Chevrolet and Pontiac's new-for-2009 Cobalt and G5 (above) Xtra Fuel Economy models deliver better fuel economy.

Mitsubishi expands the Lancer's model range by giving the GTS trim level a new, more powerful engine. The Lancer also gets a Ralliart option package, which adds all-wheel drive, even more power, and a 6-speed automatic transmission. It is meant as an alternative to the raucous Lancer Evolution. Subaru's Impreza gets more power, and a new trim level. In terms of horsepower, the turbocharged 2.5GT trim level slots into the middle of the model line, above the non-turbo 2.5i and Outback trims, but beneath the turbo WRX and WRX STi.

A few models receive substantial changes for 2009. The Pontiac Vibe and similar Toyota Matrix are redesigned with more horsepower and revised styling. The same goes for Toyota's Corolla, which also adds an available navigation system for the first time in its history. Ford's Focus coupe sees a styling refresh, and gets an available antiskid system. The Honda Civic also gets a facelift and a wireless cell phone link for EX, EX-L, Si, and Hybrid models. Leather upholstery is also newly available on the Hybrid.

Some cars enter the new model year with fewer models and options. The Dodge Caliber loses its all-wheel-drive option. Chrysler's PT Cruiser loses its convertible body style, but the 4-door wagon continues for 2009.

Available Features

If you haven't studied the market for a while, you might be surprised at the features now offered in the compact class. Five years ago, many of these amenities were available only on more expensive vehicles. Leather upholstery, heated front seats, navigation systems, and satellite radio are all available on cars starting at less than $20,000. Cars like Dodge Caliber, Mazda3, Scion xB, Toyota Matrix, and Volkswagen Rabbit (to name just few) offer an available navigation system. Leather seating is an option on the Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Sentra, Saturn Astra, and Toyota Corolla.

The trick then is to narrow your choices based on preferences and desired features. To this end, Consumer Guide rates vehicles in 11 different categories, covering everything from performance to accommodations to overall value. An introductory paragraph for each vehicle sums up changes for the model year as well as available equipment, the latter of which can also be found in the Standard and Optional Equipment lists included near the end of each entry.

One word of caution regarding ratings: Many people tend to look only at the totals. That's often a mistake. While cars with high totals tend to be good all-around choices and fine overall values, that doesn't mean they're the best at everything--or at what's most important to you.

For example, if you are 6'3" and often carry tall adult passengers in the rear seat, the highly rated Honda Civic might not be your best choice. Ditto if you often have a need to carry bulky loads. The Scion xB's high roof is more hospitable to taller passengers and a hatchback or wagon will allow you to carry more cargo than a sedan. Other times, it's certain features that might hold an attraction. For instance, those who often travel to unfamiliar areas may decide that availability of a navigation system trumps higher ratings in areas of performance or accommodations.

Safety

Since all of these cars are quite small, safety equipment and performance in crash tests are high priorities. A lot of the cars in this class offer ABS, antiskid systems, and more airbags than a political convention. In fact, the only car in this segment that doesn't offer curtain side airbags is the Chrysler PT Cruiser. Most cars in this class feature an antiskid system as standard or optional equipment except the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Kia Spectra, Nissan Sentra, and Nissan Versa.

Safety features are mentioned in the Highlights and equipment lists, and the government's five-star crash-test ratings (if the car has been tested) can be found toward the end of each vehicle's report. Since you probably don't want to look up all the features for all the cars in the compact class, you might start with those listed as Consumer Guide Best Buys or Recommended choices, along with other cars you already had in mind.

Warranties

One other thing to consider: the warranty. Most cars in this class carry a 3 year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, but some offer longer coverage. Hyundai and Kia are known for their 5-year/60,000-mile bumper to-bumper and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty (basically engine, transmission, and drive axles)--but there are caveats to these warranties. Anything over and above the 5/60 bumper-to-bumper warranty usually isn't transferable to a second owner, so only the original purchaser can make use of the powertrain warranty extending beyond that.

Since fuel economy is often of particular concern for buyers in this class, note that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has modified its testing procedure for 2008 model-year cars in an effort to more closely estimate real-world fuel economy. As a result, the EPA estimates for most cars have dropped from 2007, usually by about 20 percent.

Probably the last thing a buyer needs at this point is more choices, but here are a few to consider. If your picks are primarily dictated by price--and if you think you might want something a little outside the ordinary--there are vehicles in other classes that might be of interest. For instance, the highly rated Toyota Tacoma compact pickup truck starts at about $15,000. Also, several compact SUVs, like the Jeep Patriot and Kia Sportage, start in the $17,000 to $18,000 range; as do fun-to-drive sporty/performance cars like the Mini Cooper, Scion tC, and Volkswagen New Beetle.