Small economical DD as a towed

the forte is a rebadged elantra. Hyundai owns kia much like ford and mercury used to be. Ford wanted to buy kia one time the korean gov't said no way and had Hyundai buy instead. I dont know for sure but if you look at a newer ford from the rear and a hyundai/kia there does not appear to be much difference in appearance! I just dont know.

As to the versa and such most have strictly manual devices like windows and such. You know americans are lazy and cant use the windup windows anymore! thats why I added electrics to my ranger :)

Hank85713 wrote:
Here is a link to the versa and rio I referred to earlier, along with several others.

http://www.cheatsheet.com/automobiles/the-9-least-loved-cars-in-consumer-reports-rankings.html/10/?ref=OB

I had read this article when you first posted I did a search. It stated what % of people would buy these cars again which was low, but did not say why. But never the less was a heads up on those cars listed. It did not list the Kia Forte, is anyone out there towing or driving one of these?

Here is a link to the versa and rio I referred to earlier, along with several others.

http://www.cheatsheet.com/automobiles/the-9-least-loved-cars-in-consumer-reports-rankings.html/10/?ref=OB

Hank85713 wrote:
Gjac we went 390 miles yesterday in the hyundai elantra on a whim for about 250. Wifes friend was in the area and we were on way home from dental appointment. Averaged 39mpg at 75-80 mph. a lot with the air on!

Check thevers and accents size veh's they have manual windows and no luxuries and new are not that much lower in price than the elantra or its kia brother. As I said earlier 2800lbs and good room and rear seats fold down. Just dont know what the requirements are you are looking for, manual controls or electrics for windows mirrors etc. Wife liked the size of the Elantra and the lux items vs the versa or the smallyer kia/hyundais.

I am finding the same thing in my search. The next size up from the bottom Elantra vs Accent, Cruze Vs Sonic, Focas vs Fiesta gets virtually the same mpg's , 300 lbs more weight, more storage room, with better amenities. Right now I tow a 2002 Toyota Corolla LE and want something similar.

Gjac we went 390 miles yesterday in the hyundai elantra on a whim for about 250. Wifes friend was in the area and we were on way home from dental appointment. Averaged 39mpg at 75-80 mph. a lot with the air on!

Check thevers and accents size veh's they have manual windows and no luxuries and new are not that much lower in price than the elantra or its kia brother. As I said earlier 2800lbs and good room and rear seats fold down. Just dont know what the requirements are you are looking for, manual controls or electrics for windows mirrors etc. Wife liked the size of the Elantra and the lux items vs the versa or the smallyer kia/hyundais.

mikeleblanc413 wrote:
Good comments here! We're hooking up the daily driver, which is a 2008 Versa, manual transmission, to be our toad. All of the reasons mentioned are valid. We love the way it drives and hauls!

Does the back seat fold down on your Versa? The newer one I looked at with the manual had a fixed back seat that did not fold down.

Gjac, I have a Subaru Crosstrek that I use as a daily driver and that we tow behind our class c. For me a Subi was a no brainer as its my 3rd Subi, and my wife is on her 3rd Subi also.
The Subie's with a manual tranny can be towed 4 down without any trouble or preperation other than a base plate and light wireing. If you want to spend less, than look at a Subi Impreza wagon. Slightly better milage and costs less. All wheel drive is outstanding and relibality is outstanding---almost all Subies are rated as best buys by Consumer Reports every year.
I get 28-29 mpg around town and 34-36 on the open road. No it dosen't get 35-40 mpg, but so what. All it means is that I have to spend a buck or two mor to fill up than someone with a 40mpg econo box.
Your looking for something that can carry 5 people, which it can. It can carry two bikes if you fold the rear seat down. If you get a hitch for the Subi (which I have on mine), you can carry 5 people and carry your bikes on a bike rack.
Your opening question leaves a lot to the imiganation as to your wants and needs, but as a daily driver your first priority should be that you feel comfortable driving it and that your happy with it. Don't worry about a few mpg one way or the other, and you shouldn't base your choice on only one factor. Get something that you will be happy with for several years.
Grumpy

We have a Corolla. The "CE" was base model in 2006 and is what we have. The next two up were "S" and "LE." CE has the same wheels as S and LE, but standard with one tire size smaller. We upgraded to the larger tires (and the spare to full size which fits the well) and it made the car even more pleasant.

The Vibe is a little more than a Corolla Hatchback. I know it uses a different Roadmaster Base Plate, but I don't know why. I think Vibe has larger wheels and tires.

We currently tow my Nissan Frontier since we go to beaches and forests and like to carry dirtier stuff that I'd rather not have in a sedan or SUV. But the weight difference is noticeable in the towing.

Chevrolet Sonic. I have a friend with a class C and his Sonic gets him to work daily on the freeways near Dallas and is an easy tow behind his Winney.

Good comments here! We're hooking up the daily driver, which is a 2008 Versa, manual transmission, to be our toad. All of the reasons mentioned are valid. We love the way it drives and hauls!