There are more choices in the Compact Car segment than in any other, and for good reason. This class of vehicle attracts younger, value-conscious buyers so eagerly desired by automakers. Even though the profit margin on most compact cars is small, automakers hope that by luring younger buyers to the brand early, they'll come back as their needs change or they advance up the income ladder.

Low prices and stiff competition among the manufacturers have served to make compact cars a terrific bargain for new-car buyers. The problem is, it's also made choosing one a tough and daunting proposition.

Cool Compact-Car Features

- Mazda 5 has an optional rear-seat entertainment system and seating for six.

- For performance fans, the Mitusbishi Lancer Evo and Subaru Impreza WRX are as good as it gets.

- Dodge Caliber offers a chilled glove box to keep drinks cold and pop-down rear speakers for tail-gating.

- Hybrid lovers can choose between three models: Honda Civic, Honda Insight, and Toyota Prius.

- Chrysler's PT Cruiser comes as either a four-door wagon or two-door convertible.

Toyota Prius

What to look for in a Compact Car
It's difficult for consumers and experts to get their arms around the compact-car segment. The class offers budget cars like the Chevrolet Aveo, hybrids like the Toyota Prius, sporty models like the Subaru Impreza WRX, and practical wagons like the Mazda 5. In addition, there's always traditional compacts like the Ford Focus, Honda Civic, or Toyota Corolla.

Price is probably the biggest reason people shop the compact class. But those who plan to keep their car only a few years should also consider resale value, while those keeping them longer might be more interested in warranty protection. Also, since few buyers just want the lowest-priced car available, what they're really looking for is features per dollar, and what features are most important will vary depending on a person's needs.

Start by setting some priorities. Since compact cars usually have compact interiors, how much passenger room is needed might be the first thing to consider. Most of these cars can seat an average-size adult behind another average-size adult. But some offer more leg and head room both front and rear than many midsize cars, so taller folks may find these choices more attractive--or at least their passengers might. Cargo space could also be important, and varies quite a bit between the smallest sedans and the biggest wagons.

Fuel economy is often another consideration. The compact class includes the highest-mileage hybrid and diesel-engine cars available, but all make some sacrifices to the cause, be it in size, convenience, initial price, or questionable long-term costs. Weigh these factors carefully, because in many cases, great EPA estimates may not translate into money savings down the road.

Finally, decide what equipment you'd like. If you haven't studied the market for a while, you might be surprised at what's now offered in the compact class. Leather upholstery, heated front seats, navigation systems, satellite radio, antiskid systems, and more airbags than a political convention are all available on cars starting at less than $20,000. Five years ago, many of these features were available only on rather expensive vehicles. An explanation of some of these features and more can be found in our Automotive Glossary; scroll to the bottom of this article for a link.

The bottom line is, purchase only the options and features you need. That will help keep the price down. Sometimes you might want to consider buying a less expensive model and adding an option or two, rather than stepping up in cost to the next trim level to get specific options.

The Safety Question
Since all of these cars are quite small, safety equipment and performance in crash tests are often high priorities. Safety features are mentioned in the Highlights and Prices & Equipment pages of our reviews, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Five-Star crash-test ratings (if the car has been tested) can be found in the Specs & Safety section of each vehicle's report.

All compact cars come with dual front airbags (mandated by law), and offer antilock brakes (ABS) as either standard or optional equipment. Most cars are available with front side and/or curtain side airbags, and a few offer an antiskid system. Some General Motors models come with GM's OnStar assistance system, and six vehicles offer all-wheel drive.

Consumer Guide'sŪ stance on safety equipment is that it's almost always worth the relatively modest extra cost. While all-wheel drive may mostly benefit those in snowy climates, and demanding an antiskid or assistance system may unduly narrow your choices, front side and curtain side airbags are offered on so many models that we'd be disinclined to recommend one without them. These are potentially life-saving features and are well worth the money, even if the only benefit you get from them is peace of mind.

Best Buys

Chrysler PT Cruiser
Honda Civic
Mazda 3
Pontiac Vibe
Toyota Matrix

Recommended Picks

Chevrolet Cobalt
Ford Focus
Hyundai Elantra
Kia Spectra
Toyota Corolla

Chrysler PT Cruiser

Smart Shopping
With 30 vehicles in the compact class, it may be difficult for shoppers to narrow their choices to a manageable number. Consumers might want to start with Consumer Guide'sŪ Best Buy and Recommended list. These vehicles are the top picks in the class and are sure to meet most consumer's needs and budgets. Some consumers may have special needs that prompt them to look elsewhere.

But whatever your finalists are, it's important to test drive the exact vehicle you're thinking of buying. For instance, a sport suspension and different tires can significantly affect the car's ride and handling, a navigation system might make audio or climate controls difficult to use, and the seats in one trim level can feel entirely different than those in another. Ditto for powertrains; don't test drive a manual transmission if you're going to buy an automatic. Don't assume you're going to want a sunroof without trying it first.

What can really jack up prices are the options or higher trim levels. A car on the lot may be equipped with an option package that includes one item you want and five you really don't. Sometimes that one item can be purchased separately. Or you can put an option on a lower trim level for a lot less than getting a higher trim level with lots of stuff you don't need. Scour our standard and optional equipment lists for the most economical combination. If a dealer doesn't have a car in stock equipped in that manner, it can often be brought in from another dealer.

The important thing for every consumer to remember is the compact-car class offers choices and competitive pricing. Don't get too hooked on one model. Consider your options, pick two or three that meet your needs, and bargain for the best possible price.

Chevrolet Aveo
 Chevrolet AveoBase Price Range: $9,350-$13,050
EPA MPG Range: 24-35
Body Styles: 4-door sedan, 4-door hatchback
Aveo is imported from General Motors' South Korea manufacturing branch; cars built in that country have been reliable, in our recent experience. Still, we recommend that anyone shopping for a vehicle of this size consider a larger car. That aside, the likable Aveo is surprisingly refined for its price and compares well with budget rivals Hyundai Accent and Kia Rio, though those cars come with head-protecting curtain side airbags.

Chevrolet Cobalt
 Chevrolet CobaltBase Price Range: $12,400-$19,900
EPA MPG Range: 23-34
Body Styles: 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan
Cobalt earns our Recommended designation as a pleasant, solid, well-equipped compact available with many appealing features. It's priced right, too. Even the SS Supercharged offers good value in a ready-made sport compact that's a hoot to drive, despite a jarring ride. If you can live with subpar rear-seat room and comfort, Cobalt merits a look.

Chevrolet HHR
 Chevrolet HHRBase Price Range: $15,325-$16,325
EPA MPG Range: 22-30
Body Styles: 4-door wagon
Some buyers might wish for sportier handling, and most would want smoother, more-powerful engine performance. But Chevrolet's retro-flavored wagon offers a practical blend of look-at-me style and utility in a not-too-large package. Pricing and features availability are competitive, too.

Chrysler PT Cruiser
 Chrysler PT CruiserBase Price Range: $14,235-$28,860
EPA MPG Range: 19-29
Body Styles: 4-door wagon, 2-door convertible
Despite mediocre acceleration in nonturbo versions, PT Cruiser is roomy, comfortable, adaptable, and fun. This Best Buy is affordable, too, and softening demand has made deep discounts common.

2007 Dodge Caliber
 Dodge CaliberBase Price Range: $13,425-$19,425
EPA MPG Range: 23-32
Body Styles: 4-door wagon
Like the similar-concept Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe, Caliber boasts a different look and greater utility than the traditional compact station wagon. Noisy, underpowered engines and compromised outward visibility are drawbacks, but are offset by competitive prices, available all-wheel drive, and some clever convenience features.

Ford Focus
Ford FocusBase Price Range: $13,450-$17,495
EPA MPG Range: 22-34
Body Styles: 2-door hatchback, 4-door hatchback, 4-door sedan, 4-door wagon
Focus is fun to drive in any form, though it lacks the refinement of the Volkswagen Jetta and the outright sportiness of the Mazda 3. But it's priced to sell, and an array of body styles and useful options give it broad appeal and help Focus clinch a Recommended ribbon.

Honda Civic
Honda CivicBase Price Range: $14,360-$23,350
EPA MPG Range: 23-51
Body Styles: 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan
Dynamically, Civic stays current with 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 the particular fusion of reliability, engineering, style, and value Honda brings to this market segment. Civic continues for '06 as a compact car Best Buy.

2007 Honda Fit
Honda FitBase Price: NA
EPA MPG Range: 31-38
Body Styles: 4-door wagon
Fit joins the fast-growing ranks of low-priced, youth-targeted small cars aimed at winning lifelong customers for their brands. More zip would be nice, but that's true of most rivals. Fit stands out for utility, potential fuel economy, a strong fun-to-drive factor, and typical Honda quality.

Honda Insight
 Honda InsightBase Price Range: $19,330-$21,530
EPA MPG Range: 56-66
Body Styles: 2-door hatchback
Despite modest acceleration and a stiff ride, Insight is a useful city/suburban commuter. And it has a hi-tech, environment-friendly appeal. But even with federal tax incentives for hybrid-vehicle buyers, Insight is costly for an economy car. We'd opt for Honda's larger Civic Hybrid sedan or a Toyota Prius.

Hyundai Accent
Hyundai AccentBase Price Range: $12,455-$13,305
EPA MPG Range: 28-36
Body Styles: 2-door hatchback, 4-door sedan
Accent one-ups corporate sibling Kia Rio with standard antilock 4-wheel disc brakes--and bests most class rivals with standard front torso and head-protecting curtain side airbags. It's hardly quick, but it does deliver good fuel economy, solid build, reasonable interior space, and more equipment than its low price implies. Hyundai's strong warranty adds to Accent's appeal among entry-level compacts.

Hyundai Elantra
 Hyundai ElantraBase Price Range: $13,675-$15,845
EPA MPG Range: 24-34
Body Styles: 4-door hatchback, 4-door sedan
In features, comfort, and road manners, this Recommended pick is a budget alternative to the class-leading but costlier Honda Civic, Ford Focus, and Mazda 3.

Kia Rio
 Kia RioBase Price Range: $10,570-$14,350
EPA MPG Range: 29-38
Body Styles: 4-door hatchback, 4-door sedan
Surprisingly well-constructed and backed by strong warranties, these smallest Kias deliver a lot for the money, notably standard front side airbags and head-protecting curtain side airbags. The base sedan offers no options, so if you want such features as air conditioning, automatic transmission, or ABS, you must move up to the costlier LX sedan or Rio5 hatchback.

Kia Spectra
 Kia SpectraBase Price Range: $14,300-$16,600
EPA MPG Range: 24-34
Body Styles: 4-door hatchback, 4-door sedan
Though far from sporty feeling, Spectra is solidly class competitive for comfort, room, and features. Kudos to Kia for including the safety bonus of front side airbags and curtain side airbags among the many standard features. And the company's long warranty is an added selling point. This Recommended compact car deserves a look if your budget is tight.

Mazda 3
Mazda 3Base Price Range: $13,710-$19,165
EPA MPG Range: 25-32
Body Styles: 4-door hatchback, 4-door sedan
Though not the quickest-accelerating compact cars, Mazda 3s excel for sporty driving fun. They also deliver solid build quality and a pleasant, efficient interior package. Add in competitive pricing, and you have a worthy Best Buy.

Mazda 5
Mazda 5Base Price Range: $17,435-$18,950
EPA MPG Range: 21-27
Body Styles: 4-door wagon
Families who have outgrown their compact sedan are just one of a long list of potential customers for this difficult-to-pigeonhole new vehicle. Mazda 5 combines sporty-wagon flair with minivanlike versatility in a well-made, sensibly sized, attractively priced package. Its range of attributes includes good fuel economy, engaging drivability, outstanding room for four adults and lots of luggage, or the ability to a haul a sliver of cargo and six people--as long as the two in the 3rd-row seats are for kids only.

Mitsubishi Lancer
 Mitsubishi LancerBase Price Range: $14,599-$35,189
EPA MPG Range: 18-35
Body Styles: 4-door sedan
Lancer is ordinary in ES and O-Z form, but the Ralliart models are worth a look. Still, no mainstream Lancer is a class star, and resale values are generally subpar. Evolutions are pricey, but deliver fast, rowdy fun.

Nissan Sentra
 Nissan SentraBase Price Range: $13,200-$18,300
EPA MPG Range: 23-35
Body Styles: 4-door sedan
No Sentra matches Honda Civic or Volkswagen Jetta for refinement, Ford Focus for roominess, or Mazda 3 for balanced handling. But these are solid-enough small cars, and even the sporty SE-R and Spec V are competitively priced.

Pontiac Vibe
Pontiac VibeBase Price Range: $16,430-$20,105
EPA MPG Range: 25-36
Body Styles: 4-door wagon
Any of these wagons is a good alternative to a compact SUV. Their main assets are high utility, Toyota-reliable engineering, and the available AWD, curtain side airbags and antiskid system. Rowdy low-torque engines are a big debit, though. Note that Vibes have higher base prices than comparable Matrixes, but also more standard features--and, as Pontiacs, tend to carry heavier, more frequent discounts.

Saturn Ion
Saturn IonBase Price Range: $11,925-$19,425
EPA MPG Range: 23-35
Body Styles: 4-door coupe, 4-door sedan
Most rivals are more mechanically refined and have nicer interior decor, but Ion holds its own for roominess and, especially in Red Line trim, for performance. No-rust, ding-resistant plastic body panels are an asset, as are the coupes' rear access doors.

Scion xA
 Scion xABase Price Range: $12,780-$13,580
EPA MPG Range: 31-38
Body Styles: 4-door hatchback
Scion aims to win Generation-Y buyers. The xA woos them with low price, plus the high-level workmanship, reliability, and resale value associated with Toyota. Standard antilock brakes and available side airbags are laudable safety bonuses in this class. But Scions are seldom discounted, while larger rivals like Ford Focus are, thus matching or beating xA for outright dollar value.

Scion xB
Scion xBBase Price Range: $14,030-$14,830
EPA MPG Range: 30-34
Body Styles: 4-door wagon
The xB melds hip-hop style with minivan practicality in a solid, pleasant little wagon, bolstered by Toyota's reputation for reliability and high resale value. It's also priced right at around $14,000 to start. But watch those options or you could end up at over $18,000 like one of our test xBs.

Subaru Impreza
 Subaru ImprezaBase Price Range: $18,295-$32,995
EPA MPG Range 18-29
Body Styles: 4-door sedan, 4-door wagon
Impreza is generally priced above Honda Civic and into Volkswagen Jetta territory, but Subaru hasn't elevated refinement and interior materials to match those compact-car benchmarks. Still, all-wheel drive is an asset that comes with every Impreza, and the WRX and STI models are fast--if rowdy--fun.

Suzuki Aerio
Suzuki AerioBase Price Range: $13,999-$16,999
EPA MPG Range: 24-31
Body Styles: 4-door sedan, 4-door wagon
Aerio is not as sporty or refined as top-rated rivals, and Suzuki sells far fewer cars than most competitive brands, which hurts resale values. But these small sedans and wagons excel as efficient, low-price commuter cars, and they are among the few in this class to offer the all-weather traction of all-wheel drive.

Suzuki Forenza
Suzuki ForenzaBase Price Range: $13,699-$16,599
EPA MPG Range: 22-31
Body Styles: 4-door sedan, 4-door wagon
Forenza falls behind most class rivals in refinement and fuel economy, and, with automatic, in acceleration. Plus, Suzuki resale values don't yet match those of more-established Japanese makes. But these relative newcomers supply an impressive list of standard features for attractive prices, and they outpace most rivals for interior room.

Suzuki Reno
Suzuki RenoBase Price Range: $13,199-$16,199
EPA MPG Range: 22-31
Body Styles: 4-door hatchback
Reno trails most class rivals in refinement and fuel economy, and, with automatic, in acceleration. Plus, Suzuki resale values don't yet match those of more-established Japanese makes. But this relative newcomer supplies an impressive list of standard features for attractive prices, and outpaces most rivals for interior room.

Toyota Corolla
 Toyota CorollaBase Price Range: $14,005-$17,780
EPA MPG Range: 26-41
Body Styles: 4-door sedan
It's not as refined as it could be, but fine value for the money and Toyota reliability earn Recommended status for Corolla. Ford Focus, Honda Civic, and Mazda 3 sedans have more spice, but no more utility, though they also offer wagons and/or hatchbacks.

Toyota Matrix
Toyota MatrixBase Price Range: $15,110-$19,100
EPA MPG: Range 25-36
Body Styles: 4-door wagon
Matrix and Vibe are appealing alternatives to conventional small wagons and compact SUVs. We like their utility, good road manners, available all-wheel drive, and Toyota-grade reliability. We don't like the needlessly noisy engines and the harsher, high-strung nature of the Matrix XRS/Vibe GT. Note that base prices are generally a bit lower for Matrix vs. comparable Vibes, though Pontiac offers more-frequent factory rebates and other incentives.

Toyota Prius
Toyota PriusBase Price Range: $21,725
EPA MPG Range: 60-51
Body Styles: 4-door hatchback
Prius costs more than most other fuel-efficient cars, a price premium that may take years to offset in fuel savings. And demand outstrips supply, so don't count on a price break. But Prius trumps the Honda Civic Hybrid for interior room, acceleration, and handling. The value calculation also must take into account the hybrid system's emissions benefits, plus Toyota's well-earned reputation for reliability and resale value. By any standard, this is a pleasant, practical, and sophisticated car.

2007 Toyota Yaris
Toyota YarisBase Price Range: NA
EPA MPG Range: 34-40
Body Styles: 2-door hatchback, 4-door sedan
As a replacement for the slow-selling Echo, Yaris brings a welcome dose of style and utility. Buyers who want lively acceleration will want to shop elsewhere, but Yaris' slow-lane nature is offset by the promise of good fuel economy. And Toyota's reputation for quality and reliability is always a plus.

Volkswagen Jetta
2007 Volkswagen JettaBase Price Range: $17,900-$24,655
EPA MPG Range: 22-42
Body Styles: 4-door sedan
Jetta sets the class standard for overall refinement and solidity. It's roomy, comes with a laudable array of safety features, and offers diesel and sporty variants. Expensive option packages send prices quickly skyward, however, and VW suffers subpar customer-satisfaction scores for reliability and dealer service.

Compact-Car Specification Comparison
Vehicle Wheel-base, in. Length, in. Curb Weight, lb. Cargo Volume, cu. ft. Fuel Capacity, gal. Front Head Room, in. Front Leg Room, in. Rear Head Room, in. Rear Leg Room, in.
Chevrolet Aveo 4-dr. hatch. 97.6 152.8 2359 42.0 12.0 39.3 41.3 37.6 35.4
Chevrolet Aveo 4-dr. sdn. 97.6 166.7 2381 11.7 12.0 39.2 41.2 37.6 35.3
Chevrolet Cobalt 2-dr. cpe. 103.3 180.3 2730 13.2 13.9 38.7 42.0 35.7 32.2
Chevrolet Cobalt 4-dr. sdn. 103.3 180.5 2780 14.0 13.9 38.5 41.8 37.7 33.7
Chevrolet HHR 103.5 176.2 3155 63.1 16.2 39.5 40.6 39.6 39.5
Chrysler PT Cruiser 4-dr.
wgn. 		103.0 168.9 3076 62.7 15.0 39.2 40.6 39.5 40.9
Chrysler PT Cruiser 2-dr.
conv. 		103.0 168.9 3303 7.4 15.0 38.7 40.6 36.4 40.9
Dodge Caliber 103.7 173.8 2966 48.0 13.6 40.0 41.8 38.9 35.6
Ford Focus 2-dr. hatch. 102.9 168.5 2605 39.7 14.0 39.1 40.7 38.5 37.6
Ford Focus 4-dr. hatch. 102.9 168.5 2610 39.7 14.0 39.1 40.7 38.5 37.6
Ford Focus 4-dr. sdn. 102.9 175.2 2636 14.8 14.0 39.1 40.7 38.4 37.6
Ford Focus 4-dr. wgn. 102.9 174.8 2783 73.1 14.0 39.1 40.7 39.8 37.6
Honda Civic 2-dr. cpe. 104.3 174.8 2593 11.5 13.2 38.0 42.6 35.1 30.3
Honda Civic 4-dr. sdn. 106.3 176.7 2628 12.0 13.2 39.4 42.2 37.4 34.6
Honda Fit 96.5 157.4 2432 41.9 10.8 40.6 41.9 38.6 33.7
Honda Insight 94.5 155.1 1850 16.3 10.6 38.8 42.9 -- --
Hyundai Accent 2-dr. hatch. 98.4 159.3 2366 15.9 11.9 39.6 42.8 37.8 34.3
Hyundai Accent 4-dr. sdn. 98.4 168.5 2366 12.4 11.9 39.6 42.8 37.8 34.3
Hyundai Elantra 4-dr. hatch. 102.7 177.9 2784 37.0 14.5 39.6 43.2 38.0 35.0
Hyundai Elantra 4-dr. sdn. 102.7 178.1 2784 13.0 14.5 39.6 43.2 38.0 35.0
Kia Rio 4-dr. hatch. 98.4 158.1 2438 49.6 11.9 39.6 42.8 37.8 34.3
Kia Rio 4-dr. sdn. 98.4 166.9 2365 11.9 11.9 39.6 42.8 37.8 34.3
Kia Spectra 102.8 176.4 2701 12.2 14.5 40.0 42.8 38.2 35.4
Kia Spectra5 102.8 170.9 2844 52.8 14.5 40.0 42.8 38.8 35.4
Mazda 3 4-dr hatch. 103.9 176.6 2808 31.2 14.5 39.1 41.9 38.4 36.3
Mazda 3 4-dr. sdn 103.9 178.3 2685 11.9 14.5 39.1 41.9 37.4 36.3
Mazda 5 108.3 181.5 3333 44.4 15.9 40.7 40.7 39.4 35.2
Mitsubishi Lancer 102.4 180.5 2745 11.3 13.2 38.8 43.2 36.7 36.6
Nissan Sentra 99.8 177.5 2513 11.6 13.2 39.9 41.6 37.0 33.7
Pontiac Vibe 102.4 171.9 2701 54.1 13.2 40.6 41.8 39.8 36.3
Saturn Ion 4-dr. cpe. 103.2 185.0 2784 14.2 13.0 38.9 42.2 36.5 32.7
Saturn Ion 4-dr. sdn. 103.2 184.5 2743 14.7 13.0 40.0 42.2 37.0 33.3
Scion xA 93.3 154.1 2340 32.8 11.9 39.6 41.3 38.8 37.6
Scion xB 98.4 155.3 2415 43.4 11.9 46.1 45.3 45.7 38.0
Subaru Impreza 4-dr. sdn. 99.4 175.8 3016 11.0 15.9 38.6 42.9 36.7 33.0
Subaru Impreza 4-dr. wgn. 99.4 175.8 3071 61.6 15.9 39.7 42.9 37.3 33.7
Suzuki Aerio 4-dr. sdn. 97.6 171.3 2661 14.6 13.2 40.6 41.4 37.6 36.0
Suzuki Aerio 4-dr. wgn. 97.6 166.5 2698 63.7 13.2 40.6 41.4 39.0 35.2
Suzuki Forenza 4-dr. sdn. 102.4 177.2 2701 12.4 14.5 39.1 42.0 37.8 36.7
Suzuki Forenza 4-dr. wgn. 102.4 179.7 2849 61.8 14.5 39.4 42.0 39.3 36.7
Suzuki Reno 102.4 169.1 2739 45.4 14.5 39.1 42.1 37.9 36.7
Toyota Corolla 102.4 178.3 2530 13.6 13.2 39.1 41.3 37.1 35.4
Toyota Matrix 102.4 171.3 2679 53.2 13.2 40.6 41.8 39.8 36.3
Toyota Prius 106.3 175.0 2890 16.1 11.9 39.1 41.9 37.1 38.6
Toyota Yaris 2-dr. hatch. 96.9 150.0 2293 12.8 11.1 39.4 40.3 37.5 33.8
Toyota Yaris 4-dr. sdn. 100.4 169.3 2293 12.9 11.1 38.8 42.4 36.7 35.6
Volkswagen Jetta 101.5 179.3 3230 16.0 14.5 38.5 41.2 37.2 35.4

Additional Information:
Automotive Glossary
http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/eaa_glossary.htm 
Automotive Warranties
http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/eaa_warranties_and_service.htm