Dodge Caliber
Lowest base price: $13,425
Fuel economy: 23/26
Safety: Excellent in all NHTSA impact tests. Anti-lock brakes optional, head-protecting airbags standard
Details and photos

The Chrysler PT Cruiser has better performance (not that that's saying much) and a nicer interior, but it lacks the Caliber's very significant cool factor. The Caliber also feels more open and airy inside. We suggest you wait a little while until you can get a Caliber with the larger 2.4-liter engine and a manual transmission. That combination isn't available yet, but Chrysler Corp. says it will be very soon. Currently, you can only get that engine with a foot-dragging automatic transmission.