Volkswagen Golf

German engineering at an entry-level price, the Golf is offered for 2014 only in five-door hatchback versions. A 2.5-liter five-cylinder gas engine is standard; a 2.0-liter diesel is offered. Frequently named to our 10Best list (including this year), the Golf is as solid as a bank vault, with an upscale interior, great seats, and smooth engines. It’s a bit stingy on features, however, and the standard suspension feels more slow lane than autobahn.