2006 Hyundai Accent front

Hyundai's bargain leader has come a long way since its days as the Excel. A 110-horsepower 1.6-liter 4 with valve timing gives it the most power in its class, six airbags and antilock brakes give it the most safety content, and the increased space pushes it up to the "compact" class, giving it the interior volume lead as well. It's still one of the cheapest and most frugal cars money can buy; the basic design is shared with the new Kia Rio. The Accent's glow may last a short time as each of the big three Japanese automakers plans to counter the Accent in 2007.