Top 10 Cars Under $16,000 - 2005

The PT Cruiser is powered by a 150-hp, 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder engine that returns a fuel economy rating of 22 city and 29 highway. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard and a 4-speed automatic is an $825 option. The base sedan is priced at $13,405 and comes with a 6-speaker AM/FM radio with cassette, bucket seats and floor console, tilt steering, power windows, and a rear window defroster, wiper and washer. The Touring sedan adds air conditioning, a CD player, power central locking with remote keyless entry, power mirrors, a fold-flat front passenger seat with storage drawer and other interior features for $15,405. ABS is available for $595 and side impact airbags are offered for $390.

Ford Focus

The Ford Focus has gone through a redesign this model year, though it will take a keen eye to notice it's subtle differences over the previous version. Slight modifications to the exterior sheetmetal and revisions to the interior have given the edgy design a more toned-down look. The Focus lineup consists of four models: the ZX3 3-door hatchback, the ZX4 4-door sedan, the ZX5 5-door hatchback and the ZXW wagon. All body styles come equipped with Ford's new 2.0-liter in-line 4-cylinder engine rated at 136 hp, or 130 hp if you opt for the Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) variant, and your choice of either a 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 4-speed automatic.


Each of the four different body styles are available in three trim levels: base S, mid-level SE and the upper level SES. The S trim level will cost $13,550 for the ZX3, $14,150 for the ZX4, and $14,850 for the ZX5. S trim features include a manual driver's seat-height adjustment, split-folding rear seat, AM/FM/CD radio and 15-inch wheels. The SE trim adds air conditioning, an overhead console, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, power windows, mirrors and locks, and remote keyless entry for a $1500 premium over the respective model in S trim. Options include a 4-speed automatic transmission ($815), power moonroof ($625), leather upholstery, heated front seats, an alarm system and an Audiophile sound system. ABS and traction control are standard only on the top of the line ZX4 ST, but can be ordered as standalone options on all other models ($400 and $115 respectively).

Honda Civic

In coupe or sedan variation, the Honda Civic continues to be the benchmark in the compact/economy category. Known for its infallible and nearly bulletproof reliability, the Civic is also a class leader in workmanship and material quality. Civics have long been praised for their low depreciation and high resale values, as well as low maintenance and ownership costs.


For 2005 the Civic is available in three different body styles; coupe, sedan and hatchback, and an array of model configurations. At the low end of the spectrum is the DX. Priced at $13,260, it features a 115 hp, 1.7-liter 4-cylinder powerplant rated at 32 mpg city and 38 mpg highway. There aren't many standard features to list in the base model however, so Honda offers the DX with a Value Package, which adds air conditioning and an automatic transmission for a total cost of $14,660. The LX is the next rung in the Civic line and arguably the best value in the lineup. It is available only in sedan configuration and offers all the features of the DX with Value Package plus power windows, mirrors and door locks, an air-filtration system for the air conditioner, an AM/FM/CD audio system, cruise control, a remote entry system and a center console with armrest and storage compartment, all for $15,610. Given that Hondas are also popular with thieves, a theft-deterrent system is standard on all Civics.