According to the Comerica Bank Automotive Affordability Index, the average price for a light vehicle in the third quarter of 2007 was $29,024. That's quite a commitment. But what about people who want something more than average out of their driving experience?
Must you stare $40K in the face to get an engaging, stimulating vehicle? The $25K Question showcases 20 cars in ten categories that deliver fun, convenience and style with MSRP's starting under $25,000.
Coupe
Honda Civic Si MSRP $21,110
Honda's high-performance Civic flexes a sleek, visceral shape backed by an enthusiastic powerplant and grippy sport-tuned suspension. A 197-horsepower 2.0-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder engine and a smooth six-speed manual transmission guarantee smiles for miles.
Ford Mustang V6 Pony Package MSRP $21,470
Ford's Pony Car is a bulging, boisterous statement of American muscle with a distinctively retro flair. The Pony Package delivers unique 17-inch wheels, grille treatment, rear spoiler, striping and floor mats. A torque-laden 210-horsepower V6 provides plenty of thrust.
Convertible MSRP $22,785
One of GM's truly inspired production vehicles, the Pontiac Solstice combines brave styling and a 173-horsepower 2.4-liter variant of the Ecotec four-cylinder engine. Standard 18-inch rolling stock, a balanced chassis and big brakes translate into a pulse-quickening, open-air driving experience.
Mazda Miata Touring MSRP $24,265
The Miata has been turning heads, and hot laps, since 1990. Its continuously evolving driving dynamics, interior refinement and bang-for-the-buck impact surface when the top is down and the revs are up. The base Miata costs $21,220. The Touring model upgrades to a six-speed manual and delivers additional convenience features and options.
Sedan
Chevrolet Malibu 2LT MSRP $22,930
The eye-catching Malibu is a runaway hit for General Motors — their family sedan has racked up many "top choice" accolades including North American Car of the Year. The savvy move here is to add the optional $2,060 engine package, which moves the bottom line to $24,990 and delivers a 252-horsepower V6, 18-inch wheels, a six-speed automatic transmission and more.
Toyota Camry SE V6 SRP $23,790
The Camry has been the benchmark in this class for a long time and is currently facing its stiffest competition in years. The SE V6 model includes 's stout 3.5-liter 268-horsepower V6, a six-speed automatic transmission and 's trademark attention to detail.
Hatchback
Subaru Impreza WRX MSRP $24,850
The hatchback version of the venerable all-wheel-drive, turbocharged WRX is a new body style for 2008. The tossable 224-horsepower WRX comes with 17-inch rolling stock and Subaru's Vehicle Dynamics Control system that increases driver confidence.
MAZDASPEED3 MSRP $22,975
Mazda's turbocharged hatch drops 263 horsepower, a six-speed manual transmission, modern styling and an efficient interior into a front-wheel-drive chassis. MAZDASPEED is Mazda's factory race/tuning division and its influence can be felt when g-forces meet turbo boost.
Wagon
Chevrolet HHR SS MSRP $22,995
A throwback to panel delivery trucks of old, the HHR is well proportioned and really delivers the goods in SS guise. A turbocharged 2.0-liter Ecotec four cylinder generates 260 horsepower, and the SS model's lower stance, bigger wheels and enhanced body treatment add true grit on the street.
Dodge Magnum $24,095
The muscular Magnum is a "get 'em while they're hot" proposition because it's slated to cease production soon. In fact, Dodge is dealing, offering a $2,000 discount until the end of February. The SE is the base trim, powered by a 178-horsepower 2.7-liter V6.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT Ext. Cab, Standard Bed MSRP $23,840
The WT is the base-trim Silverado 1500, void of many comfort and convenience amenities and powered by the entry-level 195-horsepower V6. The sly move is to opt for a $945 engine upgrade that swaps in GM's 295-horsepower 4.8-liter V8. Check for rebates.
Ford F-150 XLT MSRP $23,530
F-150 fans are faced with compromises. Going with an up-level trim XLT relegates you to a regular cab, two-wheel drive and V6 power. Dropping a trim level to the STX opens the door to a 4.6-liter V8, a four-speed automatic and some optional equipment but retains the regular cab. Signing up for the base XL model opens the door to a SuperCab and a 5.4-liter V8 for $24,510.
SUV
Nissan Rogue SL MSRP $20,790
The base Rogue S starts at $19,250 but the SL is the call here, delivering 17-inch wheels, paddle shifters, fog lights, a Bose audio system, leather-appointed seats and more for a mere $1,540. Nissan's latest crossover SUV, the Rogue is powered by a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter Four.
Honda CR-V 4WD EX MSRP $24,150
The popular CR-V was all-new for 2007 with a fresh look and a nice list of standard features, including a power sunroof, a 160-watt stereo and real time four-wheel drive. Current highlights include a functional high-tech interior, 166 horsepower, a 2.4-liter i-VTEC engine and traction control.
Luxury
Hyundai Azera GLS MSRP $24,235
The Azera is a landmark car for Hyundai. It's an affordable luxury car on par with offerings from and . The base GLS comes with a full list of standard features and is backed by a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Chrysler 300 LX MSRP $24,595
The 300's hip shape creates an aura of style. The LX gets you in the door with a 178-horsepower 2.7-liter V6 and a modest list of luxury features.
Hybrid
Honda Civic Hybrid MSRP $22,600
The affordable Civic Hybrid features a 110-horsepower 1.3-liter gasoline engine, Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system and a continuously variable transmission that coaxes 40-mpg city, 45-mpg highway from the nimble four-door.
Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid MSRP $24,795
The Vue Green Line delivers room for five, plenty of storage possibilities and a 172-horsepower Ecotec Four/hybrid powertrain combo that gets 25 mpg in the city, 32 mpg on the highway. This will make the Vue Green Line the most fuel-efficient SUV on the market when it hits showrooms this spring.
Used Exotics
Chevrolet Corvette Z06
Shop diligently and look for a 2002-up Z06 that applies 405 horsepower to the tarmac, compared to the 385 of the 2001 model. As The General's supreme commander, the Z06 is a no-compromise performance machine. Fast, agile and visually stunning, we spotted examples with 35,000 to 40,000 miles on the clock within our price range.
Porsche 911
The 911 embodies an unwavering passion for performance in one of the most enduring silhouettes to ever grace the road. We found mostly 1999 Carreras in this price range. You get a 3.4-liter flat-six engine rated at 296 horsepower, a six-speed manual and Porsche's highly refined suspension.
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