Expert Picks: Small Cars Rated from 3.5 to 5 Stars

Chevrolet Cobalt

Chevy rolled out the SS version of the Cobalt for 2008, adding it to the coupe and sedan models already in the lineup, with engines producing from 148 horsepower to 260 horsepower.

Likes:
Turbocharged engine
Impressive handling
100,000-mile warranty

Dislikes:
Uninspired styling
Interior materials
Tight rear seat

Expert Rating:

Honda Civic

With models from economy coupe or sedan to the speedy Si, the Civic offers compact buyers a lot of variety. The top trim level comes with leather seats and navigation, distinctions not shared by very many competitors.  

Likes:
Excellent performance in Si
Good price
Four-door utility

Dislikes:
Si engine lacks torque
Noisy
Harsh on-road ride

Expert Rating:

Honda Fit

With the Civic moving up in Honda’s range, the sub-compact Fit came along to fill the small car spot. While the Fit hasn’t been sold in the U.S. for very long, a new version arrives 2009.

Likes:
Zippy powertrain
Passenger and cargo room

Dislikes:
Only LEV-emissions rated
Mileage not as good as Civic
Pricier than some competitors

Expert Rating:

Hyundai Elantra

The 2008 Elantra adds safety features to the redesign that debuted for 2007. It competes well against the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.

Likes:
Six airbags standard
Supportive seats
Stylish exterior design

Dislikes:
Loud under acceleration
Knee room tight in back seat
Brakes are a bit grabby

Expert Rating:

Kia Rio

The Rio is one of the least expensive cars for sale in the U.S., starting at just under $11,000. That gets you a comfortable and updated interior, six airbags and a five-year, 60,000-mile warranty.

Likes:
Better than expected materials
Comfortable and quiet
Good standard feature set

Dislikes:
Only adequate power
Rear seat room limited
Will it hold up?

Expert Rating:

Mazda 3

The Mazda 3 is another compact car that adds a few touches of luxury, like the Civic they take the form of leather seats and a navigation system. The 3 is available as either a sedan or a five-door hatchback.

Likes:
Lots of fun to drive
Good front and rear comfort
Hatchback cargo space

Dislikes:
Interior noise
Peculiar rear-end design
Stereo hard to use

Expert Rating:

Mazdaspeed 3

Much like the Civic Si, the 263-horsepower Mazdaspeed 3 takes a basic compact car and turns into a budget performance vehicle. This version of the 3 only comes as a five-door hatch with a six-speed manual transmission.

Likes:
Impressive acceleration
Very good handling and brakes
Styling isn't over the top

Dislikes:
Premium gasoline
Must buy GT to get trip computer

Expert Rating:

Nissan Versa

The Versa can claim a horsepower advantage over its main rivals, the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris, thanks to 122 ponies under the hood.

Likes:
Controlled and comfortable ride
Supportive front seats
Plenty of visibility

Dislikes:
Gets tossed around in wind
Insufficient side bolsters
Shifter feels an inch too low

Expert Rating:

Scion tC

It’s the un-boxy Scion, available only as a coupe. With a mildly restyled interior and exterior for 2008, the tC comes with iPod connectivity and a Panasonic subwoofer standard. There are few factory options, but lots of dealer-installed accessories.

Likes:
Scion-cool in a coupe
Affordable and fun to drive
Fold down front seat, hatch improves cargo capacity

Dislikes:
High-revving engine
Slightly cramped interior

Expert Rating:

Subaru Impreza

While the base Impreza is overshadowed by the WRX, the 2.5i comes in sedan or wagon and of course has all-wheel drive. Subaru styling has always been quirky and the new exterior is plain-stream, but the interior makes up for it.

Likes:
Engine has healthy torque
Real all-wheel drive
Attractive modern interior

Dislikes:
Homogenized exterior styling
Only a four-speed automatic

Expert Rating:

Suzuki SX-4 Sport

Following in the tire tracks of its crossover kin, the Sport is a fun drive at bargain-basement prices. The front-drive sedan has a nice-for-the-price interior, a good list of standard features and is available in three trim levels.

Likes:
Fun on a limited budget
Unique looks
Very usable package

Dislikes:
“Sport” is mostly appearance
Uncomfortable driving position
No trunk pass-through

Expert Rating:

Toyota Yaris

New for this year is the S model Yaris in either three-door hatchback or four-door sedan. Toyota’s least expensive model with a starting price just over $12,000, the Yaris sips   fuel, with an EPA rating of 29 mpg city, 30 highway.

Likes:
Excellent visibility
Generous storage
Simple climate controls

Dislikes:
Rear seat hatchback comfort
Interior noise

Expert Rating:

Volkswagen Jetta

VWs have some of the nicest interiors for the price, made of good materials and well built. A diesel Jetta is due late 2008.

Likes:
IIHS “Best Pick”
Upscale interior
Stability control standard

Dislikes:
Odd steering angle
Driver wasn't comfortable
Protrusion beneath steering column hits driver's knees

Expert Rating:

Volkswagen New Beetle

If there’s one car known the world over to anyone not living with a mountain tribe in New Guinea, it’s the Beetle, new or old. The new takes the familiar styling, updates it and modernizes the rest of the car.

Likes:
Fun, iconic styling
Good ride and handling
Roomy up front

Dislikes:
Small back seat room
Noisy engine
Hard seats and headrest

Expert Rating:

Volkswagen Rabbit

Three decades after its initial debut in the U.S., the Rabbit redux is underway. For 2008, VW boosted the power by 30 percent over its predecessor.

Likes:
Versatile interior
Power boost
Single trim simplifies buying

Dislikes:
Fuel economy should be better
Base pricier than competitors

Expert Rating: