Heart & Soul

There once was a time when the car buying experience was fueled by potpourri of emotions: a sense of loyalty, a quest for status, even lust. But in these tough economic times, consumers are becoming more value conscious than ever, and what may look good on the outside is no longer good enough. Buyers are searching for the total package, and with the auto industry struggling for survival and creating an incentive-rich marketplace, now is the perfect time to find the best value for your buck. We polled car owners, researched consumer reports and drove some of the best cars in the business to come up with the top 15 value conscious cars. Here are our choices for the best overall value:

1 Ford Fusion Hybrid
Let’s begin with four magical words: 41 Miles Per Gallon. This American-made value all star comes with a stylish exterior, class-exceeding interior design and 47 mph on electric power alone. Another bonus: The base model includes free six-month Sirius satellite radio service, six-CD stereo, dual-zone climate control, auto on-off headlights, backup alarm and power accessories, all at MSRP $27,270. Best of all the Fusion Hybrid can run on E85 ethanol in addition to regular gasoline.

2 Chevy Malibu
The Chevy Malibu is a reminder of the best of the General Motors empire. Despite the company’s uncertain future, and the examination of what went wrong, the Malibu highlights what went right. Standard with full power features, air-conditioning, satellite radio, side-curtain airbags, traction control and OnStar navigation with Bluetooth capabilities, it’s no small wonder why this is one of the most popular cars on our consumer poll. Another incentive is GM’s Total Confidence Plan, where under certain circumstances GM will make up to nine payments for a Malibu owner who loses her income. You can expect 22/30 mpg and a MSRP starting around $22,325 ($26,275 for the hybrid).

3 Mini Cooper
One of the most popular kids in the class, the Mini Cooper makes up in personality what it lacks in size. (They are the smallest cars in the United States.) Whether hardtop, Clubman, Convertible, S models or John Cooper Works, these fuel-efficient (26 to 32 mpg), addictively fun to drive, uber-stylish vehicles prove small cars can be cool. Minis offer excellent maneuverability with the agility of a high-end sports car, sans the hefty price tag. (I was sleep deprived the week of my press loan because every waking moment, I wanted to drive this car!) Brake control is stellar, as well as the responsive suspension featuring MacPherson-style spring struts on the front axle, a central-arm rear axle and anti-roll bars to boost performance. The brand’s DSC stability-control system is now standard on all Minis. MSRP ranges from $19,200 to $31,450.

4 Ford Focus
Whether you choose the coupe or sedan, the Ford Focus, at MSRP $15,520, is an affordable option for young professionals and the family friendly. This nerdy cutie is quite conservative, but still daydream worthy with clean lines and straight to the point design. The Focus serves up a solid performance, impressive cargo room and innovative technology with Ford’s Sync system, which lets occupants operate devices such as a cell phone, PDA and MP3 player via voice commands. The fuel economy is excellent with 24/35 mpg. However, this vehicle really shines in areas of safety, with the Focus earning the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s five stars out of five for driver protection in a side impact crash and four stars for rear passenger protection in side crashes.

5 Kia Soul
The Kia Soul is a solid contender in the crossover market with a gender friendly, stylish package. The unexpectedly hip exterior, accented by a colorful interior and plethora of standard options, makes this compact a buzzworthy addition to the value bunch. Diminutive in size, the Soul offers surprising leg room and storage options and one of the best warranties in the biz. The five-year, 60,000-mile basic warranty and roadside assistance earns this vehicle bragging rights. Another plus: The 2010 Soul comes standard with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, steering-wheel audio controls, full power accessories, four-speaker stereo with CD player, satellite radio, USB port and Bluetooth. MSRP ranges from $13,300 to $17,900.

6 Nissan Versa
The Nissan Versa SL won’t get you many double takes when driving city streets, but for a base price around $10,000, can you really complain? If your goal is to find a good commuter car, look no further than this fuel-efficient (25 to 45 mpg) vehicle. The Versa comes with a great reputation of solid performance and superior safety with six airbags standard, even in base models. Despite an outwardly diminutive exterior, this coupe is surprisingly spacious and comfortable. It can seat five adults without feeling cramped with plenty of rear legroom to spare. Don’t look for frills; you won’t find many. But you can upgrade a trim level for Bluetooth, keyless ignition/entry, sunroof, satellite radio, iPod integration and upgraded speakers with an MSRP price around $15,000.

7 Suzuki SX4 hatchback
A great commuter vehicle and deceptively spacious, the SX4 seats up to five passengers while boasting cavernous trunk space and many discreet storage compartments throughout the cabin. Touring models come equipped with an Electronic Stability Program that can detect unintended oversteer or understeer and can apply individual brakes and reduce engine torque to help the driver maintain the proper cornering line. The vehicle averages about 21/28 mpg, but when weighed against the abundance of standard amenities, including standard all-wheel drive and Garmin GPS navigation, the SX4 still emerges as a fan favorite.

8 Jetta TDI SportWagon Diesel
This is clearly not your parent’s station wagon. For starters, the TDI boasts an 8.1-second sprint from 0 to 60 mph with a 2.0-liter diesel engine powering this environment-friendly vehicle. Jetta averages 29/30 mpg (city) and 40/41 mpg (highway). The TDI shines, literally, with a chrome grill and sleek design giving you a touch of eye candy, but the inside is what counts. This vehicle comes standard with plenty of road trip-inspiring technology and three-year, 36,000-mile, 24-hour roadside assistance and no-charge scheduled maintenance. MSRP for the diesel averages about $23,870. A sedan gas version is available, but the $1,300 income tax credit for the diesel’s advanced lean-burn technology makes this an ultimate value buy.

9 MX-5 Miata
The Miata delivers an eye-catching yet sleek alternative for those seeking a luxury sport experience with more substance than flash. Standard with rear-wheel drive, sharp handling and above-average reliability, this roadster provides a sporty thrill that is still commuter friendly. Among competitors, the Miata is polled as the better choice for performance and cargo space. You can expect 22/28 mpg and MSRP starts at $22,420.

10 BMW 128i
For ballers on a budget, the BMW 128i convertible provides an affordable luxury perfect for the young professional. Although space is limited, there are plenty of other features to help make this entry into the upper crust of luxury vehicles bearable. The two door coupe features standards like keyless ignition/entry, a premium stereo, a navigation system and the convertible’s heat-reflective leather seating, as well an identical engine selection as the 3 Series. For safety’s sake, this Beemer comes with standard rollover sensors that automatically extend two roll bars from storage areas behind the rear headrests, while simultaneously activating front seatbelts and head airbags. MSRP starts at $29,400 and averages 28 mpg.

11 Toyota Prius
If the Toyota Prius were a romantic interest, this would be the one to marry. This trendsetter has the total package: good looks, dependability, longevity and enough excitement to last the test of time. The celebrity of the Hybrid crowd, with an EPA combined fuel economy estimate of 51/48 mpg, the hatchback is roomy. Best of all, the Prius comes from a great family, already in the third generation of production to deliver a consumer pleasing product sans the learning curve. MSRP: $22,000.

12 Cadillac CTS
Cadillac has stepped up the style-o-meter since the diamond-in-the-back, digging-the-scene-with-a-gansta-lean days to deliver a lesson in sophistication with the CTS. Granddad’s showpiece gets jazzy with a touch of bling and chrome grill, cockpit-style interior and driver-oriented handling and performance. If you’re shopping for an entry-level luxury sport sedan, this is a quality choice. Estimated mpg is 18/26 and MSRP starts at $37,585.

13 Acura RL
Quietly beautiful, Acura RL is often overlooked by the “in” crowd, but has gained the respect of industry insiders who have watched this vehicle blossom. Although it doesn’t win best in class for fuel economy (16/22 mpg), the extensive list of standard equipment, including an all-wheel-drive system, Adaptive Cruise Control V6 engine, innovative in-cabin technology and one of the top resale values in its class, makes this a great bang for your buck. In addition, the RL’s 10-speaker surround-sound stereo with six-CD/DVD changer, satellite radio and optional iPod integration is one of the best in the business. MSRP starts at $46,680.

14 Lexus GS 450 Hybrid
“Eco-friendly” and “luxurious” are not often used together to describe an upscale vehicle, but the Lexus GS 450 defies convention. The ride is in part due to the technologically advanced Adaptive Variable Suspension, which allows the car’s computer to adapt suspension tuning to road conditions continuously. The GS Hybrid remains true to the elements we expect from the Lexus brand, but with modern improvements to keep it relevant in the evolving auto industry. When it comes to fuel economy, you can’t do better; the GS outshines classmates with an EPA rating of 22/25 mpg, giving the upscale crowd a way to go green in style. MSRP: $56,550.

15 Lexus ES
Life can get stressful, and the Lexus ES is a budget-friendly reward for your hard work. The ES creates an opulent driving experience with premium passenger comfort, a whisper-quiet cabin and one of the industry’s smoothest rides. This vacation on wheels has a solid history of value retention, dependability and uncomplicated transportation. The ES comes standard with automatic dual-zone climate control and eight-speaker stereo. The available Navigation System/Mark Levinson Surround Sound Audio System Package equips the ES with a 14-speaker, 300-watt stereo, voice-activated DVD navigation system with back-up camera and Bluetooth technology. MSRP starts at $34,470 with an estimated 19/27 mpg.

–Dorothy Tene Redmond