Fuel efficient vehicles that are reasonably safe?

[_RaT_]

What vehicles are out there that would be pretty economical, say about 30 mpg and still have a margin of safety in them in the event of a collision? We are in need of replacing our car.

 

[DmansPadge]

I just saw a report that was done recently on Dateline. They were testing small cars in a T-bone wreck situation. They tested 16 models and all failed except two. The Chevrolet Cobalt and the Toyota Corolla got "acceptable" ratings. I'm sure you could find all the info pretty easily if your interested. Dateline might have it on there site or just doing a search should turn something up.

 

[db2]

Look at Subaru. Good safety ratings

I have driven the big three forever (still have a GMC 1/2 ton)but bought a 2002 Legacy GT in 2002 and have been very happy with the comfort, economy and AWD.

Never thought I'd own a foreign car. Engineered in Japan and assembled in the US. I'm very happy with this car.

 

[buckle97]

RaT, I drive 160 miles round trip per day to work so I have to have an economical car. I was thinking of buying small and new, but I found a '02 Ford Taurus with 37,000 miles on it for $7,500 so I snatched it up. I'm not sure what the fuel rating is for this car, but my "real world" use is an average of 28 MPG. Seems pretty good for a family size car with a 3.0 V6 automatic. I have put 30,000 miles on it since July with no problems. I hope it lasts a lot longer.

Lawrence

 

[dicker]

Hi

I drive a V40 Volvo. 40 miles to the gallon and quite safe.


Richard

 

[PBinWA]

Check out the VW TDI Diesels (Passat, Golf). They are pretty fuel efficient and I think VW makes some safe cars.

 

[rdln]

I saw that show also. The tests conducted by the IHSI are the worst case scenario (the way anything should be tested) but the worst case scenario window in which all the factors they used have a snowball's chance in hedoublehockeysticks of happening in real life.

The Insurance companies money would be better spent by preventing frivolous lawsuits.

 

[GaryM]

Toyota Prius!

Room for five and excellant gas milage. Had mine for just over one year and have 35K on it already.

 

[MadReferee]

1991 Saab 900 classic convertible. 30+ mpg on highway, 28 mpg driving around. Built like a tank, rides like a fine sports car.

 

[cmhyland]

RaT,
We have a Volvo S60 2.4 Turbo, a BMW Z3, and a Subaru Legacy wagon....

Speaking to value and milage... The Subaru is the winner...

About 26mpg all around with an automatic... AWD is great.

Regards,
Chris