When it comes to buying a car, I’m all about practicality, and for me, that means an affordable, five-door compact car with a hatchback. I own and operate a small business that involves making a lot of trips to the post office with baskets full of packages. For that-and for hauling groceries-a hatchback is the only way to go as far as I’m concerned. And being a mom, I also need a five-door hatchback rather than a three-door so that my kids and their friends can have easy access to the back seat of the “mom taxi.” But no SUV for me, thank you very much. For parking, and for gas mileage, you just can’t beat a little car. So as I look around with my next car in mind, I’ve made a list and narrowed it to my top-five favorite affordable, four-door compact cars on the market.
2011 Honda Fit
This car was voted best hatchback for the money by U.S. News. With one of the largest cargo holds in the class, good fuel economy and creative interior storage, this car is not only spunky, it earned a 10 out of 10 on the U.S. News safety rating.
2011 Volkswagen Golf
Both three-door and five-door hatchbacks are available in the Volkswagen Golf; of course, as I said, as a mom, I prefer the five-door. The biggest drawback of the Golf is the cost, running on average $18,119 – $24,948. Despite the higher price tag, the Golf has powerful engines and a luxury feel that many feel make it worth the price.
The estimated gas mileage alone-29 in the city and 40 on the highway-make the Hyundai Elantra a great economy car. And when you see that the average cost is between $15,039 – and $20,031, you really see that this car is a great deal for the money. But maybe the best thing about the Touring is that it is a really slick looking car with a spacious interior.
The Kia Forte is also a great deal for the money, coming in between $15,460 – $19,290, and gas mileage of 25 in the city and 34 on the highway. This car has also gotten high marks in performance and safety, but If you really have your heart set in the Kia Forte five-door hatchback, you’ll have to wait until fall for the release date.
2011 Mazda2
Again, this is a great car for the money, coming in on average of $14,815 – $17,045, and with gas mileage of 29 in the city and 35 on the highway. This is really tiny car, so cargo space is limited. But if you are looking for a car to zip around picking up groceries (and hauling two or three kids), this fun economical car might be just what you need.
The truth is, I’d be thrilled to have any of these compact hatchbacks. Not only are they priced right, with good fuel economy and the practicality I need, they are all cute little cars that would be a blast to drive.
