Toyota Corolla

The Corolla is right on target, for most people and ranks among the top models in its class. It combines the practicality and frugal fuel economy that compact-sedan buyers want with a roomy interior, amenities, standard advanced safety features and a token of style.

The Corolla is one of the roomiest in its class with a surprisingly spacious rear seat with ample leg room. But it's small enough for easy maneuvering and parking. And it's one of the best-riding compact sedans we've tested, absorbing bumps with only muted impacts.

All Corolla sedans are powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable transmission -- except the sportier SE, which gets a six-speed manual transmission. With the CVT our Corolla LE delivered an excellent 32 mpg overall and stretched highway mpg to 43. Performance, though, was just adequate.