If everything from gas prices to insurance premiums has you shopping for a small, affordable car, we recommend the Honda Fit, Nissan Versa and Scion xD.

Buy one and we suspect you'll be shocked at how little they have in common with the boring subcompacts we've come to know and hate over the years.

You won't spend more than $15,000 and still get 30 miles or more on a gallon of gas.

But these 5-door hatchbacks have lots of interior room for friends or cargo, and make saving money look smart. Even exciting.

They're surprisingly stylish, even hip. They're a hoot to drive and come with all the comfort, safety and convenience of larger, pricier models. Air conditioning. Side-curtain air bags. iPod compatible six-speaker stereos. 16-inch wheels. Rear roof spoilers. Carbon fiber engine covers.

What more do you need to know?

Click here to learn more about the best small cars.