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 99.4 inches or longer.

Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic, Nissan Versa, and Scion xB. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Elantra and Mazda 3.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Ford Focus, Mitsubishi Lancer, Saturn Astra, Scion xB, and Subaru Impreza.

A redesigned Matrix was due for 2008, but will now appear as an '09 model. The same applies to platform mate Corolla sedan. Both are expected to be wider and taller for extra interior room. They'll likely put on weight, too, so look for a larger 4-cyl engine to maintain performance. Toyota reportedly wants the next Matrix to be a step-up vehicle for Scion owners, so a power-boosting turbo or supercharger option should remain available. No word yet on whether Toyota will revive an all-wheel-drive version.