Cheap Family Sedans

MSRP: $11,495 - $14,025
Fuel Economy: 33 mpg Hwy/27 mpg City

The Rio is a subcompact that is inexpensive, stylish and a spacious little car. It delivers sprightly performance, great fuel economy and agile handling. It's front-wheel drive with independent front suspension, a semi-independent rear suspension, 14-inch wheels on the Base and LX trims, and 15-inch on the SX trim.

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: $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: $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: $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: $14,489 - $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.