What will be the Ultimate North America Econobox of the future?

[MetroMPG]

Here's another idea: what about the Fiesta 1.0L turbo? Definite econobox territory. Or the Focus 1.0L turbo? Less econoboxy, but the price will probably be right.

Both were available with manuals (I think the Fiesta only came as a manual).


But they sold so few of the 1.0L engines, Ford wouldn't break out the numbers, so good luck finding one.

[Ecky]

Hopefully they hold up. I could see direct injection causing some long term issues which might make them not so economical.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Hersbird

Econobox is all about economy. If an F350 was cheap enough, got wonderful economy, was inexpensive to insure and license, and didn't need repairs then it could be the champion econobox IMO. What is the least expensive car to operate, that is the question. This will be different to different people. A $4000 used compliance EV may be for some who don't drive further than 40 miles a day, a TDi VW might be the best for someone with 100 highway miles a day, and a Prius might be best for someone in between. The Mirage also does good in city/highway and I like simple for long term saving on costs.

That's a good point. Well, for some folks in the Amazon jungle or in some African village, a J120 Toyota Prado could be the most econoboxy deal. Even though I'm sure this one with Peruvian plates and most likely a gasser that I spotted in Florianópolis, Brazil, is not as affordable to run as many of its counterparts in Africa with the 5L-E Diesel...