With all the attention being given to SUVs, CUVs and pickup trucks, cars are seemingly taking a back seat. But there are still plenty of sedans that deserve consideration. The Toyota Corolla isn’t flashy, but this compact car is a mileage champ. (The Corolla LE Eco model has estimated highway fuel economy of 40 mpg.) A one-week test drive showed that this car’s unibody construction can handle the potholes without tossing its occupants like rag dolls. For a small car, the Corolla is also heavy on comfort for rear seat riders who enjoy 41.4 inches of legroom.

Powering the tested front wheel drive 2018 Corolla SE is a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder that releases 132 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 128 pounds-feet of torque at 4400 rpm. Engine mates to a continuously variable transmission. The 106.3-inch wheelbase Corolla has a 35.6-foot curb-to-curb turning circle. Although the 2018 Corolla is essentially unchanged from the prior model year, all grades get a driver and front passenger illuminated visor vanity mirror. The tested Corolla SE has a MSRP of $20,495 and collects estimated mpg of 28 city and 35 highway.