16 Sweet Used Fuel Sippers

Money-tight car buyers looking to save money on gas are turning to fuel-efficient used models. Consumer Reports says these are good bets.

2000 Honda Insight

MPG: 51

Estimated cost: $4,760 - $6,350

Consumer Reports selected these cars with very specific criteria in mind: None are more than 10 years old, and the decision was based entirely on fuel economy and reliability.

That doesn't mean they're all dream cars though.

The ultra-thrifty two-seat insight gets the best mileage of any car on this list. And Consumer Reports applauds its reliability. But the magazine does note some serious downsides.

"The interior is cramped, noisy, and uncomfortable, and the ride is hard. Among hybrids, both the Toyota Prius and the Honda Civic Hybrid are better cars," Consumer Reports' Web site notes.

2004 - '06 Toyota Prius

MPG: 44

Estimated cost: $15,000 - $20,775

The second-generation Prius can be much more expensive used bet than the older version, but it boasts a number of improvements.

"2004 brought a second-generation hatchback model with better mileage, less-touchy brakes, and more interior room," the magazine writes on its Web site.

2001 - '03 Toyota Prius

MPG: 41

Estimated cost: $6,700 - $13,225

The first-generation Prius lacks the hatchback styling of the later version. Consumer Reports notes that "the cabin feels roomy inside, but the battery pack robs trunk space."

A 2005 redesign also improved brakes that the magazine called "touchy."

2000 - '05 Toyota Echo

MPG: 38

Estimated cost: $3,260 - $10,325

Consumer Reports was impressed with this predecessor to the Toyota Yaris.

"It provided sprightly acceleration, easy access, and a roomy rear seat. Handling was sound, and the ride was reasonably quiet and comfortable," the magazine writes on its Web site.

2003 Honda Civic Hybrid

MPG: 37

Estimated cost: N/A

Pricing for this version of the Civic isn't available because Consumer Reports doesn't break out the hybrid version separately from the non-hybrid Civic.

"It has good crash-test results, handles well, and has outstanding reliability," the magazine notes on its Web site.

2006 Honda Civic Hybrid/EX

MPG: 37/31

Estimated cost: $12,270 - $20,350

2006 was the fist model year for the Civic's new cutting-edge look.

Consumer Reports points out the latest version's quiet, roomy interior and improved ride quality.

2007 Honda Fit Sport (manual)

MPG: 34

Estimated cost: N/A

The Fit is a recently introduced model, so Consumer Reports doesn't yet have pricing for it as a used car.

The magazine compliments the Fit for its roomy and versatile interior, however.

"While not overly powerful, the Fit feels responsive, with a smooth and willing engine and agile handling," the magazine's Web site also says.

2007 Toyota Yaris Liftback and Sedan

MPG: 34/33

Estimated cost: N/A

Generally speaking, Consumer Reports is not enthusiastic about the Yaris, but it is very reliable and fuel-efficient. The magazine's test drivers complain of poor emergency handling, a noisy passenger compartment and long braking distances when not equipped with anti-lock brakes.

Consumer Reports doesn't recommend the hatchback version (the "Liftback" is shown here) because it performed too poorly on its emergency handling tests.

Used pricing for this vehicle is not yet available.

1998 - 2002 Chevrolet Prizm

MPG: 32

Estimated cost: $2,475 - $2,475

The Prizm was basically a California-built Toyota Corolla with a Chevy bow-tie. Because of the Chevrolet brand, resale values for these cars deteriorated faster than Corollas', but that's good news for buyers.

Versions after the 1998 model year have improved suspension for better emergency handling, Consumer Reports notes.

"The Prizm's exemplary reliability record is a major advantage," the magazine's Web site says, "but the interior isn't as well trimmed as the Corolla's."

1998 Mazda Protege LX

MPG: 32

Estimated cost: $1,690 - $3,925

The LX has a 1.5-liter engine making it less powerful - but less thirsty - than the EX version with its slightly larger engine.

1998 - 2000 Toyota Corolla CE/LE

MPG: 32/31

Estimated cost: $2,245 - $5,900

The compact Corolla is Toyota's most popular model worldwide. It's proven to be very reliable. Models after 1999 share the suspension improvements with the closely related Chevrolet Prizm.

1991 - 2001 Acura Integra

MPG: 32

Estimated cost: $3,255 - $14,700

The Integra, from Honda's Acura luxury division, "has been consistently named as one of the best used cars based on CR testing and our reliability survey," the magazine's Web site notes.

2005 - '06 Scion xB (manual/auto)

MPG: 32/30

Estimated cost: $8,250 - $14,175

"Its good visibility and compact dimensions make the xB a great city car," Consumer Reports says.

For longer trips, drivers will find the early xB a noisy and twitchy car to drive, the magazine's Web site says.

2004 - '05 Scion xA (auto/manual)

MPG: 31/30

Estimated cost: $7,725 - $11,200

The xA was a precursor to today's Scion xD. It's smaller than the even boxier xB.

"The high levels of wind noise and the choppy ride make the xA fatiguing on a long drive," Consumer Reports writes on its Web site.

2004 - '07 Mazda3 (manual)

MPG: 30

Estimated cost: $10,085 - $20,025

The Mazda3 is a fun-to-drive successor to the Protege. Buyers should be careful to check the equipment list for optional side curtain airbags, Consumer Reports' Web site notes.

"Without them the Mazda3 received a Poor rating in the [Insurance Institute for Highway Safety] side-crash test," ConsumerReports.org says.

2006 Mini Cooper (manual)

MPG: 30

Estimated cost: $16,660 - $24,7500

The retro-cool Mini Cooper is also a fuel economy gem. Unfortunately for interested buyers, it also holds its value very well, making it pricey for a used compact car.