By Sladen West
The year 2014 has brought some changes when it comes to the most popular cars on the roads. Individuals who must take out car loans are increasingly looking for affordability, safety, and overall performance in their vehicle of choice. The most enticing cars of 2014, according to the US News and World Report website, are the 2014 Mazda Mazda3, the Ford Fusion Hybrid, and the Chevrolet Impala. These three vehicles are considerably different in size and pricing, but all present an affordable way for drivers to jump into 2014 in style.
Mazda3
The first popular car of 2014 that this article will focus on is the Mazda Mazda3 Out of forty-one possible cars in the “affordable small car” category, US News and World Report gave this car the number one ranking. The most popular aspect of this car is the amount of power, speed, and overall performance that can be purchased for a relatively low price point. Not only does this car boast an affordable price tag at around $20,000, depending on location, but it also is a fuel efficient choice. According to the EPA, the Mazda3 gets an estimated thirty to forty miles per gallon, depending on whether the car is being driven in the city or on the highway. These qualities and more make the Mazda Mazda3 a great choice for an affordable small vehicle.
Ford Fusion Hybrid
Moving towards a midsize option, the 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid is considered an excellent choice of vehicle for growing families and those concerned with gas mileage. Hybrid cars are becoming increasingly popular as many families are opting for a more expensive car loan up front in order to save on pricey fueling costs during the life of the vehicle. Because of its hybrid status, the Ford Fusion registers an incredible forty-seven miles per gallon if driven in the city or on the highway. According to US News and World Report, another popular aspect of this vehicle is its cabin design. Spacious and inviting, the Ford Fusion allows car buyers to feel as though they are driving a luxury car at a very affordable price. Pricing for the 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid ranges from $25,000-$31,000, again depending on location, but considering the money saved on fuel, this is an upfront cost that will pay for itself in the long run.
Chevrolet Impala
The final vehicle noted for its 2014 popularity is considered to be a large, but affordable, choice for buyers. The 2014 Chevrolet Impala may not seem like a car that is gaining in popularity, but its spacious interior and modern exterior is rocketing this vehicle upwards in the popularity charts. US World and News Report ranks this car number one out of ten cars in their “large car” category. In regards to the Impala, the EPA estimates that it gets on average twenty-one miles per gallon in the city and an estimated thirty-one miles per gallon on the highway. Some other qualities of the 2014 Impala that make this car a popular choice for many car buyers is that the manufacturers have reportedly made drastic improvements to the interior of the vehicle since the 2013 model. Extra leg room in the back seat and one of the largest trunks in this category also make the Impala stand out from the rest of the large cars that were rated. This car ranges in price from $26,000-$35,000, making it the largest and most expensive vehicle listed in this article.
Though there are many popular vehicles of 2014, the Mazda Mazda3, the Ford Fusion Hybrid, and the Chevrolet Impala have stood out for their affordability, fuel economy, and overall style. These vehicles provide those looking for a new car with many options, which is why they are becoming so popular this year. Buyers today want to get as much for their money as possible with low auto loan interest rates and these three cars are proving to provide buyers with luxury options at an affordable price.