2006 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan

Cars once considered compacts have grown into larger mid-size sedans, and the Volkswagen Jetta is the perfect example. The original car was simply a four-door version of the compact Golf, but today's Jetta is nearly as large as the previous generation Passat, and its shapely new skin is also a stylish departure for Volkswagen. On the plus side, a larger exterior translates into more interior room, a value statement that's illustrated by the 2.5 Value Edition model that starts at just over $18,000. Compare that to the Honda Civic, Mazda3, Hyundai Elantra or Toyota Corolla and you'll find a substantial price difference. The new VW Jetta represents a lot of four-door sedan for the money.