7 fun cars that make sense

Price: $22,830

Fuel Economy: 23 mpg city/32 mpg highway

Reliability of the Altima 2.5S sedan is rated as "very good" by Consumer Reports. Its 175-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine uses a CVT, or continuously variable automatic transmission, to hustle power to the front wheels. Delivering a comfortable ride and decent handling, the tuning of the four-wheel independent suspension is an acceptable compromise.

A roomy people-hauler, its standard equipment list includes full power accessories, cruise control, air conditioning, a trip computer, remote keyless entry, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and a six-speaker audio system with a CD player and an auxiliary input jack.