(Apr 21, 2009)
Wayne Cunningham
Senior Editor
When a car costs $100,000, you expect a cabin filled with the latest gadgets. The trick is getting good cabin tech in an affordable car, the kind that most people drive. We're very impressed when we see a navigation system in a car that costs less than $30,000. Good stereos make an appearance at many different price ranges. Sure, these cars often won't have all the tech you could want, but a few quality components make them true tech cars.
2008 Volvo C30
The 2008 Volvo C30 makes for a fun and sporty little car that will stand out in a crowd. It can be optioned up with the full range of tech, though its stereo interface leaves something to be desired. Leave out the automatic transmission option in favor of the manual.
Price: Sorry, pricing not available
Review date: Sep 10, 2007
Very good
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2008 Scion xB
The new Scion xB has lost its bold exterior creases and some of its character, but has also grown up a bit and now represents one of the best tech values we've seen in a new car.
Price: Sorry, pricing not available
Review date: Aug 10, 2007
Very good
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2009 Hyundai Sonata Limited V6
The 2009 Hyundai Sonata Limited brings the car maker into the tech world by offering good navigation and digital music options. It makes for a good commute car, but the V-6 might be too thirsty for today's gas prices.
Price: Sorry, pricing not available
Review date: Jun 26, 2008
Good
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2008 Nissan Altima Coupe
The 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe combines head-turning styling and gutsy performance with some advanced--albeit, pricey--cabin technology options, including GPS navigation and a great hands-free calling interface.
Price: Sorry, pricing not available
Review date: Sep 14, 2007
Very good
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2008 Ford Focus SES
With the exceptional Sync system as standard, the all-new Ford Focus SES has one of the highest tech-to-price ratios of any car we've seen.
Price: Sorry, pricing not available
Review date: Jan 18, 2008
Excellent
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2009 Honda Fit Sport
Honda made many positive changes for the 2009 version of the Fit, ending up with a car that features excellent fuel economy and some decent cabin tech.
Price: Sorry, pricing not available
Review date: Oct 23, 2008
Excellent
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2008 Mini Cooper S Clubman
Mini makes the 2008 Mini Cooper S Clubman a bit more practical with extra cargo area, while preserving the things that made the relaunched Mini stand out in the first place.
Price: Sorry, pricing not available
Review date: May 14, 2008
Very good
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