Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise the smallest passengers cars. These vehicles range from tiny economy models to slightly larger, popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons.

Our Best Buys include Chrysler PT Cruiser, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, and Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix twins. Our Recommended picks include Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, and Toyota Corolla.

New or significantly redesigned models include Chevrolet HHR, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, and Volkswagen Golf and Jetta.

Sources say Toyota is working up a bigger but still boxy new xB for a 2008-model debut. A possible template is the 2005 t2B concept, which resembles a cross between Honda Element and Toyota FJ Cruiser. Spy photos of jury-rigged prototypes suggest the new model will be somewhat longer than today's xB. It's also likely to be wider and taller to accommodate some cool "recreational" features inside. There's talk of using Toyota's European Avensis sedan platform, which now supports the Scion tC coupe and would bring a larger engine with more performance. If all this proves out, Scion would have a bigger box than archrival Nissan, which is expected to bring in a new version of its aptly named Cube compact wagon for 2008 or '09.