A commuter favorite, thanks to its solid dependability, strong gas mileage, and budget affordability, the 2009 Hyundai Accent stays afloat by not rocking the boat. This front-wheel-drive subcompact may be small and underpowered, like most cars of its size, but it delivers great value for the money spent and comes with Hyundai's famous 100,000-mile/10-year powertrain warranty. For 2009, the Accent adds cruise control to the options for the GLS and SE trims, an optional moonroof for the SE, and tweaks to the engine that slightly increase fuel economy to 27/33 mpg.

The 2009 Accent comes as a base GS or high-end SE hatchback and a GLS sedan. All are powered by a four-cylinder 1.6-liter engine that puts out 110 hp. Variable valve timing helps boost fuel economy. A 5-speed manual comes standard, with the option to add a 4-speed automatic. Neither powertrain offers much in the way of speed, and acceleration exhibits noisy effort when passing on the highway.

The base GS defines minimalism, with standard 14-inch wheels, intermittent wipers, 6-way manually adjustable front seats, and a rear spoiler. The radio does come with satellite radio, however. The GLS adds a CD/MP3 player and two extra cupholders, for a total of eight. The SE hatch goes full bore, with power windows, locks, and mirrors, larger 16-inch wheels, a rear window wiper, leather trim, remote entry, and foglights. Rear seats are cramped, with less than 35 inches of legroom, but the back seat split-folds 60/40, opening onto either a 12.4- or 15.9-cubic-foot trunk (sedan versus hatchback). A cargo cover comes standard on the hatch.

Though it offers bare-bones functionality and a great savings opportunity, one area where the 2009 Accent still falls short is crash test performance. It adds a few more stars this year from the NHTSA, earning five for front-side impact, but still rates only three for rear occupants - this despite having dual front-side and side curtain airbags for both rows. Both the GS and GLS feature front disc and rear drum brakes, with 4-wheel ABS and electronic brakeforce distribution standard only on the SE.