The 5 Least Expensive 2009 Sedans

To many, it feels like 1930. (In a recession, your neighbor loses his job. In a depression you lose yours.) Here are five peppy, capable, low-cost, four-door sedans that will allow you to survive the current unpleasant times. Auto enthusiasts shouldn’t feel too penalized: All have more than 100 horsepower, which was once a prerequisite for a sports sedan. The legendary BMW 2002 from the 1970s barely cleared that mark. Here are the five least expensive, new, four-door sedans available in the U.S. Prices include destination and handling.

Nissan Versa 1.6 Sedan: $10,685

The extremely roomy four-door Versa 1.6 Sedan is the least-expensive new four-door sedan in the U.S. This bare-bones vehicle is svelte on the outside---it’s no longer than a Toyota Corolla---but inside there’s plenty of room for four large adults and preteen. Steering is precise but standard all-season tires lack grip wet or dry. At its lowest price, the Versa comes with a five-speed manual but without air conditioner or radio. All 1.6 Sedans have finger-operated door locks and old-style crank windows. Air conditioning is available for $1,000 and another $1,000 gets an automatic transmission. The Mexico-built Versa boasts 107 horsepower. With an EPA rating of 34 mpg highway and 26 in the city, it’s among the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid, non-diesel cars in the country.

Kia Rio: $12,145

Many will choose the Rio because it comes with air conditioning, a four-speaker AM/FM/CD sound system and a three-month subscription to Sirius satellite radio. The Rio is built on the same platform as the Hyundai Accent. The base Rio provides 110 horsepower from its 1.6-liter DOHC four. It’s mated to a five-speed manual transmission so a skilled driver can make the little Kia run quicker than more-powerful automatic-equipped cars. The Rio comes with an eight-way adjustable driver’s seat, rear defroster and a 60/40 split-folding rear seatback. The Korean-made Rio offers more interior room than either Civic or Corolla. The Rio boast six airbags and front seatbelt pretensioners, among other safety features, and earned a five-star crash rating for front passengers. Fuel mileage is 32 highway and 27 in the city.

Chevrolet Aveo LS and Aveo5 LS: $12,625

Here are two low-cost sedans with American ties: General Motors owns a majority of Daewo, which produces the Aveo in Korea. The Aveo comes with GM’s OnStar assistance program. Both four-door sedan and four-door hatchback are available at the same starting price. The Aveo features a 106 horsepower four-cylinder engine. Other standard features include seat-mounted side-impact air bags, tilt steering wheel, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, halogen headlamps, and a six-speaker AM/FM radio with iPod jacks. Air conditioning is a $50 option. The Aveo can accommodate four six-foot tall passengers and maybe a fifth if it’s raining. In government crash testing, the 2009 Aveo Sedan earned a five-star rating for its driver in frontal impacts, while the Aveo5 also got five stars for the front passenger.

Hyundai Accent GLS: $13,615

While the two-door Accent GS is the least-expensive new car sold in America, the four-door Accent GLS starts about $3,000 higher. The Accent GLS enjoys a 110-horse 1.6-liter engine. To allow the cash-strapped and family impaired to dream they’re in a performance car, the Accent has a short-throw shifter for its five-speed manual. Air conditioning and a basic radio is standard. Six airbags, including full-length side-curtain bags, helped the Accent GLS receive five-star crash safety ratings for both front seaters in frontal impacts. Everybody picks on the Civic and Corolla: Hyundai says the Accent GLS has more interior room than either. The Accent enjoys a five-year/60,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty powertrain warranty.

Toyota Yaris: $13,685

Something rare in low cost sedans: The Toyota Yaris comes standard with anti-lock brakes. Also new for 2009, all Yaris models feature, front seat-mounted side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. The Japan-built Yaris comes standard with air conditioning and a five-speed manual. The Yaris is also available as two- and four-door hatchbacks. Its 1.5-liter four makes 106 horsepower. With the five-speed, the Yaris is rated at 29 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. The base Yaris comes with an “audio prep” package that includes four pre-wired speakers but no head unit. A resourceful teenager with $150 and craigslist.com will be able to turn that into a neighborhood-thumping system.