If you are in the market for a commuter or family car, chances are you’ll be swamped with too many options, available in different engine configurations and technologies. Car manufacturers have become aggressive in recent years when it comes to marketing their new makes and models in the hope of capturing the emerging markets including families and young professionals. While high-end and flashy makes and models constantly appear in advertising materials and get substantial media mileage, these cars aren’t the best cars to own right now. Car buyers are now looking at different motivations and reasons when shopping for new cars and it’s often a mix of value, safety and aesthetics. This is the main reason why some of the best cars to own are from the hybrid class- a listing of car makes and models that are known for their comfort, style and of course fuel efficiency.
Fuel efficiency may not be at the top of everyone’s minds when it comes to car shopping thanks to a ‘manageable price’ per gallon of gasoline, but it doesn’t mean that hybrid vehicles are out of the buyers’ radar. Sure, sales for Toyota Prius and Chevy Volt are down in the last quarter of 2014, but for the smart and savvy car buyer, these types of vehicles should not be written off the list. And you won’t believe what the experts recommend when it comes to the best cars to own right now. The list of the best cars town right now still include hybrid cars, thanks to the cars’ smart fusion of fuel efficiency, comfort and style. Fuel efficiency has been a long-time industry benchmark and part of the checklist of any serious car buyer in town. Fuel-efficient cars don’t dry up the gas tank too fast, thus helping extend your transportation budget. And since gas prices will not remain too low for a long time, fuel efficiency has become a deciding factor for many when buying a new car. So still trying to figure out your next investment? If yes, take a good look at the list and be surprised at the best cars to own right now!
1. 2015 Ford Focus, electric
When it comes to fuel efficiency and hybrid vehicles, the list will always feature a Ford Focus electric car. With a combined EPA rating of 105 miles per gallon for city and highway driving, this Ford entry is definitely one of the best cars to own right now. Engine performance is average, with 84 mph as top speed, and the Focus can get to 60 mph in just 10.1 seconds. But just like other hybrids in the market, top speed isn’t considered the selling point- it’s how long it can travel in just a gallon of gasoline. According to EPA, a full charged Ford Focus can run for 76 miles on average. This means that this hybrid boasts 110 mph in city driving and 99 mph in highway driving for a combined score of 105 mph. The car also comes with the Smart Gauge, a tool that can be used to maximize the car’s fuel efficiency. Aside from fuel efficiency, the Ford Focus is also a great car to own right now thanks to incentives and rebates offered by the manufacturer. The website lists at least $10,000 worth of rebates and incentives, helping the lower the costs of acquiring the Ford Focus.
2. Honda Accord
2013 Honda Accord Sport Sedan.
For the last years, Honda cars defined the small and mid-size categories thanks to its Civic and Accord. This year, the Civic and the Accord are still two of the best cars to own. Honda Civic, a well-rounded vehicle is known for its reliability and high-resale value. The Accord on the other hand has consistently captured the taste of the car-buying market, thanks the smart driving experience that it offers to drivers. As a best-selling sedan in the last three decades, the Accord has consistently provided individuals and families with a full suite of features that promote convenience, comfort and luxury.
3. 2015 Toyota Prius c
Hybrids are known for their fuel efficiency and smooth driving experience, but not all are designed and created the same. There are some hybrids that managed to lead the rest just like the 2015 Toyota Prius C, a member of the Prius family. What separates this hybrid from the rest is a low sticker price while retaining its fuel efficiency. At a starting price of $20,000 this 5-door junior member of Prius submits 53 mph for city driving and 46 mph for highway driving, thus making this junior Prius one of the great cars to own right now. Although the Toyota Prius C has a ‘minimal’ sticker price compared to its in-class competitors, this junior hatchback offers upscale features including an infotainment system, cruise control, push-button start and LED headlamps. This Prius entrant easily competes with Ford Fiesta and Mazda 2, thanks to high mileage, spacious interior for five passengers and affordability.
4. 2015 Chevrolet Volt
Chevrolet Volt
With gas as an optional fuel source, the Chevy Volt has positioned itself as a flexible and efficient vehicle for city driving and short commute. There are a number of reasons why the Chevrolet Volt is one of the best cars to own right now. For starters, it’s all about fuel efficiency that has served as the defining element for many plug-ins and hybrids in the market right now. Per EPA estimate, the Chevrolet Volt can run up to 38 miles on full charge, and car drivers who manage to charge the vehicle on a regular basis can get 900 miles on average in between filling up. Extra miles can be generated when the gas generator is used, extending the run of the Volt to more than 300 miles backed by full tank and charge. Charging the Chevy Volt is cheap according to its makers. At an estimated $1.70 per day, you can charge the vehicle and treat your family to an estimated 38 miles without using gas. Now, that’s one attractive reason why many car shoppers are taking a second look at the Volt this year! The interior design and space is another reason that makes the Volt one of the best investments to make this year. Inside the Volt are two interactive LCD monitors- one for driving mode selection and the other act as Driver Information Center.
5. Toyota Sienna
Today’s set of car shoppers and consumers are discerning with an eye on value and comfort thus a minivan is one of the best cars to own right now. And when it comes to minivans for families and highly mobile professionals, a popular option comes in Toyota Sienna. Redesigned for 2015, the Sienna now offers interior and exterior improvements for a highly mobile and growing family. The ample cargo interior space of the minivan makes Sienna the perfect weekend and camping vehicle and can haul outdoor gear, strollers and other picnic essentials. The 2015 Toyota Sienna is also packed with essentials including a Driver Easy Speak function and four (4) child safety seat latch points. And since the Toyota Sienna is a minivan that’s available in an all-wheel drive configuration, the family can depend on this transportation in almost any kinds of roads, in varying climate. When it comes to safety, the Sienna takes its job seriously by adding traction and stability control, anti-lock brakes, driver-side knee bag and a few more upgrades making this model one of the safest in its group. In fact, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rated the minivan five stars for side crash protection, and four stars for front-end crash protection.
Don’t let the savvy commercials and flashy rides convince you in investing in the wrong car this year. Thousands of car owners can’t be wrong- consider this partial listing of some of the best cars to own this year and enjoy the experience thousands of car owners have been raving about!