There is a lot of stuff that needs to be considered when purchasing a car for its economy. Obviously, being AutoblogGreen and all, we are concerned with fuel efficiency. Still, a car's mileage or how green it actually may be aren't the only things to consider when it comes to choosing your next vehicle. For instance, when a car is involved in a low-speed accident, how much damage does it sustain? Why does this matter? Besides the obvious dollar amount you would have to spend on getting your car repaired, more damaged parts mean more junk that's sent off to be disposed of or recycled. So, with that in mind, how do economy cars compare?
Ford's latest Focus scores the highest by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, requiring minimal repairs both front and rear after head-on and offset crash tests. The Hyundai Elantra and Volkswagen Rabbit don't do so well. Neither does the Prius, which can surely keep you safe and save you in gas. As a demonstration, the IIHS made a few simple changes to the Prius' front bumper and greatly mitigated the damage caused by a small accident. Check past the break for a full rundown of all the cars tested.
