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 Dodge Caliber, Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Sentra, Nissan Versa, and Pontiac G5.

A very sporty Caliber SRT4 is due soon as the latest offering from Chrysler Group's Street and Racing Technology performance division. A successor to the Neon-based SRT4, it bows with front-wheel drive, though an AWD version is expected later on. The engine, a much-modified and turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cyl, sends 300 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque through a mandatory 6-speed manual transmission. Dodge claims 0-60 mph takes less than 6 sec. Other features include uprated suspension, 19-inch wheels and performance tires, tuned exhaust system, unique front-end sheetmetal, aero body add-ons, sport front seats and specific interior trim. It's all aimed at wooing younger buyers enamored of hopped-up "tuner" compacts. Pricing won't be announced until just before sales begin. Other Calibers should see little change in the next two years.

Chrysler Group is eyeing a smaller Caliber-like hatchback, suggested by the recent Hornet concept. This car would be sold mainly overseas to further Chrysler's global expansion, but a U.S. version is possible if minicars like the Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit prove popular. The project is still in the early phases, so little is finalized yet, but front-drive and a smallish 4-cyl engine seem inevitable. Most observers believe the subcompact won't appear until 2009 at the earliest. Chrysler is currently looking for a partner to share development and production costs. A Chinese automaker is said to be among the candidates.