The Washington Post Company : Cars.com Lists the Top Ten Best Base Models

CHICAGO, June 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Cars.com, the premier online resource for buying and selling new and used cars, today released a list of its editors' picks for top ten base models. The list includes cars that have a lot to offer drivers, even at the base model level.

"Just because you might not be able to afford all of the bells and whistles in a car doesn't mean you have to sing the base-model blues," said Patrick Olsen, Cars.com's Editor-in-Chief. "Some automakers are packing even their base models full of features making them more valuable to shoppers looking for a good deal. Our list includes cars that we consider to be solid picks even in their base-model version."

The top ten base models according to Cars.com experts are (ranked by price):

    --  2013 Chevrolet Spark LS ($12,995): One of the least expensive new cars
        comes surprisingly well-equipped with essentials like air conditioning
        and power windows--two features that aren't always standard on bargain
        models.
    --  2013 Scion xB ($17,555): The xB remains one of the best
        cargo-for-the-dollar deals. Standard features in this base model include
        USB integration, a six-speaker stereo and cruise control.
    --  2013 Honda Civic LX Sedan ($18,995): This once-sparse compact sedan now
        includes features like Bluetooth, USB, a rearview camera and Pandora
        compatibility standard in the base model.
    --  2013 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Sedan ($18,655): The Impreza's most impressive
        standard base-model feature is all wheel drive. It is the most
        affordable new car to feature it. Some other standard features include
        Bluetooth phone and audio and tilt-telescoping steering wheel with audio
        and hands-free controls.
    --  2013 Mazda Mazda5 Sport ($20,735): The Mazda5 Sport is the most
        affordable six-seat vehicle on the market. Beyond that, standard
        features in this base model include automatic headlights, cruise
        control, satellite radio and more.
    --  2013 Hyundai Sonata GLS ($21,240): This base model comes with plentiful
        standard features like cruise control, Bluetooth, USB, tilt-telescoping
        steering wheel with audio, cruise and Bluetooth controls, and also
        heated mirrors.
    --  2013 Chevrolet Camaro 1 LS ($24,245): The base Camaro is an attractive
        package with standard features like a six-speaker stereo, satellite
        radio, Bluetooth and exterior features like a spoiler, 18-inch heritage
        steel wheels.
    --  2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid ($27,995): The Fusion Hybrid is actually a
        well-equipped SE trim level with standard features like Ford's Sync
        system, USB, Bluetooth, cruise control, heated front seats, power driver
        and passenger seats, push-button start, keyless entry and auto up and
        down on all windows.
    --  2013 Toyota Avalon ($31,785): This competitively priced full-size sedan
        delivers luxury-like features like dual-zone climate control and a
        6.1-inch touch-screen along with push button start and keyless entry.
    --  2013 Volvo S60 T5 ($32,795): At a price well below much of its
        competition, the S60 loads up on features like rain-sensing windshield
        wipers, 7-inch information screen, Bluetooth, USB, satellite radio,
        heated mirrors, headlight washers and spill-resistant cloth
        upholstery--a family favorite.

To learn more about the Cars.com editor's top ten base models, visit blogs.cars.com. To search millions of new and used car listing, visit www.Cars.com.

ABOUT CARS.COM
Cars.com is an award-winning online destination for car shoppers that offers information from consumers and experts to help buyers formulate opinions on what to buy, where to buy and how much to pay for a car. Cars.com offers thousands of new and used vehicle listings, consumer reviews, side-by-side comparison tools, photo galleries, videos, unbiased editorial content and many other tools. Cars.com puts millions of car buyers in control of their shopping process with the information they need to make confident buying decisions. Launched in June 1998, Cars.com is a division of Classified Ventures LLC, which is owned by leading media companies, including A.H. Belo (NYSE: AHC), Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI), The McClatchy Company (NYSE: MNI), Tribune Company and The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO).

SOURCE Cars.com