2012 Nissan Sentra

Base MSRP $16,430

The Sentra is Nissan's compact sedan, competing with the likes of the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Focus and Hyundai Elantra. Compared to these vehicles, the Sentra has a somewhat sportier look and feel--especially in its top SE-R and SE-R Spec V models. It's also one of the better for backseat and trunk space and the sporty SE-R Spec V provides a good alternative between standard-issue compact sedans and tuner-influenced models like the Mazdaspeed3 and Subaru WRX.