Help: Safest, least expensive, good gas mileage, low maintenance?

Question

I'm a working mom. I have to do lots of highway driving, occasionally one teenager in with me, and bad road conditions (wintery). I don't want to get a big car, although I felt very safe in a minivan - I can't justify all the room anymore, and the gas expense. We are on a tight budget. Safety, with few trips to the mechanic, and good gas mileage - Help! And thank you for thinking this over for us.

Answer 1

Check out the new Pontiac Vibe.  The most fuel efficient version gets 32 MPG highway (on the new 2008 standard - more like 35-36 in pre 2007 EPA estimates).  An all wheel drive with Stabilitrack is also availabel for a decent price, but front wheel drive is adequate for most on-road conditions.  

Tons of room for your stuff and you and your teen will ride comfortably and in style!!

Answer 2

I have recently purchased a 2001 VW Jetta TDI. It's a diesel. According to me, I get 44.5 highway and 35 in town. Everything is pretty easy to service (I do my own small jobs, e.g. oil/filter change, air filter change, brakes; you really save $ that way.) Gets more smiles per gallon, and have a reputation for going over 300,000 miles...if they are maintained!! In the 2010 model year, GM, Subaru, Honda, and will offer diesel models. A diesel is the wave of the future.

Answer 3

1992-1995 Honda Civic VX Hatchback.

They only have 2 doors but they can fit 4 people (or was it 5?). They get 48 city and 55 highway MPG according to the EPA. Reliability and safety are both what you'd expect from Honda.

Answer 4

I think you'll get excellent results with a Subaru if you're buying new. (In Vermont it looks like a used Subaru lot)

Used Subaru's are pretty well worn out.  Try looking for a used Hyundai Santa Fe.  It's not the most economical, but they're durable and safe.  They're about average in the mpg though.