2012 Kia Soul
Starting price: $13,900.
Fuel economy: 27 city and 35 highway mpg.
In the small car segment, the 2012 Kia Soul offers huge possibilities. The Soul has 23.7 cubic feet of cargo space with all five seating positions in use and the cargo tray removed, plus a sizable 53.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. It's impressive considering the Soul is more than 1 foot shorter than a Honda Civic.
The 2012 Kia Soul is powered by a 138-horsepower, 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine or a 164-horsepower 2-liter. Its standard features include cloth seats, air conditioning, audio system with MP3 capability and XM Satellite Radio, tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, power door locks and windows, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, six air bags, and stability control. Optional features include leather seats, automatic climate control, navigation system, heated front seats and underfloor storage for luggage.