Driving Smart's Top 10 Best Value Cars of 2010

Written by Sheryll Alexander
Date : 10/06/2009

No. 1: 2010 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2010 MAZDA3 takes the top spot for overall best value car because with its low price (base MSRP $15,295), you get loads of luxury, refinement and performance. And, the Mazda3 comes in both a four-door sedan and five-door hatchback models for even greater versatility.

First off, the exterior design of the 2010 MAZDA3 has changed for the better. The new black-faced grille looks almost like a happy face, yet it is menacing at the same time. The pointy nose, sexy side lines, sleek windows and rounded back side with spoiler make the 2010 MAZDA3 look like a super sophisticated Euro-Asian sport sedan.

As for performance, the 2010 Mazda3 definitely lives up to its zoom-zoom moniker with peppy acceleration, firm handling, a retuned suspension and spot-on-braking. Fuel economy has even improved with the base 2.0-liter, 167 hp, four-cylinder, five-speed automatic model achieving 33 mpg hwy and 25 mpg city. In the 3s model trims, the powertrain gets more performance from a 2.5-liter engine.

Inside, there’s a more modern feel in its design although the controls still need much more minimalism. Overall, the design is excellent and the materials are top notch for an entry-level sedan in typical Mazda style. The seats, even in the lower trims, are comfortable with ample leg and head room. Unfortunately, the optional navigation system comes with a much smaller screen than competing rivals such as the Honda Civic.

The 2010 MAZDA3 comes with a host of standard safety equipment such as anti-lock brakes, brake assist, front side air bags, side curtain air bags and active front head restraints. Stability and traction control come standard on the 3i Touring and 3s models (but not the 3i SV and 3i Sport).

When it comes to value, new car buyers want the best car they can get for the price. Fortunately, 2010 models are offering way more than just good resale value.

The redesigned 2010 Mazda MAZDA3 hits all the right notes with its low price tag, sophisticated modern design inside and out, exhilarating zoom-zoom performance and handling and a rather luxurious interior. Plus, the 2010 MAZDA3 has top notch fuel economy at 33 mpg hwy and 25 mpg city. Base MSRP: $15,295
The third generation 2010 Toyota Prius takes the No. 2 spot as best value car because this mid-sized hybrid gas-electric sedan is the most fuel efficient car on the road today (51 mpg city, 48 mpg hwy), has a high resale value, top quality, zippy performance, excellent safety rankings and advanced technology. Base MSRP: $21,000
The 2010 Kia Soul brings a quirky personality to this very versatile five-seater hatchback. For those who are into truly modern design at a low price, the 2010 Kia Soul is a wonder with its brash styling, fun-to-drive performance and highly customizable interior and exterior. Base MSRP: $13,300
The 2010 Suzuki Kizashi is Suzuki’s new low priced, high performance mid-sized sedan. Imagine this: For around $22,000, you can a world-class sports sedan with such performance-minded standard features as multi-link rear suspension, performance shocks, ABS Akebono brakes, advanced stability control, optional all-wheel drive, rain sensing wipers, a premium Rockford Fosgate audio system, USB ports for iPod interfacing, wireless Bluetooth integration and keyless start. Base MSRP: $20,000
The 2010 Honda Fit is one of those subcompact gems. First off, this five-seat hatchback is a Honda with quality craftsmanship, a zippy drive and top safety ratings. And, this low-priced wonder gets 35 mpg hwy and 28 mpg city. Base MSRP: $14,900
The 2010 Chevrolet Traverse is an exceptional crossover utility vehicle (CUV) for large families. With a seating capacity for seven, the 2010 Chevy Traverse also has loads of standard luxury features, lots of leg and cargo room, top safety marks, excellent design inside and out, overall great driving dynamics, advanced technology and pretty good fuel efficiency (24 mpg hwy, 17 mpg city). Base MSRP: $29,224
The 2010 Honda Insight is one of the top contenders against the best selling Toyota Prius, but the sexy exterior and interior design, loads of standard features, excellent fuel efficiency (40 mpg city, 43 mpg hwy) and fun-to-drive performance of this gas-electric hybrid sedan make it an excellent overall buy. Base MSRP: $19,800
The 2010 Nissan Versa is still the lowest-priced new car on the market today. For 2010, the exterior has been delightfully refreshed and there’s added safety features. For less than $10,000, you can own a new car with Nissan’s top quality, great fuel economy (34 mpg hwy, 28 mpg city) and rather zippy performance. Base MSRP: $9,900
The 2010 Ford Fusion has what American drivers need: form and function at a low price, excellent fuel economy (41 mpg city, 36 mpg hwy), a roomy and comfortable interior with quality materials and seriously fun performance. Plus, the Fusion comes with Ford’s way cool SYNC connectivity system. MSRP: $19,620
The 2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI is hot in Europe and for good reason since diesel fuel now has gained ultra clean emissions and lost that noisy ping-ping sound. The 2010 VW Golf TDI offers seriously great fuel economy (estimated 41 combined mpg), performance, quality and design. Base MSRP: $17,490

Sheryll Alexander is a lifestyles writer based in Costa Mesa, Calif. Follow me! @sheryllalexande

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