The Korean automaker is coming into its own, as this white-hot sedan's status proves. Although priced low the car scores high marks for both interior fit-and-finish as well as thoughtful exterior touches common to more expensive competitors, including body-colored side mirrors and chromed out door handles and exhaust tips. Factor in an exciting silhouette and competitors such as Toyota Camry and Chevy Malibu could look staid by comparison.
Base MSRP: $18,995
Average market price: $20,473
2. Nissan Versa
To be blunt, the Versa is a bit of a homely machine, but what it lacks in looks it clearly makes up for in sheer practicality and price. Although the car comes in a half-dozen trim levels (with either 1.4- or 1.8-liter four-cylinder engines) that top out at more than $17,000, this vehicle's average market price indicates that consumers view it as the ultimate in practical econo-boxes.
Base MSRP: $11,240
Average market price: $11,924
3. Toyota Prius
The machine that made small but frugal machines cool is more desirable than ever, and several new models, including a nifty plug-in version, will soon debut. What's more, the recent earthquake in Japan has made the current car scarcer than ever on dealer lots (recent reports indicate only a four-day supply of Prii), adding to the frenzy that's existed for this car since its worldwide debut in 2001.
Base MSRP: $21,650
Average market price: $22,901
4. Scion xD
Toyota's product planning wizards struck gold when they decided to build a luxury car and call it something else (Lexus) to create a new market for its automobiles. They repeated this trick downmarket with Scion, and the xB and tC have scored bulleyes with Gen Y buyers looking for reliable cars that scream hip. The comparatively low-key hatchback in the line-up - the xD - is along for this winning ride.
Base MSRP: $15,845
Average market price: $16,605
5. Scion xB
The xB arguably made Scion's name, a veritable four-wheeled box that in 2004 announced its practical intentions while at the same time somehow redefining what a cool car was all about. Seven years later the xB is taking cues from aftermarket customizers and now comes in a limited-release series featuring an impossible to ignore blue exterior that boasts dramatic front, rear and side skirts. But desirability alone doesn't account for the high prices being paid for both the xB and xD: the earthquake damaged plants that make both cars and production has been halted under further notice.
Base MSRP: $16,950
Average market price: $17,670
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