Getting performance on the cheap used to mean giving up a lot along the way. Not so anymore, as the latest crop of inexpensive sedans proves that there's plenty of fun and functionality to be had for $20,000.

In the Sentra's case, you can get a sizable chunk of go-fast parts for as little as $18,000, unheard of just a few years ago. The fact that the SE-R finished fourth shows just how far the competition has come in the past 18 months. Although still likable and fun to toss around, the Sentra is no longer the fastest vehicle out there. Combine that with an average interior and a clunky gearbox, and you have a car that falls just short of its rivals.

The Focus suffered from almost the same kind of competitive backlash. While 170 horsepower and a retuned suspension might have been good enough last year, the segment now demands something more to stand out. Its subdued styling and soft acceleration made it almost invisible in this test, but out on the track it still proved itself worthy of the hard-core enthusiast. If you're looking for the best compromise between performance and practicality, the Focus has plenty of both.

Reinvigorated with turbocharged power, the Protegé is now a fast sedan with few faults. It delivers remarkably precise handling for a car in this class, while the turbo delivers a broad band of power that's more usable than you might expect. Unique interior and exterior styling gives it a look to match its abilities. The Protegé is an excellent economy sport sedan for those who are willing to give up a little speed for a higher-quality interior.

The easy victory for the SRT-4 proves there's no replacement for displacement, or in this case, a big four-cylinder and a turbocharger. Dodge clearly went for the throat with the SRT, and although it still lacks a bit in the refinement category, there's no getting around the fact that it's the fastest thing on four wheels for $20K. Add in the sweet suspension and you've got yourself an economy sport sedan with no equals.