Cheap Family Sedans

MSRP: $11,965 - $15,365
Fuel Economy: 34 mpg Hwy/27 mpg City

The Aveo sedan and Aveo 5 hatchback combine a fuel efficient engine, seating for five, ample cargo space and a host of optional features. The front-wheel drive Aveo and Aveo 5 are available in three trims. The LS comes standard with power steering, body-colored mirrors, 14-inch wheels, front cloth bucket seats and an AM/FM radio.

MSRP: $9,970 - $15,070
Fuel Economy: 33 mpg Hwy/27 mpg City

The Accent sedan and hatchback are exceptional economy cars that offer attractive looks and outstanding value in a price-sensitive market segment. The Accent is powered by a 1.6-liter double overhead-cam engine that produces 110 horsepower, and features variable valve timing.

MSRP: $12,205 - $15,125
Fuel Economy: 36 mpg Hwy/29 mpg City

The Toyota Yaris manages to combine a well-tailored, roomy interior with agile performance and a fuel efficient engine in an entry-level car. The front-wheel drive Yaris is available as a hatchback (three-door or five-door) or a four-door sedan; all are offered in either Base or S trim.

MSRP: $9,990 - $16,330
Fuel Economy: 31 mpg Hwy/26 mpg City

The Versa is Nissan's entry-level car with the intention of attracting economy-minded buyers with its mileage, price and larger size than most other vehicles in its class. In keeping with its positioning as Nissan's entry-level car, the Versa lineup is pretty straightforward.

MSRP: $13,299 - $18,539
Fuel Economy: 28 mpg Hwy/21 mpg City

The SX4 is a small five-door wagon or four-door sedan. Sporty and versatile it is available with front-wheel or Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive (I-AWD). Available in Base, Technology, and Touring trims the SX4 is powered by a 143-hp 2.0-liter all-aluminum four-cylinder engine matched with a five-speed manual transmission (four-speed automatic is optional).

MSRP: $13,550 - $16,450
Fuel Economy: 30 mpg Hwy/23 mpg City

If you're looking for strong value in a compact package, the Spectra should be on your shopping list. It represents one of the best values, with an impressive list of safety equipment for its modest price. The Spectra is a compact four-door sedan that can seat up to five passengers. Spectra is available in three trims: LX, EX and SX.

MSRP: $14,120 - $17,020
Fuel Economy: 33 mpg Hwy/24 mpg City

The Elantra is an economic compact car with handsome styling and nice lines. It has excellent interior space and standard safety equipment. The current generation Elantra can seat up to five and has very accommodating trunk space. It comes in two trim levels: GLS, SE, all of which use a 138-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.

MSRP: $14,340 - $26,490
Fuel Economy: 30 mpg Hwy/22 mpg City

The Lancer combines curves, creases and angles into an attractive compact sedan package offering visual evidence of underlying dynamic capabilities. Underpinning the Lancer is the same new platform that Mitsubishi introduced beneath the 2007 Outlander. The interior was designed to emphasize roominess in a compact package.

MSRP: $14,489 - $17,689
Fuel Economy: 28 mpg Hwy/20 mpg City

The Forenza offers a lot of value for the money in a compact sedan/wagon when compared with the big name brands. It comes as a five-passenger sedan or wagon. Its engine, generating up to 127 horsepower and 131 lb.-ft. of torque, is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that is mated to either a standard five-speed manual or an optional four-speed automatic transmission.