2012 Volkswagen Passat SE

The 2012 Passat is Volkswagen's mid-size sedan, built in Tennessee and aimed squarely at family buyers who want German engineering without the premium badge. It's a comfortable highway cruiser, and the diesel version is the one to pick if you want to go 800 miles between fill-ups. The cabin is roomy enough for tall passengers to stretch out in back, and the trunk is one of the largest in the class. Some owners have dealt with electrical gremlins and a few recalls, so it's worth checking the service history before you buy. The SE is the popular mid-range trim, giving you a sunroof and keyless entry while skipping the SEL's nicer audio and leather. Its 2.5L I5 makes it smoother than a four-cylinder, and with the six-speed automatic it cruises effortlessly on the highway at 31 mpg highway.