What are the most fuel-efficient, safe and economical used cars?
Bankrate.com offers a list of five of “the most economical high-mpg used cars” — defined as “mostly conventional sedans that rely on the tried-and-true way to improve gas mileage: a small engine in a relatively lightweight chassis.” In addition to price range, each car’s government safety rating is listed. See the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Car Assessment Program’s five-star safety ratings at tulsaworld.com/ SafeCar . 2003 Mazda Protégé: Sells for $6,400 to $7,400, gets 25 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 130 horsepower, room for five adults, optional side air bags, optional anti-lock brakes, and NCAP ratings of five stars driver and four stars passengers. 2003 Pontiac Vibe: Sells for $6,800 to $9,000, 29 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with 130 horsepower, room for five, side air bags and anti-lock brakes optional and an NCAP rating of four stars driver and passenger. 2004 Scion xB: Sells for $8,900
