Road-Tested Economy Cars

Commuting can be a paycheck killer. 

You can keep your budget in check by buying cheap insurance, a fuel-efficient ride or budget wheels. Paying less up front is probably the surest way to tramp down expenses. Think cheap, cheap instead of beep, beep.

But that doesn’t mean you have to settle for less. Here are five economy cars with plenty of style and substance Long Islanders can buy now:

Ford Fiesta
Everyone’s pick for affordable fun its base price of $14,200 and 39 miles per gallon (highway) give it two powerful incentives. It comes in hatchback or sedan options. A 120-horsepower engine gets you there. This car is available at Syosset Ford Lincoln of Huntington.

Toyota Prius
At 48 mpg this hybrid can run on gas or battery power. So it’s not just efficient, it’s environmentally friendly. A pre-collision system, lane departure alert and radar cruise control are a few tech safety features. It’s base price starts at $24,200. This car is available at Toyota of Huntington.

Dodge Dart
Perhaps the most striking car on this list, the Dart has a spacious interior for a compact. It’s $15,995 starting price, 160-horsepower engine and 41-mpg efficiency are all winners. This car is available at Huntington Jeep Chrysler Dodge.

Kia Soul
This crossover has a lot of looks and leg room for its $14,400 base price (30 mpg). It gets high marks for safety. Or look to the smaller Rio, which is $800 less. These cars are available at Smithtown Kia.

Chevrolet Cruze
Stylish and fuel-efficient (42 mpg) this compact model starts at $17,130. It features 10 airbags and a five-star safety rating. This car is available at Chevrolet of Huntington.

Connect: Facebook | Twitter | Newsletters | Blogging | Posting Photos | Announcements | Events