Toyota Corolla

At 32 mpg overall, this generation Corolla's fuel economy was among the best we'd measured in any conventional car with an automatic transmission, other than a hybrid or a diesel. The manual transmission model gets the same fuel economy as the automatic. The pleasant and refined Corolla provides a comfortable ride, an improved driving position, and a roomier rear seat, compared with the previous model. Interior fit and finish isn't quite as good though. Aided by electronic stability control, handling is responsive and secure, though not sporty.