2009 Toyota Matrix

Features 16-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, a CD stereo with an auxiliary audio jack, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel and power mirrors.

Equipped with the 1.8-liter engine, the Matrix returns above-average fuel economy —  25/31 mpg.

Comes with antilock disc brakes, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.

The controls are laid out to ergonomic near-perfection. In back, the tall, deep bench is comfortable for children and adults alike, and it folds completely flat in 60/40 sections. There are 19.8 cubic feet of luggage capacity behind the rear seats and a seats-down volume of 61.5 cubes.