2005 Volvo S40 Evolve front2.jpg

Volvo's entry-level S40 underwent a key changeover last year when it switched donors: from a forgettable Mitsubishi compact called the Carisma (never sold here) to the new Ford Focus. Thankfully, Ford let Volvo be Volvo, so the S40 is loaded with 5-cylinder engines and all the safety features a paranoid mother could dream of.