The Cheapest American Cars

MSRP: $14,335 - $14,335
Fuel Economy: 34 mpg Hwy/27 mpg City

The new Pontiac G3 hatchback has a fuel efficient engine, seating for five, ample cargo space and a host of optional features. The sub-compact G3 has front-wheel drive and is powered by a 106-hp 1.6-liter engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission. A four-speed automatic is optional.

MSRP: $14,990 - $23,425
Fuel Economy: 37 mpg Hwy/25 mpg City

The Chevrolet Cobalt is available as either a two-door coupe or a four-door sedan, each available in four trims: Base, LS, LT and SS Turbocharged. The Base, LS and LT trims come standard with a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine mated to either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.

MSRP: $15,520 - $18,265
Fuel Economy: 35 mpg Hwy/24 mpg City

Small, economical, and fun, the Ford Focus is a smart choice for those looking for a compact car. Available as a coupe or sedan the Focus includes only minor changes for 2009. The engine is a 140-hp 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder available with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.

MSRP: $16,100 - $20,875
Fuel Economy: 32 mpg Hwy/26 mpg City

The 5-passenger Vibe is available in two front-wheel drive trims and one all-wheel drive trim. A 132-hp 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine is standard on front-wheel drive Base trims, and is paired with either a 5-speed manual or an optional 4-speed automatic transmission. A 158-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is standard on GT and all-wheel drive trims.

MSRP: $16,395 - $25,805
Fuel Economy: 26 mpg Hwy/21 mpg City

The Ranger has been America's best-selling compact pickup for 17 years running. Available as a 4x2 Regular cab or 4x2 and 4x4 Supercab the Ranger is offered in four trims: XL, XLT, Sport and FX4 Off-Road. A 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine generates 143 horsepower and a 4.0-liter V6 engine produces 207 horsepower.

MSRP: $16,460 - $24,840
Fuel Economy: 30 mpg Hwy/24 mpg City

The Caliber is a fun, well-rounded package, combining the versatility of a sport utility vehicle with the value and fuel-efficiency of a compact car. It's available in four drive trim levels: SE, SXT, R/T and SRT4. The SE and SXT trims are equipped with a 148-hp 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine; a 158-hp 2.0-liter engine is also available.

MSRP: $16,705 - $26,940
Fuel Economy: 24 mpg Hwy/18 mpg City

The Colorado offers a variety of cab styles, suspensions and powertrains that make it both versatile and practical. It's available in two- or four-wheel drive with three body styles: regular cab, extended cab and crew cab. The base engine is a 185-hp 2.9-liter 4-cylinder engine, while a 242-hp 3.7-liter 5-cylinder engine is available (standard on crew cab LT) on all models.

MSRP: $16,705 - $27,075
Fuel Economy: 24 mpg Hwy/18 mpg City

The Canyon offers a variety of cab styles, suspensions and powertrains that make it both versatile and practical. Available in two- or four-wheel drive, the Canyon offers three body styles: regular cab, extended cab and crew cab. Two engines are available: a 185-hp 2.9-liter 4-cylinder and a 242-hp 3.7-liter inline 5-cylinder engine.

MSRP: $17,045 - $19,545
Fuel Economy: 32 mpg Hwy/24 mpg City

The Astra, already familiar to Europe, provides five-passenger seating in a front-wheel drive hatchback design in either a three-door or a five-door configuration. The Saturn Astra five-door hatchback has two trims: the XE and the XR, and the three-door hatchback comes in the XR trim only.