Slideshow
Fuel Efficient Cars: 30 MPG for $300 a Month
Jul 31, 2013
Fuel economy. Is there a bigger buzz phrase in the auto industry right now? Whether the motivation is leaving a lighter carbon footprint or seeking relief from $4-a-gallon, everyone wants more fuel-efficient cars these days. If saving money is your goal, you're probably also interested in finding a gas-sipping ride that also comes with a relatively low monthly payment. To that end, we've rounded up eight cars that boast high gas mileage and a manageable monthly payment: We're calling this one "30 mpg for under $300 a month."
- See More Galleries at AOL Autos
- Hybrid SUV Roundup
- Ten Hot Small Cars
- Best Cars for First Time Buyers
We arrived at the 30 mpg figure by combining the city mileage and highway mileage. One caveat, however: while four of the models included here do in fact boast a combined gas-mileage figure of 30 mpg, the other four came so close -- with combined figures of 29.5 -- that we decided to include them.
- See More Galleries at AOL Autos
- Hybrid SUV Roundup
- Ten Hot Small Cars
- Best Cars for First Time Buyers
Toyota Yaris
MSRP: $11,550 - $13,925
MPG Range: 36 mpg Hwy, 29 mpg City
Combined MPG: 32.5 mpg
MPG Range: 36 mpg Hwy, 29 mpg City
Combined MPG: 32.5 mpg
Approx. Monthly Payment: $216.40
The Yaris has Toyota quality, but with a lower sticker price than the Corolla. However, it's not a homely econo-box, it boasts modern design flourishes and is surprisingly roomy inside. It comes as a three-door hatchback or a four-door sedan, and both are powered by a 106 horsepower 1.5 liter four-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission.- Research the 2008 Toyota Yaris
- Toyota Yaris Overview
- Toyota Yaris Pictures
- Free Toyota Yaris Price Quote
Honda Fit
MSRP: $13,950 - $15,270
MPG: 34 mpg Hwy, 28 mpg City
Combined MPG: 31
MPG: 34 mpg Hwy, 28 mpg City
Combined MPG: 31
Approx. Monthly Payment: $252.11
The Fit boasts nimble handling and brisk performance. It's a four-door hatchback, and the second-row "Magic Seat" can either fold flat with the cargo floor, or flip up to allow you to haul taller items. It comes in either the base or the Sport, and is powered by a 109-hp 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Transmission choices include a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic.- Research the 2008 Honda Fit
- Honda Fit Overview
- Honda Fit Pictures
- Free Honda Fit Price Quote
Hyundai Accent
MSRP: $10,775 - $14,795
MPG Range: 32 mpg Hwy, 27 mpg City
Combined MPG: 29.5
MPG Range: 32 mpg Hwy, 27 mpg City
Combined MPG: 29.5
Approx. Monthly Payment: $202.50
The Accent maybe an entry-level vehicle, but its not a spartan box. Available as both a family sedan or hatchback, the Accent lends some style to the segment, offering up such cutting-edge features as a strut-tower brace and faux carbon-fiber trim. It's powered by a 1.6-liter double overhead-cam engine that delivers 110 hp. A five-speed manual transmission is standard.- Research the 2008 Hyundai Accent
- Hyundai Accent Overview
- Hyundai Accent Pictures
- Free Hyundai Accent Price Quote
Kia Rio5
MSRP: $12,915 - $13,870
MPG Range: 32 mpg Hwy, 27 mpg City
Combined MPG: 29.5 mpg
MPG Range: 32 mpg Hwy, 27 mpg City
Combined MPG: 29.5 mpg
Approx. Monthly Payment: $240.43
The Rio5 is the hatchback version of the Rio sedan, and offers the same styling flair and nimble virtues, but can seats five passengers. Like the sedan, it gets its power from a 110-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with continuously variable valve timing. The top-line SX trim level comes with equipped with fog lamps, a rear spoiler and 15-inch alloy wheels- Research the 2008 Kia Rio5
- Kia Rio5 Overview
- Kia Rio5 Pictures
- Free Kia Rio5 Price Quote