Kia Forte

 Affordability and a 10-year powertrain warranty are selling points for any Kia, but buyers of the Forte sedan and five-door hatchback also will enjoy surprising space, handsome styling, and a quality interior. A 148-hp, 1.8-liter four-cylinder with a six-speed manual serves as the base setup; a six-speed automatic is optional. Uplevel trims get a perky 173-hp 2.0-liter paired to a six-speed automatic. The steering is a bit numb, but even with the 2.0-liter, fuel economy is quite good.