100 best money moves

Looking for fresh ideas on how to make the most of your money? Our annual guide to the best and timeliest investments, deals, products and strategies will help you make smarter financial decisions. Guaranteed.

3 of 56
BACKNEXT
Move 3: Buy a car that sips fuel
Move 3: Buy a car that sips fuel
Luxury winner: BMW 535 Gran Turismo
Gasoline prices are on the rise -- they've already passed $4 a gallon in some places -- but that doesn't mean your only option is a hybrid. Fuel technology has improved significantly for both hybrid and nonhybrid models. These vehicles are terrific overall values: They provide outstanding performance plus fuel economy that's better than average for their category.

CHEVY CRUZE ECO (compact)
Base price: $18,000
Fuel economy: 28 city/42 highway
Why it's great: It's not often the words "roomy" and "fun" go with "fuel-efficient," but here they do, all in one turbo-charged package.

HYUNDAI SONATA (midsize)
Base price: $19,000 to $27,000
Fuel economy: 24/35
Why it's great: You could almost swear you were driving a Lexus, except it's cheaper and better on gas. There's a hybrid version too.

FORD MUSTANG V6 (sporty)
Base price: $22,000 to $31,000
Fuel economy: 19/29
Why it's great: Once, V-6 Mustangs were all show and not so much go. Now you get real performance along with respectable fuel economy.

TOYOTA PRIUS (hybrid)
Base price: $22,000 to $28,000
Fuel economy: 51/48
Why it's great: It gets more than twice the miles per gallon of the average car, and wins high marks for practicality too.

BMW 535 GRAN TURISMO (luxury)
Base price: $57,000
Fuel economy: 20/30
Why it's great: Packed with fuel-saving technology, this hatchback version of the classic 5-Series sedan is practical as well as a joy to drive.



NEXT: Moves 4-9: Best rewards cards
Last updated April 28 2011: 11:32 AM ET
8 traits of millionaires About 7% of households have seven figures. Who are they? More
How to become a millionaireHitting seven-figures is easier than you think -- it takes 3 easy steps. More
The young and riskless Investors under age 35 are shunning stocks in stunning numbers. Their biggest risk: dying broke. More
  • Find Homes for sale
    Real estate and homes for sale on Trulia

  • Property Type
  • Find a home in:
  • New York | Atlanta | Chicago | Los Angeles
  • Washington D.C | Houston | Philadelphia | More options
Special Offer

Most stock quote data provided by BATS. Market indices are shown in real time, except for the DJIA, which is delayed by two minutes. All times are ET. Disclaimer. Morningstar: © 2018 Morningstar, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Factset: FactSet Research Systems Inc. 2018. All rights reserved. Chicago Mercantile Association: Certain market data is the property of Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. and its licensors. All rights reserved. Dow Jones: The Dow Jones branded indices are proprietary to and are calculated, distributed and marketed by DJI Opco, a subsidiary of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and have been licensed for use to S&P Opco, LLC and CNN. Standard & Poor's and S&P are registered trademarks of Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC and Dow Jones is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC. All content of the Dow Jones branded indices © S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC 2018 and/or its affiliates.