Compact sedans do not get bought for excitement. They get bought because someone needs a car that works, does not cost a fortune to fill or fix, and will still be running when the last payment clears.

Both sedans earn above-average reliability ratings. Just two Sentra recalls versus the Elantra's seven give Nissan a cleaner safety record. A 10-year powertrain warranty on the Elantra dwarfs Nissan's ...