There's a reason F1 cars use V6s. They're compact and thus can sit closer to the center of the car, and they provide decent enough power for most applications. Ford even ditched the V8 for a turbocharged V6 in the new Ford GT.
Some of the fastest, most impressive cars in the world use a V6, such as the Nissan's GT-R. It's a wonder as to why the Mustang offers a turbo four-cylinder instead of improving on its V6. For moderate compact power that can be oriented for performance purposes, the V6 is hard to beat.
10 2009 Acura RL
For $15,000 a brand new car isn't going to impress, but thankfully going back a few years opens up some interesting possibilities. The 2009 Acura RL is a surprising package of versatility. It's a four-door sedan with a 3.7-liter V6 sending 300 horsepower to all four wheels. It's even hailed as a luxurious sleeper.
The car uses something called Super Handling, which sends additional power to the outside wheels for snappier steering response. An option for this year RL was a system for mitigating collisions, where the car would apply the brakes if it got too close to another car in front.
9 2019 Dodge Charger SXT
Sitting affordably at $25,000, a relatively new base model Dodge Charger will fit the bill for a cheap V6 powered car. Also a sedan, the Charger SXT has a 3.6-liter V6 producing 300 horsepower, powering all four wheels.
For 2019 the SXT shares some exterior attributes with the Hellcat and enjoys some new interior comforts like new leather seats. Stiffer suspension helps the car feel agile, but unfortunately, the car still suffers from numb steering according to Car and Driver. The V6 nevertheless offers surprising acceleration for the car's weight class.
8 2012 Infiniti G37 Journey Sedan
Yet another member of the all-wheel drive club is the 2012 Infiniti G37 Journey Sedan. It uses a 3.7-liter V6 with an impressive 328 horsepower, and is cheap, clocking in at around $12,000.
Holding out for a G37 sport would be ideal, as it comes with stiff suspension, limited-slip differential, and upgraded brakes, plus a manual transmission. It's possible to find a Journey with the sport package, but that won't include the manual transmission. All in all, as a grand touring car the G37 Journey is a solid choice.
7 2010 Honda Accord EX-L
Stepping away from the all-wheel drive for a moment invites the 2010 Honda Accord EX-L into the mix. It uses a 3.5-liter V6 that sends 271 horsepower to the front wheels, in coupe or sedan with either a manual or automatic transmission. The engine can shut off up to three cylinders while cruising for better fuel economy, which Honda calls "Variable Cylinder Management" (VCM).
However many ways it's looked at, the car is still a Honda Accord, so it won't be too exciting or groundbreaking, not even when compared to the Civic which offers sublime ride quality and comfort for the price.
6 2010 Mercedes M Class ML 350 4MATIC Sport Utility
Believing the iconic Mercedes brand could make a "cheapest" anything list isn't so outlandish considering its sharp depreciation rate. On deck is the 2010 ML 350 4MATIC, an all-wheel drive SUV with a 3.5-liter V6 producing 268 horsepower.
Mercedes does offer a rear-wheel-drive option but it's hard to understand why, aside from the lower price point, lighter curb weight, and subsequently improved fuel efficiency. The ML350 comes with a special ABS where it chooses the amount of brake force applied to each corner.
5 2018 Chrysler Pacifica LX
Minivans haven't gone the way of the Dodo if Chrysler has anything to say about it. The Pacifica is comfortable and luxurious, and like any other decent minivan, it's manageable. It doesn't feel so big that a driver will struggle to fit into a parking spot.
Despite its 287 horsepower 3.6-liter V6, the Pacifica doesn't feel as spry as older Chrysler minivans. Even having a relatively lean curb weight of 4,330 pounds doesn't seem to have helped. With three rows of seats, there's plenty of room, and it gets phenomenal gas mileage at 28 highway.
4 2010 Dodge Journey SXT Sport Utility
Dodge's Journey SXT is classified as a midsize crossover sport-utility vehicle, offering SUV cargo with small car maneuverability. A 3.5-liter lies snug under the hood, sending a timid 235 horsepower through a six-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. Most of the changes to the Journey in 2010 are locked to the interior, including a new nine-inch screen and active head restraints.
A new, rather disconcerting standard for this year is four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes on all models. One would think that became standard sometime in the 1990s, but not every car is that quick to learn.
3 2012 Volkswagen Passat V6 SE Sedan
Considering some of the severe engine issues that the Golf endured around this era, the Passat should be looked at under a cautious microscope. The 2012 model comes with a 3.6-liter that sends 280 horsepower to the front wheels via six-speed automatic transmission and weighs 3,446 pounds.
Considering VW's purpose in building the Passat for North America was to compete against the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and the Ford Fusion, it's safe to assume the only thing that sold this car was brand loyalty.
2 2013 Chevrolet Impala LT
Despite its rich heritage as one of the best muscle cars ever made, expectations for the 2013 Impala should be set reasonably low. It's a quiet, unassuming four-door sedan that blends into the crowd. The Impala's 300 horsepower 3.6-liter propels its 3,555-pound curb weight with unchanged handling characteristics from previous models.
Though it has ample room for all five seats and offers smooth power delivery, it's boring to look at and lacks some basic interior features. Altogether, the Impala LT racks up a thoroughly unremarkable rating for being dated and ultimately neglected by its makers.
1 2011 Ford Taurus SEL
The real prize Taurus of recent memory is the SHO model, but those aren't as cheap as consumers would like, so instead, they must settle for the SEL. It uses a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 263 horsepower to the front wheels, which surprisingly is enough to move its massive 4,000-pound curb weight.
This generation of Ford stepped up its game with interior materials, lining the interior with quality hard plastics and smooth leather surfaces. Unfortunately, the SEL feels as big as it weighs, and thus provides a rather cumbersome driving experience.