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2006 SmartChoice Lowest Operating Costs Award Winners

Which cars are the least expensive to operate? The winners of IntelliChoice's Lowest Operating Costs Award. As part of our annual ownership cost analysis, IntelliChoice has identified the cars in each class with the lowest operating costs over the first five year period of ownership.

Click on any award winner below to see its detailed vehicle report, or click on a vehicle class to see the SmartChoice Lowest Operating Costs award winners for only that class.

Lowest Operating Costs: Winners by Class

Base Sport

Honda Civic Si (Manual)
Acura RSX Type S
Chevrolet Cobalt SS Supercharged
Honda Civic Si w/HP Tires (Manual)
Honda Civic Si w/Navigation & HP Tires (Manual)
Honda Civic Si w/Navigation (Manual)
Mazda MX-5 Miata Club Spec

Compact

Honda Civic Hybrid (Auto)
Honda Accord LX (Manual)
Honda Civic DX (Auto)
Honda Civic DX (Manual)
Honda Civic EX (Auto)
Honda Civic EX (Manual)
Honda Civic EX w/Navigation (Auto)
Honda Civic EX w/Navigation (Manual)
Honda Civic Hybrid w/Navigation (Auto)
Honda Civic LX (Auto)
Honda Civic LX (Manual)
Hyundai Elantra GLS
Hyundai Elantra GLS (Manual)
Hyundai Elantra GT (Manual)
Kia Rio (Manual)
Kia Rio LX (Auto)
Kia Rio LX (Manual)
Kia Rio5 SX (Auto)
Kia Rio5 SX (Manual)
Mitsubishi Lancer ES (Manual)
Mitsubishi Lancer O-Z Rally (Manual)
Mitsubishi Lancer SE (Manual)
Nissan Sentra (Auto)
Nissan Sentra (Manual)
Nissan Sentra S (Auto)
Nissan Sentra S (Manual)
Toyota Corolla CE (Manual)
Toyota Corolla LE (Manual)
Toyota Corolla S (Manual)
Volkswagen Golf GLS TDI (Auto)
Volkswagen Golf GLS TDI (Manual)

Full-Size Van

Dodge Sprinter 2500 High Ceiling w/118" WB Van
Dodge Sprinter 2500 High Ceiling w/118" WB Wagon
Dodge Sprinter 2500 High Ceiling w/140" WB Van
Dodge Sprinter 2500 High Ceiling w/140" WB Wagon
Dodge Sprinter 2500 Super High Ceiling w/118" WB Van
Dodge Sprinter 2500 Super High Ceiling w/118" WB Wagon
Dodge Sprinter 2500 Super High Ceiling w/140" WB Van
Dodge Sprinter 2500 Super High Ceiling w/140" WB Wagon

Intermediate Utility

Isuzu Ascender 5-Passenger 2WD
Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2WD
Buick Rendezvous CX 2WD
Buick Rendezvous CX AWD
Buick Rendezvous CXL 2WD
Buick Rendezvous CXL AWD
Ford Freestyle Limited 2WD
Ford Freestyle SE 2WD
Ford Freestyle SE AWD
Ford Freestyle SEL 2WD
Ford Freestyle SEL AWD
Honda Pilot EX Cloth 2WD
Honda Pilot EX Leather & DVD Entertainment System 2WD
Honda Pilot EX Leather & Navigation System 2WD
Honda Pilot EX Leather 2WD
Honda Pilot LX 2WD
Isuzu Ascender 5-Passenger 4WD
Lexus RX 330 2WD
Lexus RX 400h 2WD
Lexus RX 400h AWD
Lexus RX 400h AWD (Original Version)
Nissan Murano S 2WD
Nissan Murano S AWD
Nissan Murano SE AWD
Nissan Murano SL 2WD
Nissan Murano SL AWD
Nissan Pathfinder LE 2WD
Nissan Pathfinder S 2WD
Nissan Pathfinder SE 2WD
Nissan Xterra Off-Road 2WD (Manual)
Nissan Xterra S 2WD (Manual)
Nissan Xterra X 2WD (Manual)
Nissan Xterra X 4WD (Manual)
Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4WD
Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 2WD
Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4WD

Large

Hyundai Sonata GL (Manual)
Chevrolet Impala LS
Chevrolet Impala LT 3.5L
Hyundai Sonata GL (Auto)
Hyundai Sonata GLS
Hyundai Sonata GLS V6
Toyota Avalon Limited
Toyota Avalon Touring
Toyota Avalon XL
Toyota Avalon XLS

Large Pickup

Toyota Tundra Regular Cab 2WD (Auto)
Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 2WD
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab LS 2WD
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab LS 4WD
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab LT 2WD
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab LT 4WD
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Extended Cab LS 2WD Long Bed
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Extended Cab LS 2WD Short Bed
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Extended Cab LS 4WD Long Bed
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Extended Cab LS 4WD Short Bed
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Extended Cab LT 2WD Long Bed
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Extended Cab LT 2WD Short Bed
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Extended Cab LT 2WD Standard Bed
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Extended Cab LT 4WD Long Bed
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Extended Cab LT 4WD Short Bed
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Extended Cab LT 4WD Standard Bed
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Extended Cab Work Truck 2WD Long Bed
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Extended Cab Work Truck 2WD Short Bed
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Extended Cab Work Truck 4WD Long Bed
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Extended Cab Work Truck 4WD Short Bed
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Regular Cab LS 2WD Long Bed
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Regular Cab LS 2WD Short Bed
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Regular Cab LS 4WD Long Bed
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Regular Cab LT 2WD Long Bed
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Regular Cab LT 2WD Short Bed
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Regular Cab LT 4WD Long Bed
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Regular Cab LT 4WD Short Bed
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Regular Cab Work Truck 2WD Long Bed
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Regular Cab Work Truck 2WD Short Bed
Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab ST 2WD Short Bed
Dodge Ram 1500 Regular Cab ST 2WD Long Bed
Dodge Ram 1500 Regular Cab ST 2WD Short Bed
Ford F150 Regular Cab STX Flareside 2WD
Ford F150 Regular Cab STX Styleside 2WD
Ford F150 Regular Cab XL 2WD Long Bed
Ford F150 Regular Cab XL 2WD Standard Bed
Ford F150 Regular Cab XLT 2WD Long Bed
Ford F150 Regular Cab XLT Flareside 2WD
Ford F150 Regular Cab XLT Styleside 2WD Standard Bed
GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab SL 2WD
GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab SL 4WD
GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab SLE 2WD
GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab SLE 4WD
GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab SLT 2WD
GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab SLT 4WD
GMC Sierra 1500 Extended Cab SL 2WD Long Bed
GMC Sierra 1500 Extended Cab SL 2WD Short Bed
GMC Sierra 1500 Extended Cab SL 4WD Long Bed
GMC Sierra 1500 Extended Cab SL 4WD Short Bed
GMC Sierra 1500 Extended Cab SLE 2WD Long Bed
GMC Sierra 1500 Extended Cab SLE 2WD Short Bed
GMC Sierra 1500 Extended Cab SLE 2WD Standard Bed
GMC Sierra 1500 Extended Cab SLE 4WD Long Bed
GMC Sierra 1500 Extended Cab SLE 4WD Short Bed
GMC Sierra 1500 Extended Cab SLE 4WD Standard Bed
GMC Sierra 1500 Extended Cab SLT 2WD Long Bed
GMC Sierra 1500 Extended Cab SLT 2WD Short Bed
GMC Sierra 1500 Extended Cab SLT 2WD Standard Bed
GMC Sierra 1500 Extended Cab SLT 4WD Short Bed
GMC Sierra 1500 Extended Cab SLT 4WD Standard Bed
GMC Sierra 1500 Extended Cab Work Truck 2WD Long Bed
GMC Sierra 1500 Extended Cab Work Truck 2WD Short Bed
GMC Sierra 1500 Extended Cab Work Truck 4WD Long Bed
GMC Sierra 1500 Extended Cab Work Truck 4WD Short Bed
GMC Sierra 1500 Regular Cab SL 2WD Long Bed
GMC Sierra 1500 Regular Cab SL 2WD Short Bed
GMC Sierra 1500 Regular Cab SL 4WD Long Bed
GMC Sierra 1500 Regular Cab SL 4WD Short Bed
GMC Sierra 1500 Regular Cab SLE 2WD Long Bed
GMC Sierra 1500 Regular Cab SLE 2WD Short Bed
GMC Sierra 1500 Regular Cab SLE 4WD Long Bed
GMC Sierra 1500 Regular Cab SLE 4WD Short Bed
GMC Sierra 1500 Regular Cab Work Truck 2WD Long Bed
GMC Sierra 1500 Regular Cab Work Truck 2WD Short Bed
Nissan Titan Crew Cab LE 2WD
Nissan Titan Crew Cab LE 4WD
Nissan Titan Crew Cab SE 2WD
Nissan Titan Crew Cab SE 4WD
Nissan Titan Crew Cab XE 2WD
Nissan Titan Crew Cab XE 4WD
Nissan Titan King Cab LE 2WD
Nissan Titan King Cab LE 4WD
Nissan Titan King Cab SE 2WD
Nissan Titan King Cab SE 4WD
Nissan Titan King Cab XE 2WD
Nissan Titan King Cab XE 4WD
Toyota Tundra Access Cab Limited 2WD
Toyota Tundra Access Cab SR5 V6 2WD (Auto)
Toyota Tundra Access Cab SR5 V6 2WD (Manual)
Toyota Tundra Access Cab SR5 V8 2WD
Toyota Tundra Access Cab Stepside Limited 2WD
Toyota Tundra Access Cab Stepside SR5 V8 2WD
Toyota Tundra Double Cab Limited 2WD
Toyota Tundra Double Cab SR5 2WD
Toyota Tundra Regular Cab 2WD (Manual)
Toyota Tundra Regular Cab Work Truck 2WD

Luxury

Lexus GS 300 RWD
Acura RL
Acura RL (in AK)
Acura RL (in HI)
Audi A6 3.2
BMW 525 i
BMW 530 i
Cadillac STS V6
Infiniti M35
Infiniti M35 AWD
Infiniti M35 Sport
Lexus GS 300 AWD
Mercedes-Benz E320 CDI
Saab 9-5
Saab 9-5 SportCombi
Saab 9-5 SportCombi w/Sport Pkg
Saab 9-5 w/Sport Package
Volvo S80

Midsize

Toyota Prius
Honda Accord EX (Auto)
Honda Accord EX (Manual)
Honda Accord EX w/Leather & Navigation (Auto)
Honda Accord EX w/Leather & Navigation (Manual)
Honda Accord EX w/Leather & PZEV (Auto)
Honda Accord EX w/Leather (Auto)
Honda Accord EX w/Leather (Manual)
Honda Accord EX w/Leather, Navigation & PZEV (Auto)
Honda Accord EX w/PZEV (Auto)
Honda Accord LX (Auto)
Honda Accord LX (Manual)
Honda Accord LX w/PZEV (Auto)
Honda Accord SE (Auto)
Honda Accord SE (Manual)
Honda Accord SE w/PZEV (Auto)
Honda Accord VP (Auto)
Honda Accord VP (Manual)
Kia Optima LX (Manual)
Nissan Altima
Nissan Altima S (Manual)
Toyota Camry LE (Auto)
Toyota Camry SE (Auto)
Toyota Camry XLE (Auto)

Midsize Wag

Ford Focus ZXW SE
Ford Focus ZXW SES
Subaru Legacy i
Subaru Legacy i Limited

Mini Van

Honda Odyssey EX w/Leather
Honda Odyssey EX w/Leather & DVD
Honda Odyssey EX w/Leather, DVD & Navi
Honda Odyssey LX
Honda Odyssey Touring
Honda Odyssey Touring w/DVD & Navi
Mazda Mazda5 Sport
Mazda Mazda5 Touring
Nissan Quest
Nissan Quest S Special Edition

Minicompact

Honda Insight (Manual)
Honda Insight Air Conditioning (Auto)
Honda Insight Air Conditioning (Manual)

Near Luxury

Audi A4 2.0T (Manual)
Acura TSX (Auto)
Acura TSX (Manual)
Acura TSX w/Navigation System (Auto)
Acura TSX w/Navigation System (Manual)
Audi A3 2.0T (Auto)
Audi A3 2.0T (Manual)
Audi A4 1.8T
Audi A4 2.0T (Auto)
Audi A4 2.0T Avant Quattro (Manual)
Audi A4 2.0T Quattro (Manual)
Lexus IS 250 RWD (Auto)
Saab 9-3 2.0T
Saab 9-3 2.0T SportCombi
Volvo V50 2.4i

Small Pickup

Mazda B2300 Regular Cab
Chevrolet Colorado Extended Cab LS 2WD
Chevrolet Colorado Extended Cab LT 2WD
Chevrolet Colorado Regular Cab LS 2WD
Chevrolet Colorado Regular Cab LT 2WD
Ford Ranger Regular Cab XL 2WD Long Bed
Ford Ranger Regular Cab XL 2WD Short Bed
Ford Ranger Regular Cab XLT 2WD Long Bed
Ford Ranger Regular Cab XLT 2WD Short Bed
Ford Ranger Super Cab XL 2WD
Ford Ranger Super Cab XLT 2WD 2D
GMC Canyon Crew Cab 2WD
GMC Canyon Extended Cab SL 2WD
GMC Canyon Extended Cab SLE 2WD
GMC Canyon Extended Cab Work Truck 2WD
GMC Canyon Regular Cab SL 2WD
GMC Canyon Regular Cab SLE 2WD
GMC Canyon Regular Cab Work Truck 2WD
Isuzu i-280 Extended Cab LS 2WD
Isuzu i-280 Extended Cab S 2WD
Nissan Frontier King Cab XE 2WD (Manual)
Subaru Baja Sport
Toyota Tacoma Access Cab 2WD (Auto)
Toyota Tacoma Access Cab 2WD (Manual)
Toyota Tacoma Regular Cab 2WD (Auto)
Toyota Tacoma Regular Cab 2WD (Manual)

Small Utility

Ford Escape Hybrid 2WD
Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD
Ford Escape XLS 2WD (Manual)
Honda CR-V EX 4WD (Auto)
Honda CR-V EX 4WD (Manual)
Honda CR-V LX 2WD
Honda CR-V LX 4WD
Honda CR-V SE 4WD
Honda Element EX 2WD (Auto)
Honda Element EX-P 2WD (Auto)
Honda Element LX 2WD (Auto)
Hyundai Tucson GL 2WD (Auto)
Hyundai Tucson GL 2WD (Manual)
Kia Sportage LX 2WD (Auto)
Kia Sportage LX 2WD (Manual)
Mazda Tribute i 2WD (Manual)
Mercury Mariner Hybrid
Mitsubishi Outlander LS 2WD (Manual)
Mitsubishi Outlander LS AWD (Manual)
Saturn VUE 2.2L 2WD (Manual)
Toyota RAV4 2WD
Toyota RAV4 4WD
Toyota RAV4 Limited 2WD
Toyota RAV4 Limited 4WD
Toyota RAV4 Sport 2WD

Small Wag

Scion xB (Auto)
Pontiac Vibe 2WD
Scion xB (Manual)
Toyota Matrix Standard 2WD (Auto)
Toyota Matrix Standard 2WD (Manual)
Toyota Matrix XR 2WD (Auto)
Toyota Matrix XR 2WD (Manual)

Sport

Infiniti G35 (Auto)
Infiniti G35 (Manual)
Nissan 350Z
Nissan 350Z Enthusiast (Auto)
Nissan 350Z Enthusiast (Manual)
Nissan 350Z Enthusiast (Manual)
Nissan 350Z Touring (Auto)
Nissan 350Z Touring (Manual)
Nissan 350Z Touring (Manual)

Subcompact

Honda Civic DX (Auto)
Honda Civic DX (Manual)
Honda Civic EX (Auto)
Honda Civic EX w/Navigation (Auto)
Honda Civic LX (Auto)
Honda Civic LX (Manual)
Scion xA (Auto)
Scion xA (Manual)

Utility

Chevrolet Tahoe 2WD
Chevrolet TrailBlazer LS Extended 2WD (N/A After 12-9-05)
Chevrolet TrailBlazer LT Extended 2WD (N/A After 12-9-05)
GMC Envoy XL Denali 2WD
GMC Envoy XL SLE 2WD
GMC Envoy XL SLT 2WD
GMC Yukon SL 2WD
GMC Yukon SL 4WD
GMC Yukon SLE 2WD
GMC Yukon SLE 4WD
GMC Yukon SLT 2WD
Isuzu Ascender 7-Passenger 2WD
Isuzu Ascender 7-Passenger 4WD

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