You might be surprised at how much car you can get at an affordable price.

All of our favorites cost less than $20,000.

Yet they provide all of the essentials for comfort and convenience, from air conditioning and automatic transmissions to remote keyless entry. You won't have to compromise on safety and their fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines provide better gas mileage than V6-powered midsize sedans.

Hyundai Sonata

If you are a fan of bargain knock-offs, the Sonata is a good one.

It delivers much of what the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry do for thousands less. The interior has the same upscale look and feel as its higher-priced counterparts. Every safety feature is standard, including anti-lock brakes and side curtain air bags. You even get electronic stability control, which is not even offered on most midsize cars.

Since we're going for value here, we recommend the GLS with the four-speed automatic transmission and 2.4-liter engine that generates a respectable 162 horsepower and gets 24 miles per gallon in the city and 34 m.p.g. on the highway -- nearly as good as most compact sedans.

There are several option packages that add nice touches like a power driver's seat and audio controls for the steering wheel, but nothing that improves safety or performance. So take a pass and the sticker price will be $19,030, including the destination charge.

Ford Fusion

The Fusion is relatively new, but comes from solid, proven stock, sharing many mechanical components with the Mazda 6.

It features edgy styling with a large chrome grille, a roomy interior that is nicely appointed and crafted with a full-array of air bags. Behind the wheel you'll find it a stable yet nimble performer that dives into corners with admirable verve.

The 2.3-liter engine generates an adequate 160 h.p. and gets 23 m.p.g. in the city and 31 m.p.g. on the highway. The 17.5-gallon tank will allow you to drive almost 550 miles before you have to fill up.

We think you can be satisfied with the least expensive Fusion I4 S. What you get for another $2,000 or $3,000 is mostly bells and whistles.

Prices start at $17,995. With two options -- anti-lock brakes and a five-speed automatic transmission -- you'll be looking at $19,440.

Chevrolet Malibu

The Malibu has one of the roomiest interiors, including best-in-class rear-seat legroom. Even the front passenger seat folds down to make way for lots of cargo, including long objects like ladders and surfboards.

The 2.2-liter engine generates 20 fewer horsepower than the Sonata. But with the five-speed automatic transmission, it's not noticeably underpowered and gets exactly the same mileage as the Hyundai sedan.

All of that, and the lowest price of the bunch, should make you forget about the Malibu's uninspired, if not downright homely, appearance.

The Malibu 1LS is the least expensive version. You'll want the optional "enhanced safety package" that includes anti-lock brakes, traction control and an excellent set of airbags that costs $760, bringing the total price to $18,565.

By Michelle Krebs

Interest.com Contributing Editor

And Carolyn Siegel

Interest.com Associate Editor

Have questions about cars or your finances? Ask us at editors@interest.com