What car should I buy question? (Details below)
Made by one of the big three, preferably GM (a family thing)
Good gas mileage (currently 28/33 in my Pontiac Vibe, open to another Vibe)
Open to hybrids
Top price of $25,000 (can get employee pricing on GM and maybe Ford)
Not looking for tiny cars like the Chevy Aveo
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M$7 Answers
Based strictly on the priorities you have listed, however, I have posted some reviews. These will cover general price ranges and, in some cases, prioritize the vehicles on desire (safety, fun-to-drive factor, etc.). Once you find some vehicles in your range -- if you are considering new, especially -- I recommend going to the manufacturer's website where you can "build" your car with the options you like and get a quote (this will usually be the MSRP -- Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price -- for your area BUT, with the economy the way it is, there is a lot of haggling to be had and specials to be found!).
Personally, I have had too many problems with American cars and have not been impressed with the quality or durability of the interiors.
That being said, the Ford Fusion and similar Mercury Milan are based on the same platform -- albeit slightly stretched -- as the last generation Mazda 6. I previously owned a 6 and enjoyed it. You can get into a 4-cyl. Fusion for as little as ~18K but even a well-equipped V6 model would come in under 25K. A hybrid and all wheel drive will soon be available, but this might lift the price above your maximum.
The car getting all of the raves, however, is the newest Chevy Malibu. It is available with a hybrid (might be over your price point) but is sleek and sexy...I can't believe I just said that!
I hope this helps!
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/car_shopping/green_machines/2...
http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews/editors_notebook/0812_2009_ford_fusion...
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/car_shopping/family_four_door...
http://www.ford.com/vehicles/vehicle-showroom#/ford/ford-fusion-2009
http://www.automobilemag.com/features/awards/0711_2008_chevrolet_malibu_all...
http://www.chevrolet.com/2009malibu/
http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/2008-Chevrolet-Malibu/
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M$
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M$1. If you have a family discount at GM that's a no brainer. Ford has expanded its employee pricing sale through Jan. 12 though and there are good deals there.
2. More guidelines would be good.
3. I'd say get another Vibe. The new design is terrific, it's fun to drive, decent mileage and you'll get a good deal. If your old Vibe is a 2000 or newer Loyalty cash is $1,000.
Use this site to see all the offers
http://www.gm.com/vehicles/currentoffers/
Heck you can get a V-6 Saturn Vue (one of the best SUVs in that class IMHO) for $21K with current incentives (not incl family discount). Mileage isn't great though.
I also prefer the Vibe to the new Saturn Astra.
Here's the Cars.com Vibe review
http://www.cars.com/go/crp/research.jsp?ASSET_TYPE=Affiliate+Review%2CBuying+Guide%2CVehicle+Profile&revlogtype=17§ion=reviews&makeid=40&modelid=5850&year=2009
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M$
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M$Or possibly, wait until next year when Ford will be revealing a ton of new Hybrids, perhaps you'll find one you like.
www.ford.com
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M$
What I meant to say there was, These people are all crazy, don't buy a Mazda or a Plymouth. Mazda's are alright, but certainly not from the Big 3, and certainly not as good as a Ford Focus. I'm not even sure Plymouth is still a real company, but if you say so, I would never buy a car from a company I hadn't heard from in 10 years.
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M$
Check out the Chrysler 300
http://www.chrysler.com/en/2008/300/
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M$
