Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons with wheelbases 100 inches or longer.

Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic and Mazda 3. Our Recommended picks are the Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, and Mazda 5.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Sentra, Nissan Versa, and Pontiac G5.

PT's redesign has been pushed back again, now rumored for 2009 or 2010. Sources say Chrysler is still debating key issues including powertrains, styling, and even the name, hence the delay. But based on what we've heard, the PT would likely morph into a luxury compact crossover SUV, a lower-priced rival to the likes of Acura RDX and a companion for Chrysler's Aspen. If offered with a V6, the vehicle would be built off the JS platform introduced with Chrysler's 2007 Sebring sedans; if 4-cyl only, it would likely use the GS architecture of the Dodge Caliber and Jeep Compass/Patriot wagons. Both platforms are engineered for all-wheel drive, so that should be available. Whatever formula Chrysler chooses, look for modern styling with maybe a hint of the current retro look. As for a next PT convertible, we don't hold much hope because engineering costs would likely make sticker prices too high for the car's intended market.