely as solid or extra effective mileage making use of a 2012 the comparable way. making use of conduct have a huge impact on mpg. The mileage on the window sticky label are consistent with EPA tests, which isn't inevitably real international. that is purely an estimate.

Answer 4

You sound like a candidate for a Honda Civic. It meets all of your requirements and has pretty good resale value too. I'm not sure what you mean by "not a death trap" though. Some people think anything smaller than an Escalade is a death trap. Other people (like me) think the safest cars are ones with good handling, good brakes and reasonably peppy performance.

Answer 5

To tell you the truth, I don't know off hand. I do know that Consumer Reports just came out with their best cars of 2007 guide. If you go to the site, you can view those cars as well as the cars from 2002 and 2004 and what they rated. For the other years, you'll have to be a paid member of the site or subscription. Hope this helps.

Answer 6

My 1990 Mitsubishi Galant LS is a pretty good little car. I get about 300-315 miles to a tank of gas, and she is reliable! Another good car is a Toyota Corolla.

Answer 7

toyota camry or honda civic if your looking for american brands the chrysler 300 ford focus or the chevy cavalier

Answer 8

better get a Japanese car. they are the most economical, and most reliable. last very long.