2011 New Car Under $20,000
1. Ford Fiesta, $19,520 Fiesta is a “global” car, made and sold locally around the world; ours come from Mexico . It’s powered by a 1.6 L four-cylinder with six-speed automatic, which helps give it the best fuel economy numbers in the category. There’s also a driver’s knee airbag, voice activation for audio and phone functions, and Ford’s brilliant capless gas-filling system. The interior is handsomely designed, but Mazda’s flat rear-seat head restraints provide significantly better visibility. 2. Mazda2, $19,295 This is the car I thought should have won. Mazda2’s 1.5 L four-cylinder isn’t as powerful as Fiesta’s 1.6 L, but the Mazda weighs much less and is tuned for sportier handling. It’s slower off the line but actually feels peppier, and it’s far more fun to drive. 3. Volkswagen Jetta, $18,950 The larger Jetta sedan dwarfs its subcompact competitors, but its price put it in the category. Timeless styling and comfy roominess are nice, but its 2.0 L engine feels gutless and its ...