It may be one of the most famous American-made cars brands, but analysts were skeptical about how well its newest car, the Chevrolet Cruze, would sell upon its release. The early returns are in and it looks like the doubts were unfounded. The Cruze compact ranked 10th among sales of all cars in its first 12 months, USA Today reports.

Although some were skeptical about whether or not the tiny Cruze would be a hit with American consumers, General Motors North America President Mark Reuss was not among them. The car had been a hit in other places across the globe so it seemed like a good fit in the United States as well.

"Everywhere in the world where we launched the car, it just took off. So we knew the hardware was really good," Chevrolet sales chief Alan Batey, who worked with Reuss in Australia, told the publication. "Mark passionately felt that if ever there was a chance to establish ourselves in the small-car market, this was it."

The reason for its success can be tied largely to the fact that it is among the most fuel-efficient cars on the road. Specifically, the Environmental Protection Agency has said that it can enjoy up to 42 miles per gallon on the highway all while remaining affordable at under $17,500, and in an uncertain economy both factors cannot be understated.

While you may not be looking to get behind the wheel of a new car, there are plenty of excellent used choices that are fuel-efficient as well. The Ford Fiesta, for instance, has proven to be especially wallet-friendly when it comes to the pump and gets 40 miles per gallon on the highway. New Jersey Auto Auction offers consumers with a wide variety of choices of used cars all for affordable prices.