Why should the rich guys have all the fun?

When they start their engines, corporate executives are treated to unbridled power, luxurious ambiance, and such high-tech gadgetry as voice systems that respond to their every whim. But you know what? The rest of us can live large, too.

The 2011 cars featured in this article were built for working folks on a budget. Each vehicle retails for under $20,000 (some well under), including destination charge. Yet each car, in its own way, offers something beyond the ordinary. Some come with a turbocharged engine or sport suspension, while others knock you out with their edgy styling or sporty handling.

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Not only that, but we were able to add special features to most of these cars and still keep them under $20,000. Some of the features are genuinely fun and exciting, such as an upgraded sound system, a power sunroof, heated seats, and remote engine start (which allows you to start and warm your car from the comfort of your living room). For other cars on this list, we were able to add satellite radio, voice recognition, a navigation system, or DVD entertainment while still staying under $20,000.

It’s time to stop dreaming and start living--living large, that is, for under $20,000.