Most fuel efficient small 4-door car?

Question

Ok, I'm probably not going to be able get a new car anytime soon, but I still want to know about the best car that has:

1. Really great gas mileage
2. 4-doors (basically it just can't be a 2-door car)
3. and is fairly small ('cause i don't like big cars!)

just in case =)

oh, I also forgot to mention that I'm also looking for a car that is very safe.

No Mas Tomas: i REALLY like the price on the Yaris S. Is that the price for a brand new model, or is it too good to be true (used)?

FYI the reason i want a small car is because they are easier for me to drive.

Answer 1

The Toyota Prius has just about anything beat in terms of mileage. It's a 4-door car and a used one, mine is a 2002, is probably a bit smaller than the new ones. The older ones are considered compact cars while the new ones are considered mid-sized. Most people hang onto them. They're very popular right now, but if you're near a big city you should be able to find a used one.
Also the Honda Civic is a great compact with very good mileage.
If you're serious about buying a used car, I suggest looking at the latest Consumer Reports magazine on the best used cars. And before you buy anything, have a qualified mechanic check it out for you. A hundred bucks spent early can save you thousands later on.

Answer 2

You know what, Unless you want to spend 35,000 dollars and live the rest of your life in debt, don't get the Prius. It is good, but it's still a hybrid. I agree with someone up above. The Toyota Yaris S is 4 door car. Still stylish. and definitely does great with gas milage. 38-40 mpg. no need to spend extra thousands of dollars for something that does the same for about 20,000 dollars less. The Yaris S runs about 15K - 18K after taxes and anything special added. Or check out the used car section. Plus its cuter looking than the Prius.

Answer 3

Neons have been full of problems from the start. Toyotas are very dependable. Hondas are very efficient. Ford is said to be very much improved from the "Fix Or Repair Daily" days, but not without a lot of help from it's kid brother, Mazda. All the Chevys are p.o.s. deathtraps and Crysler products should have spent more time on the drawing board. I cannot tell you what you would like best. i Chose a new Corolla, which is a bit sensative in its steering, but very efficient and comfortable. All in the news you hear about throttle problems and recalls- wait til the dust settles. It it worries you, Honda isn't a bad choice. Now work it out with your mom.

Answer 4

I had a Toyota Prius, loved it, great mileage, quiet and very fuel efficent. 4 doors and at $23,000 brand new, it was quite economical.... it got about 50 miles per gal. sometime a little less if I idled a lot.
I have a Lexus hybrid now, and I like it too, but it doesn't get the mileage, and costs much more initially.
Good luck!

Answer 5

Here's a list of the most and least fuel efficient cars. The Toyota Prius tops the list and it's the Japanese models that dominate the list of best performers - http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bestworst.shtml

On the same site is this useful page, it tells you the fuel economoy of all the different cars but also gives figures for greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution and tells you which models have tax incentive schemes (usually the hybrids) http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm

Answer 6

drove the yaris, the Honda fit, and the Nissan versa. spouse rode with me and then drove the fit and versa. yaris just seemed cheap. spouse would not even take it for test drive around block. not comfortable, and almost everything is extra. go with fit or versa, or maybe that cute Mazda 3, but the mileage is not so great on it.
or you could just get a used civic, sentra, or corolla (see, i do like Toyota, just not their yaris. I even have a Toyota pickup)

Answer 7

Keep in mind that a Prius is rated at 60mpg but they actually only get 42mpg.

And if you get in a car wreck, plan on dieing if you drive a hybrid. A Prius has 276 volts of electricity, and 60 volts is enough to kill any human.

Answer 8

I like my Honda Civic. It is a 2000 model and gets 30MPG but they make hybrid Civics now that get 50MPG.

The Toyota Toyota Prius gets 60MPG city and 50 highway, although I haven't test driven one.

Answer 9

A good hybrid model, or a NEW diesel model. To find them check out the Volkswagen, Toyota, and/or Honda sites. (or to just go to a site like Carmax).

Answer 10

It does not make any difference what size it is. If we all got a small car to save the environment the government would increase the fuel again. you all have short memories don`t you remember the government saying get diesel i will make it a lot cheaper. wow now it`s the dearest. What is the next con.