If all you need is the most basic transportation, a sub-$10,000 Accent might be the right pick for you. But once you reach the full price tag by loading it up with features most buyers expect in any car these days, you're encroaching on territory ruled by Honda and Toyota.

The wild card is likely to be the real-world price, as you're more likely to find a Hyundai with a bigger discount. Current incentives on the Accent are $1,500 cash back on 2009 models and $500 for 2010s (excluding the low-cost base models) through Nov. 2. The Fit rarely, if ever, sees cash-back offers.