2019 Volkswagen Jetta S

The 2019 Jetta S with the stick shift is a fun daily driver that's easy on gas. The 1.4L turbo puts out 147 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, which feels stronger than the numbers suggest because the turbo delivers torque low in the rev range. Paired with the 6-speed manual, it's an engaging car to drive whether you're commuting to Salinas or cruising Highway 1.

It's also SULEV certified, so it runs clean. Inside, there's room for five and a decent sized trunk for a compact sedan. You get a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so your music and maps are right there.

The Jetta has always been a solid pick for someone who wants a European feel without the European price tag. This one's ready to go. Stop by and row through the gears yourself.