Rank: 3 out of 3
Base prices: $22,000 to $25,000
Fuel economy: 17/21 with AWD and automatic transmission
Photos and details

The FJ Cruiser's front seats are comfortable. Aside from the poor visibility, the driver's seat isn't a bad place to be. Funky design delights are everywhere, including patches of body-colored plastic.

Pity your passengers, though. The back seats are tomblike. To open the rear-hinged back doors, you have to reach in and fumble around for a lever that's located somewhere in the center of the door. Then you can climb in awkwardly through the small opening.

Feeling claustrophobic? The tiny window in that back door doesn't let in much light. And it can't be opened. Your kids will love the FJ Cruiser because it looks like a giant Tonka toy. But wait until they've been riding back there for a while. The tantrum will start after about a half hour, tops.