It’s one of the 10 best cars of 2008 regardless of the price, but the value for the money is phenomenal. Unlike many vehicles at this price point, automatic transmission is a standard feature, along with GM’s OnStar Gen 7 with turn by turn navigation, XM satellite radio capability, and the transferable 100,000 powertrain warranty. But it’s not just about the features—the 2008 Malibu’s solid construction with layers of soundproofing creates a “cocoon of quiet” that envelopes the driver, while the standard engine delivers a peppy, responsive ride.  Moreover, it’s a car that doesn’t scream “budget.” With its refined styling, and upscale appearance, the 2008 Malibu goes beyond the basic transportation requirement without that “starter car” feel. Certainly there are cars on the market that cost less, but none come as fully equipped.

Ford packs a lot of features into this small car. The standard engine delivers a lot of punch and is fun to drive, yet the 2008 Focus retains the high gas mileage buyers are expecting from a compact without compromising safety. Though the industry-leading SYNC technology isn’t a standard feature, the low base price for the Focus makes it easy to upgrade..

With the 2008 Honda Accord LX Sedan, you can have all the great reliability, safety, and performance benefits of a full-sized sedan in a mid-sized car for just a pinch over $20,000. Honda increased the interior volume of the 2008 Accord with minimal increase to the exterior dimensions, but the uptick in head and leg room bumps up the Accord’s EPA classification from mid to full-size vehicle. For the buyer, this means that the rear seats have more leg room that many other mid-sized cars. And in addition to more space, you’ll get more safety features than most cars in its price range—including the Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure, which help protects occupants in accidents with vehicles of mismatched heights.

Though technically not under $20,000, the $1050 federal tax credit that still applies to this entry-level hybrid (in addition to any tax credits that some states offer) lowers the base price this gas-saving car, while the high fuel economy lowers the total cost ownership for this vehicle. But you’re not just getting a gas-sipper. For the money you’re also getting a smooth ride, a responsive engine that makes it fun to drive, advanced safety features--including the Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure, which help protects occupants in accidents with vehicles of mismatched heights--and the high reliability synonymous with the Honda brand.

When it comes to getting a lot of car for the money, size doesn’t matter. With the 2008 Honda Fit, you get the feeling of a premium car interior but in a subcompact car that is perfect for any style of driving. Interior features include audio input for plugging in a MP3 player, speed sensitive volume control, and fold flat rear seats almost doubles the storage capacity of the vehicle from 21.3 to 41.9 cubic feet. This nimble ride offers a sporty drive, especially if you’re using the paddle shifters available on the Sport edition.

The 2008 Hyundai Elantra is one of the top values for the money. As a mid-sized sedan, the Elantra delivers all the room, styling, and mileage that the bargain-minded driver is looking for. Inside you’ll find lots of nice features, such as standard XM satellite radio, remote keyless entry, and 60/40 split fold-down rear seats. High reliability is another strong selling point, as is the Electronic Stability Control which is available when you upgrade to the SE trim model. But its best-in-class warranty is what really seals the deal, especially when you factor in the 5 year/unlimited mile 24-hour roadside assistance that covers towing, lock-out, flat tire, and battery failure.

It’s a compact car that gives you the best of a lot of worlds. With the 2008 Mazda3 Sport 5-door, you get the trifecta: good gas mileage, a sporty ride, and decent storage. It’s the perfect car for drivers that don’t want an SUV but need more storage than your typical 4-door sedan--the hatchback’s fold-flat seats deliver 43.8 cubic feet of cargo space. It’s also one of the nimblest rides on the market in its class, which has helped it develop a cult following for trendy drivers in the know.

The 2008 Lancer is the leader in compact sports sedan segment. For just under $14k, you get a powerful drivetrain, well-tuned suspension and aggressive styling that makes the Lancer the one of the fastest little sedan in its class. With it’s sharp lines and impressive handling, the car appeals to anyone looking for people looking for something little different—or looking to dip their toe into the street racing scene—but it also delivers a lot of value on its little chassis. It boasts advanced safety features and spacious interior with lots of available upgrades, including a 30 gig navigation system with an integrated digital music server. If it’s all about the driving, upgrade to the GTS and for the bigger engine (2.0-liter, 152-horsepower) with Paddle-shifter Sportronic CVT.

Nissan’s entry-level Altima has one of the most powerful 4-cyclindar engines on the market in a mid-sized sedan for the money. Giving the car the extra edge is its Continuously Variable Transmission, which places the powerband where you need it to provide immediate power instead of waiting for transmission to shift. In addition to power and speed, you’ll also get a lot of standard features for under $20k, including push button start, Bluetooth integration, and a MP3 auxiliary jack. The 2008 Altima’s more rigid D-platform enables the car to handle better around corners, but the suspension still provides a smooth ride. Stylishly designed with a quiet interior, it’s a car that looks and drives like it’s expensive but isn’t.

The 2008 Scion tC Sport Coupe isn’t just one of the fastest cars of its segment on the market, it’s also one of the most fun to drive. The well-tuned engine and suspension is what makes the car one of the hottest in the tuner community. But it’s not all just the handling. The interior goes beyond stylish--with its black interior and restrained silver accents it’s downright sexy. But it’s not enough for you, multiple skins easily change the look. In addition to the auxiliary media jack, the 2008 Scion enables you to connect your iPod directly to the head unit and shuffle your tunes through control units on the dash and on the steering wheel. Though gorgeous and well equipped off the lot with standard alloy wheels and a bonus Pioneer subwoofer, it’s a car that’s built for modifying and dozens of features are available to make this hot little number your own.