In a world of economic instability, any new car that can tout a sub-$10,000 starting price has a lot going for it. OK, it has exactly one thing going for it: It's cheap. But that doesn't necessarily mean a horrible driving experience — nor does it mean every trim level of said car is cheap.

That's where the Hyundai Accent fits into the marketplace. It's inexpensive, inoffensive and gets good gas mileage. While that may not sound like a ringing endorsement, the Accent holds its own in a crowded field, and that says a heck of a lot.

I tested a 2009 Accent; 2010 models are arriving at dealerships now with a few changes.

• Changes for 2010
• Performance
• Interior
• Exterior
• Cargo
• Features
• Accent in the market