Cars that Offer Consumers the Biggest Bang for their Buck

IRVINE, CA--October 31, 2013: The experts at Autobytel Inc. , the company dedicated to connecting automotive consumers with dealers, today announced their top new car picks that offer consumers the biggest bang for their buck—the vehicles that maximize just how much car buyers get for their money.

“Over the last ten years, automakers have really turned up the volume, producing a robust lineup of high quality cars on the road today”

The company’s editors selected their top picks based on value as it relates to vehicle features, safety, fuel economy, styling and overall consumer appeal, among other criteria.

“Over the last ten years, automakers have really turned up the volume, producing a robust lineup of high quality cars on the road today,” said Michelle Naranjo, editor-in-chief of Autobytel Inc. “Our top picks aren’t necessarily the most affordable on the market, but if you’re looking for well-rounded features, excellent safety ratings, attractive styling and great reviews for the money, these cars should definitely be on your consideration list.”

Following are five of Autobytel's Top 10 Best Cars for the Money picks*.

Check out the complete list of Autobytel’s 10 Best Cars for the Money.

2013 Honda Fit: $16,125

The Honda Fit brings functionality to the fore, and in a big way. The rear seats can fold flat to feature a cavernous 57 cubic feet of cargo space, or split fold for versatile hauling of passengers and cargo. It offers sleek exterior color options, iPod integration capabilities, a long list of safety features and MPG estimates in the 27 City / 33 Highway range.

“It isn’t surprising Honda would have a car on this list, but the Fit is a standout,” said Naranjo. “If you’re looking for an enjoyable ride in a car that acts like it loves to be driven—and at an affordable price for the features it offers—the Fit fits the bill.”

2013 Ford Focus: $16,995

The 2013 Ford Focus is available in three different flavors. Extreme performance intenders will appreciate the 252-horsepower Ford Focus ST with its bigger brakes, meaty tires, optional Recaro seats and six-speed manual transmission. Ecologically-minded drivers will revel in the zero emissions battery powered Ford Focus Electric. Then there’s the standard Focus, whose 160-horsepower four-cylinder engine is good for 26 miles per gallon in the city and 36 on the highway.

“A perennial player on practically every list of best new cars, Ford’s Focus is a deft blend of performance, value and versatility,” Naranjo said. “Whether you choose the hatchback or the sedan, you’ll get a handsome, well-appointed car—one giving the appearance you paid considerably more for it than you actually did.”

2013 Audi A6: $43,995

The 2013 Audi A6 is offered with a choice of two engines; a 310-horsepower, 325-ft/lb 3.0-liter supercharged V6, or a 220-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, capable of generating 258- ft-lbs of torque. Audis are strong on tech too. In this case, a dedicated Internet connection enables the A6 to perform magical feats like incorporating Google Maps into its navigation system displaying actual buildings on your route. And if you need a Web hotspot, you’ll be driving one when you’re driving the A6.

“Sleek, seductive and powerful are words that come to mind when describing the A6,” said Naranjo. “In addition to being built for Autobahn speed, it looks downright sexy. The A6 is one of the most desirable midsize sedans on the market today—a big-bang-for-your-buck car.”

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray: $51,995

America’s only true mass-produced super sports car, the Chevrolet Corvette is an icon of performance and style with nearly every succeeding model growing faster and more powerful. The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is no exception. The latest model comes to market packing a newly refined interior and MPG estimates at City 17 / Highway 29, with a base 6.2-liter V8 blasting some 455 horsepower and 460 ft-lbs of torque.

“The Corvette is quintessentially American and competitive with any other car in its category, offered up from anywhere else in the world,” Naranjo said. “Where previous versions had all the power you’d ever want, the latest model brings looks, handling and power that are better than ever, all in one sensual package. At this price point, other sports cars pale in comparison.”

2013 Tesla Model S: $70,080

Arguably the most talked about car of the year, Tesla has set the automotive world on its ear. The Model S is the first fully electric luxury sedan with a rear mounted 310 kW electric motor that generates 416 horsepower at 5,000 RPM and 443 ft-lbs of torque the minute you step on the throttle. Tesla offers an innovative touch screen control system for every secondary aspect of the Model S. The huge touchscreen iPad-like video monitor dominating the interior’s center stack allows the driver to interact with all of the car’s comfort and convenience features with either a tap, or a swipe, of a finger.

“The Tesla S completely shatters every preconception of what an electric car could and could not be,” said Naranjo. “Those who thought they’d have to compromise luxury for efficiency will be happily disappointed. This is a powerful, prestigious car delivering far more performance potential than most drivers will ever exploit on the road.”

For the complete Autobytel Top 10 Best Cars for the Money list, or to learn more about the cars featured here, visit Best Cars for the Money.

Visit Autobytel.com to access the company’s leading automotive information; watch exclusive new car videos, test drives and car reviews at Autobytel's YouTube page; or join the conversation on the Autobytel Facebook Fan Page.

*Prices listed are starting MSRPs.