Looking at the recommendations above -- the Yaris got good mileage (and I looked at it at least semi-seriously), but a lot of it depends on what you consider good mileage. (I think the Yaris was 36 Highway listed.)
I also looked at the Nissans -- rented an Altima looked at the Versa (amazing rear seat leg-room -- and I think it was a hatch-like trunk, so large things would fit) and one other car (don't remember which) -- but the highway miles were 31 for a stick and 33 for automatic. (Some people think 30 mpg Hwy is good mileage. I think "we can do better".)
Bought a 2009 Corolla, and have gotten over 40 mpg on the one drive at 100 KPH from Port Huron to FKO to home. Its computer reports an overall fuel economy of 35.9 (after a long highway trip) or 35.8 (after I've spent a week driving to and from work) -- but my gas log tells me it's really closer to 30-something-small. (I can look it up if you care.) But it is a sedan. Don't know if it comes with 5 doors.
I think it was the Mini Cooper that the one fellow I know with an Upright Bass drives. Yes, it takes up the entire back and part of the passenger seat, but it _fits_. I like the minis from the outside, but not the inside, and their mileage wasn't enough to drag me away from the Corolla.
Spouse drives a Forester (Subaru). And had a Legacy wagon before that. Both roomy. (I think the Legacy more so.) But AWD does hit the mileage and I think he gets about 25. (And he's broken the $50.00 / tank barrier. Ugh.)
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I also looked at the Nissans -- rented an Altima looked at the Versa (amazing rear seat leg-room -- and I think it was a hatch-like trunk, so large things would fit) and one other car (don't remember which) -- but the highway miles were 31 for a stick and 33 for automatic. (Some people think 30 mpg Hwy is good mileage. I think "we can do better".)
Bought a 2009 Corolla, and have gotten over 40 mpg on the one drive at 100 KPH from Port Huron to FKO to home. Its computer reports an overall fuel economy of 35.9 (after a long highway trip) or 35.8 (after I've spent a week driving to and from work) -- but my gas log tells me it's really closer to 30-something-small. (I can look it up if you care.) But it is a sedan. Don't know if it comes with 5 doors.
I think it was the Mini Cooper that the one fellow I know with an Upright Bass drives. Yes, it takes up the entire back and part of the passenger seat, but it _fits_. I like the minis from the outside, but not the inside, and their mileage wasn't enough to drag me away from the Corolla.
Spouse drives a Forester (Subaru). And had a Legacy wagon before that. Both roomy. (I think the Legacy more so.) But AWD does hit the mileage and I think he gets about 25. (And he's broken the $50.00 / tank barrier. Ugh.)