  
Plenty of new cars cost under $20,000; here's a short list
of someof them
By BOB YOUNG, Special Advertising Sections Writer
Admiring the latest luxury rides and exotic sports cars can
certainly stir the imagination — but when reality intrudes
on a real-life vehicle purchase, there’s very often an
annoying obstacle called a budget to consider.
Can’t afford that Lexus or BMW of your dreams? Worried
that your car payments might rival your mortgage? Fear not.
There are many new rides that list for under $20,000. For a
price like that, you might even be able to add a few of those
custom extras you’ve been longing for.
A random list of such vehicles follows:
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| Chevrolet Cobalt |
Chevrolet Cobalt (from $13,900): Designed to be a star among
compacts, the Cobalt comes in eight coupe and sedan models,
combining versatility with a sporty style. All models have a
five-occupant interior with easy access to the rear seats, as
well as interior access to the trunk area. And the seats are
elevated for a better view of the road and scenery.
Three engines are available: a 2.2-liter 145-horsepower I-4,
a 2.4-liter 171-horsepower I-4 and a supercharged 2-liter I-4
that generates 205 horsepower.
Standard features include a CD audio system and driver-information
display. A power sunroof, an XM Satellite Radio and an MP3 player
are among the options.
 |
| The Chevrolet HHR, top, has more than
60 cubic feet of cargo space available. The Nissan Altima
features a redesign that gives the vehicle a sleeker
look. |
Chevrolet HHR (from $15,425): Modeled after Chevy’s classic
1949 Suburban, as well as the company’s current SSR roadster
pickup, this retro-style wagon is a mix of old-school style
with modern versatility.
True to its Heritage High Roof moniker, the four-door HHR has
plenty of headroom, as well as rear seats that fold back for
more than 63 cubic feet of cargo space Two engines are available:
a 2.2-liter four-cylinder that packs 145 horses and a 171-horsepower
2.4-liter four-cylinder. Options include an XM Satellite Radio,
an MP3 player and a Pioneer audio system with a subwoofer.
 |
| Chrysler PT Cruiser |
Chrysler PT Cruiser (from $14,200): The PT Cruiser features
a throwback look with elements of a wagon, SUV and sedan. Despite
its modest size, the PT offers nearly 63 cubic feet of cargo
space when the rear seats and front passenger seat are folded
down.
The recently redesigned interior sports a satin-finished instrument
panel, silver gauges and, on the GT model, silver gearshift
knobs. A base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine puts out 150 horsepower.
Two turbocharged engines, rated at 180 and 230 horsepower, are
available. All 2006 models are equipped with radios/MP3 players.
 |
| Ford Focus |
Ford Focus (from $13,900): For 2006, a Street Appearance Package
is new to the Focus, which was completely redesigned for 2005.
The new package offers such interior and exterior goodies as
an optional six-CD changer operated by steering wheel-mounted
controls.
A CD/MP3 player comes standard on all 2006 models.
Available as a sedan or hatchback, the Focus offers more interior
space and legroom than before, as well as wider doors. The hatchback
also packs 40 cubic feet of cargo space. A 2-liter four-cylinder
engine revs up 136 horsepower (compared to the previous base
engine’s 110 horsepower) and a new ZX4 model packs 151
horses.
Honda Element (from $17,450): This compact SUV has extra-wide
loading capacity, thanks to rear-hinged rear doors and front-hinged
front doors that open from the center, and the rear seats fold
flat to create more cargo space.
The Element is equipped with an XM Satellite Radio and an MP3
player.
The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine grinds out 160 horsepower
through a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission.
Hyundai Tiburon (from $16,600): The Tiburon coupe features a
2.7-liter V-6 engine rated at 172 horsepower, along with a sleek
profile and a rear-mounted spoiler. An economical 2-liter 138-horsepower
four-cylinder engine is standard in the new entry-level Tiburon
GS model.
The interior is enhanced with a leather-wrapped steering wheel,
leather seating, aluminum pedals and a Kenwood CD/MP3 player
on the GT and SE models.
Mini Cooper (from $16,950): The two-door Mini Cooper comes with
a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 115 horsepower,
coupled with a standard five-speed manual gearbox. Despite its
size, the aptly named Mini can hold four people — or up
to nearly 24 cubic feet of cargo space when the rear seats fold
down.
Options include a navigation system, a Sirius Satellite Radio
and heated leather seats. Fifteen-inch tires are standard with
16-inch run-flats optional.
 |
| Nissan Altima |
Nissan Altima (from $17,650): This mid-grade four-door sedan
is one of the biggest cars in its class, with a 110-inch wheelbase
and overall length slightly more than 192 inches. A recent redesign
has given it a sleeker, more aggressive appearance. The vehicle
is equipped with a 2.5-liter 175-horsepower four-cylinder engine.
A new 3.5-liter 250-horsepower V-6 is available, along with
such luxury options as heated seats, a DVD navigation system
and a rear spoiler.
Scion tC (from $16,000): This subcompact sports coupe recently
joined Toyota’s youth-targeted Scion line, featuring European-style
sport sensibilities.
The interior can accommodate five persons, and there is nearly
nine cubic feet of cargo space when the rear bench and front
passenger seat are folded flat.
The tC hatchback offers such standard features as a glass moon
roof, keyless entry, a Pioneer sound system and 17-inch alloy
wheels.
Under the hood is a standard 2.4-liter 160-horsepower four-cylinder
engine or a supercharged version with 200 horsepower.
Scion xB (from $13,730): The xB is a cross between a compact
SUV and a sport wagon in an upright, boxy package. The vehicle
seats five, but when the back seat folds down the xB offers
more than 21 cubic feet of cargo space.
Targeting the young crowd, the xB features a CD/MP3 system with
enhanced digital equalization that offers three settings: “neutral,” “hear” and “feel,” which
provides bone-thumping bass.
A 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, rated at 108 horsepower, is
standard.
Bob Young is a freelance writer based in Glendale.
Top Left Photo: The Scion xB enjoys some popularity with younger
consumers. Amenities include an enhanced CD/MP3 system.
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