The Consumer Guide to 2009 Compact Cars
by the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide
2009 Compact Car Lineup
Chevrolet Cobalt
Base Price Range: $14,990-$23,525
EPA MPG Range: 22-37
Body Styles: 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan
The 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt gets more standard horsepower and a few new features. Non-SS Cobalts with the 5-speed manual transmission and 15-inch tires are called "XFE," which stands for "Xtra Fuel Economy." Cobalt and the similar Pontiac G5 are reasonably priced, well-equipped compacts available with many nice features. XFE models are pleasant to drive and deliver fuel economy that exceeds the class norm. The high-performance SS has the moves to hold its own against performance-oriented compact cars, such as the Honda Civic Si and MazdaSpeed 3. Rear-seat room and comfort trail class rivals. G5's lack of a 4-door body style limits its appeal, making Cobalt the better choice between the two.Chevrolet HHR
Base Price Range: $18,720-$25,135
EPA MPG Range: 16-32
Body Style: 4-door wagon
The 2009 Chevrolet HHR lineup receives a host of changes, including more standard power, the ability to run on E85 ethanol-blended fuel, and some new features. This Recommended retro-flavored wagon offers a compelling blend of compact SUV utility, small-car fuel efficiency, and cheeky styling. Pricing and features availability are competitive, too. The utilitarian Panel will appeal mostly to commercial customers and folks looking for a rolling commercial. The SS is an affordable, practical hot-rod wagon.Chrysler PT Cruiser
Base Price Range: $18,000-$24,510
EPA MPG Range: 18-26
Body Style: 4-door wagon
The 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser loses its convertible body style. This retro-styled compact car comes as a 5-passenger, 4-door wagon in Base, Touring, and Limited trims. Its lack of available curtain side airbags is evidence that PT Cruiser has fallen behind the times. And you have to get a turbocharged model for decent acceleration. Nonetheless, this tall wagon is adaptable, affordable, and reasonably comfortable.Dodge Caliber
Base Price Range: $16,460-$24,840
EPA MPG Range: 19-30
Body Style: 4-door wagon
The 2009 Dodge Caliber loses its all-wheel-drive model. Otherwise, this compact hatchback is largely unchanged for 2009. Like the similar-concept Chevrolet HHR and Scion xB, Caliber boasts a unique look and greater utility than the traditional compact station wagon. The engines are noisy and, in non-SRT4 models, underpowered. The budget-grade cabin decor also wins no prizes, and fuel economy is unimpressive for a compact car. The loss of available all-wheel drive is another drawback. Against those negatives, count competitive prices, smart packaging, and some clever convenience features. The SRT4 has the most go of any Caliber, and it's not overly expensive. At the same time, it's far less refined than the HHR SS and Volkswagen GTI.Ford Focus
Base Price Range: $15,520-$18,265
EPA MPG Range: 24-35
Body Styles: 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan
The 2009 Ford Focus coupe gets slightly freshened styling. Otherwise, this compact car lineup gets an available antiskid system as well as a revised model roster. Focus comes as a 2-door coupe and 4-door sedan. Focus feels dated and less refined compared with cars such as the Honda Civic and Nissan Versa. Still, front-seat room and comfort impress, and pricing is competitive. The top-end SES coupe adds some handling spice without sacrificing good ride control. Sync is a nice feature for the class, despite a few bugs that still need to be sorted. Overall, Focus is worth a look, but be sure to scout the competition as well.Honda Civic
Base Price Range: $15,305-$26,850
EPA MPG Range: 21-45
Body Styles: 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan
The 2009 Honda Civic gets slightly freshened exterior styling, a few new features, and some new trim levels. These compact cars come in 4-door sedan and 2-door coupe body styles. Also offered is a gas/electric Hybrid sedan, as well as a sedan that runs on compressed natural gas (CNG). Dynamically, Civic matches the class-leading Volkswagen Jetta and Mazda 3. That's high praise, even if the Honda isn't quite as substantial-feeling as the Jetta, or, except for the Si, quite as athletic as the Mazda. Civic is more comfortable than most rivals, despite being only as big inside as it absolutely needs to be. With its two-tiered instrument layout and some futuristic shapes, the interior is innovative, entertaining even, without sacrificing functionality. What no competitor matches is this Best Buy's particular fusion of engineering, style, value, and reputation for reliability and strong resale value. Coupes and sedans are offered, as are sporty Si models, an economy-minded hybrid, and a version that runs on compressed natural gas.Hyundai Elantra
Base Price Range: $14,120-$18,600
EPA MPG Range: 23-33
Body Styles: 4-door sedan, 4-door hatchback
The 2009 Hyundai Elantra lineup gains a new model--the Elantra Touring. The Touring is a 4-door hatchback version of this compact car. Elantra also comes as a 4-door sedan in GLS and SE trims. Sedans receive slightly revised suspension tuning and audio systems for 2009. Elantra matches any class rival for refinement, space, and comfort. And it beats most for safety with standard front side airbags, curtain side airbags, and ABS. A robust feel, attractive prices and Hyundai's strong warranty also make Elantra a Recommended pick.Kia Spectra
Base Price Range: $13,200-$17,345
EPA MPG Range: 23-32
Body Styles: 4-door sedan, 4-door hatchback
The 2009 Kia Spectra and Spectra5 are largely unchanged. This compact car slots above Kia's subcompact Rio and uses a basic design from the 2001-2006 Elantra from Kia's corporate parent, Hyundai. Spectra comes as a sedan in LX, EX, and sporty SX trims. It also offers a 4-door hatchback called the Spectra5. Spectra represents a laudable blend of comfort, room, and features--especially the safety of standard front side airbags and curtain side airbags. Kia's long warranty is another plus, and the SX and Spectra5 offer a modicum of sportiness. In all, these cars deserve a look if you're watching your budget.Mazda 3
Base Price Range: $14,690-$24,455
EPA MPG Range: 22-32
Body Styles: 4-door sedan, 4-door hatchback
The 2009 Mazda 3 sees few changes, pending a redesign due in calendar-year 2009. These compact cars come in 4-door sedan and 4-door hatchback body styles, all with front-wheel drive. All Mazda 3s share a spirit of sporty driving fun, solid build quality, and a pleasant interior package. The availability of a hatchback body style adds flexibility as well. MazdaSpeed models are plenty fast, but mainstream versions leave something to be desired for acceleration. These compacts are also on the pricey side, even without options. All told, though, the 3 is a Consumer Guide Recommended pick, and should be on your compact-car shopping list.Mitsubishi Lancer
Base Price Range: $14,540-$38,290
EPA MPG Range: 16-30
Body Style: 4-door sedan
The 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer lineup receives a new model and more available power. Lancer Evolution models are strong performers that aren't too punishing on the street, but high prices detract from their appeal. Other Lancers ride and handle well enough, but their engines lag in power and refinement. Further, cost-cutting is evident in many places, particularly in the cabin. Mitsubishi's record of weak resale values doesn't help Lancer's cause either. The addition of the Ralliart is meant to bridge the gap between the Evo and lesser models performance-wise, but it doesn't do much to address other criticisms of the Lancer line.Nissan Sentra
Base Price Range: $16,730-$21,160
EPA MPG Range: 21-30
Body Style: 4-door sedan
The 2009 Nissan Sentra is largely unchanged. Sentra is a competent compact sedan with a number of upscale features, such as keyless starting and a wireless cell phone link. Its cramped rear seat, budget-grade interior materials, and, in 2.0 models, lackluster acceleration and handling, make Sentra less appealing than the Honda Civic or Nissan's own Versa. The factory-tuned SE-R Spec V is more fun to drive than other Sentras, but it falls well short of rival hot-rod compacts from Honda, Mazda, and Volkswagen for handling response and refinement. The lack of traction control or an antiskid system on any model further hurts Sentra's appeal.Nissan Versa
Base Price Range: $9,990-$16,330
EPA MPG Range: 24-33
Body Styles: 4-door sedan, 4-door hatchback
The 2009 Nissan Versa is largely unchanged. Versa is offered as a 4-door sedan or 4-door hatchback in S or up-level SL trim. Versa is priced like a subcompact, but its blend of room, comfort, and refinement are an easy match for any number of more-expensive compact cars. Acceleration is modest, and the lack of any traction control or antiskid system is a bit puzzling. These demerits are largely offset by Versa's excellent road manners. All in all, this Best Buy is a must-see.Pontiac G5
Base Price Range: $16,980-$20,280
EPA MPG Range: 23-37
Body Style: 2-door coupe
The 2009 Pontiac G5 lineup loses its optional engine, but its base motor gets more power. This compact car is similar to the Chevrolet Cobalt, but G5 is only offered as a 2-door coupe. It's not particularly quick or sporty, and the lack of a 4-door body style also limits this compact's appeal. G5 counters those demerits with pleasant road manners and a handsome interior. Further, in XFE form, it boasts impressive fuel economy. So equipped, this Pontiac is worth a look.Pontiac Vibe
Base Price Range: $16,100-$20,875
EPA MPG Range: 20-32
Body Style: 4-door wagon
The 2009 Pontiac Vibe is redesigned with freshened styling, more power, and new features. It also marks the model year with the return of all-wheel drive and sport-themed models. Vibe is a 4-door wagon that shares its basic design with the also-redesigned 2009 Toyota Matrix. It's cost-cut crude in places and less fun to drive than it looks, but Vibe is a versatile, practical compact. Available all-wheel drive is a nice find in this class. GT models offer sportier moves, but sacrifice too much ride comfort in the process.Saturn Astra
Base Price Range: $17,045-$19,545
EPA MPG Range: 24-32
Body Styles: 2-door hatchback, 4-door hatchback
The 2009 Saturn Astra receives no major changes following its introduction for the 2008 model year. This compact car comes as a hatchback with 2 or 4 doors. Like Dodge Caliber for its utility and low base price but want more style and interior refinement? Astra's array of standard features and safety equipment, affordable base price, and fresh exterior styling make it a must see for compact car shoppers. If you can get past quirks like a confounding audio system interface and a sometimes noisy, stiff ride, Astra has the potential to impress those looking for a European-flavored take on compact utility; especially the 4-door model.Scion xB
Base Price Range: $15,750-$16,700
EPA MPG Range: 22-28
Body Style: 4-door wagon
The 2009 Scion xB gets no major changes following its 2008 redesign. This compact car is a front-wheel drive wagon with a one-piece rear liftgate. Scion's iconic "box" is practical and refined, but the xB is not the fuel sipper it once was. Some of its former quirkiness was lost in the transformation, but it remains a practical, "edgy" alternative to more-traditional small cars and SUVs, and a solid Best Buy.Subaru Impreza
Base Price Range: $17,495-$34,995
EPA MPG Range: 17-27
Body Styles: 4-door sedan, 4-door hatchback
The 2009 Subaru Impreza lineup is revised, and the sporty WRX gets more power. Impreza comes as a 4-door sedan or 4-door hatchback. Turbocharged Impreza models offer quick acceleration and solid handling, abetted by their standard all-wheel drive. The WRX STi is faster still, but its raucous nature limits its appeal to serious driving enthusiasts only. While turbo hatchbacks are quite practical, they suffer from copious road and wind noise, middling interior materials, and steep pricing. Though at a significant power disadvantage, the non-turbo Impreza 2.5i is the best value in this lineup.Toyota Corolla
Base Price Range: $15,350-$20,050
EPA MPG Range: 22-35
Body Style: 4-door sedan
The 2009 Toyota Corolla is redesigned with more available power, more standard safety features, and fresh styling. Toyota's take-no-chances approach has served legions of Corolla buyers who want a quiet, soft ride, and value good fuel economy over lively performance. The 2009 model doesn't stray from that formula, not even the sporty XRS. Aside from its reputation for reliability and strong resale value, today's Corolla puts little distance between itself and the equally conservative Hyundai Elantra. That would be all right, except that the Hyundai comes with nicer interior appointments, a stronger warranty, and costs less when comparably equipped.Toyota Matrix
Base Price Range: $16,290-$21,950
EPA MPG Range: 20-32
Body Style: 4-door wagon
The 2009 Toyota Matrix is redesigned, getting more power but only mildly altered styling and no change in size. Like the 2003-2008-generation Matrix, this is essentially a tall-body wagon version of Toyota's Corolla compact sedan, which is also redesigned for 2009. Matrix also shares its basic design with the Pontiac Vibe. Available all-wheel drive and sporty S and XRS models give Matrix a dimension absent in rivals such as the Mazda 3 and Nissan Versa. Young buyers that are Matrix's target audience might consider the odd interior shapes hip and the low-budget cabin decor a non-issue. They're also apt to find this small wagon easy to drive and roomy enough for friends and belongings. We choose the S model as the best blend of comfort and power.
Volkswagen Jetta
Base Price Range: $17,515-$27,165
EPA MPG Range: 20-42
Body Styles: 4-door sedan, 4-door wagon
The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta gets an available diesel engine and a wagon body style. This compact car is Volkswagen's top seller. It comes as a 4-door sedan or 4-door wagon called the SportWagen. Jetta sets the class standard for overall refinement and solidity. It's also roomy, comes with many laudable safety features, and boasts a high-quality interior. The available wagon body style adds versatility to the lineup. The refined TDI vanquishes any preconceived notions about diesel engines. It's smooth and quiet, yet still fun to drive, while boasting fuel economy similar to that of many gas/electric hybrid cars. The TDI also qualifies for an income-tax credit. That, combined with fuel savings, should offset its price premium over comparable gasoline-powered Jettas. Expensive options quickly inflate delivered prices on all models, however. VW also suffers from subpar customer-satisfaction scores for reliability and dealer service.Volkswagen Rabbit
Base Price Range: $16,300-$19,340
EPA MPG Range: 20-30
Body Styles: 2-door hatchback, 4-door hatchback
The 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit is largely unchanged. This compact hatchback is front-wheel drive and shares its basic design with VW's Jetta sedan. It's available with 2 or 4 doors in a single S trim level. Like the related Jetta, VW's Rabbit sets the class standard for overall refinement and solidity. It also comes with many laudable standard safety features and boasts a high-quality interior. Its hatchback body style makes it a versatile little hauler, too. Rabbit's fuel economy is disappointing in this class, as are VW's customer-satisfaction scores for reliability and dealer service.
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