Top 5 Economy Sedans

For a bit more money you get a lot more car with the Jetta. The engine is a 2.5-liter 5-cylinder making 170 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, the most of these 5. Jetta is the same size as the others but 500 pounds heavier, good for safety, but fuel mileage is lower at 21/29 mpg. Comes with a standard 5-speed manual or optional slick 6-speed automatic with Tiptronic.

Great standard stuff includes: electronic stability control (the only such economy car), traction control, electronic differential lock, 8-way adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support, safety structure with 40 features (insurance industry Top Safety Pick), six airbags (plus rare optional rear side airbags), 16-inch wheels, electromechanical variable power steering, and best warranty of 4 years/50,000 miles (5/60 powertrain). Another bonus is biggest trunk.

Bottom line: Jetta delivers three-fourths the quality and feel of a luxury sedan at half the price.