No need for excuses here: the Accent, with its distinctive design and fuel-sipping engine, is a fine choice for an economical car. Available as a four-door sedan or a five-door hatchback, the interior feels more upscale than the competition’s. Its 137-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder pairs with either a perky six-speed manual or a sluggish six-speed automatic. The manual rates at 38 mpg highway; the automatic gets 37 mpg. Last but not least: the Accent has a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty