Price: $23,730

Five-year true cost of ownership: $30,689

As a sensible family sedan, the Honda Accord LX-P is tough to beat. Its relatively low cost to own reflects its durability and better-than-average fuel economy, estimated by the Environmental Protection Agency at 23 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. A peppy 177-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine turns the front wheels. Its price as listed includes the five-speed, automatic transmission. A roomy back seat is ideal for adults or children. Consumer Reports also recommends it.

Among its standard features are air conditioning, full power accessories, tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, remote keyless entry, cruise control and a six-speaker audio system with CD player and auxiliary input jack.