Car Rankings: Affordable Compact Wagons
Ranking of compact wagons and hatchbacks, generally priced under $25,000. Chrysler PT Cruiser, Toyota Matrix, Pontiac Vibe and more. Rankings based on an in-depth analysis by U.S. News editors of all published auto ratings, reviews and test drives.
- MSRP: $17,995 - $22,365
- Invoice: $16,849 - $20,923
- MPG: - TBD - City / - TBD - Hwy
#1
2008 Mazda Mazda5
The Mazda5's minivan-like seating and cargo versatility as well as its wagon size and pricing make it one of the top affordable compact wagons. However, it does ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.7 |
| Performance: | 7.6 |
| Exterior: | 7.3 |
| Interior: | 7.7 |
| Safety: | NA |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $15,650 - $16,600
- Invoice: $14,867 - $15,770
- MPG: 22 City / 28 Hwy
#2
2008 Scion xB
Reviewers like the xB for its defiantly unstylish appearance, its beefed up four-cylinder engine, its safety features, and its reasonable (but growing) price tag.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.5 |
| Performance: | 7.2 |
| Exterior: | 8.3 |
| Interior: | 7.2 |
| Safety: | 9.5 |
| Reliability: | NA |
- MSRP: $12,915 - $14,715
- Invoice: $12,250 - $13,965
- MPG: 27 City / 32 Hwy
#3
2008 Kia Rio5
The Rio5 has a great safety package, decent fuel economy and an outstanding warranty. However, several necessary features are offered only as options.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.3 |
| Performance: | 7.4 |
| Exterior: | 7.9 |
| Interior: | 7.1 |
| Safety: | 8.5 |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $16,855 - $16,855
- Invoice: $16,012 - $16,012
- MPG: 26 City / 33 Hwy
#3
2008 Pontiac Vibe
The Vibe offers a striking exterior design, a long list of standard convenience features and cargo space that's both abundant and versatile. But its sluggish and noisy ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.3 |
| Performance: | 6.1 |
| Exterior: | 7.4 |
| Interior: | 7.6 |
| Safety: | 8.5 |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $15,995 - $16,995
- Invoice: $14,955 - $15,890
- MPG: 23 City / 30 Hwy
#5
2008 Kia Spectra5
The Spectra5 has nimble handling and comfortable interior at a low price. The Spectra5 also has a lengthy warranty to distinguish it from competitors.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.2 |
| Performance: | 7.3 |
| Exterior: | 7.7 |
| Interior: | 7.0 |
| Safety: | 9.5 |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $15,510 - $17,820
- Invoice: $14,346 - $16,126
- MPG: 26 City / 33 Hwy
#5
2008 Toyota Matrix
The Matrix has a high resale value, as well as an innovative interior with good cargo capabilities. However, its engine is widely seen as underpowered and its ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.2 |
| Performance: | 5.7 |
| Exterior: | 6.7 |
| Interior: | 7.4 |
| Safety: | 8.5 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $15,270 - $17,970
- Invoice: $14,659 - $17,251
- MPG: 21 City / 28 Hwy
#7
2008 Suzuki SX4 Wagon
The SX4 Wagon's all-wheel-drive capability, abundant cargo space, well-equipped interior and budget price are plusses. But because of its heavy curb weight it can't match the fuel ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.1 |
| Performance: | 6.9 |
| Exterior: | 7.5 |
| Interior: | 7.5 |
| Safety: | 8.4 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- MSRP: $15,015 - $22,660
- Invoice: $14,164 - $21,121
- MPG: 21 City / 26 Hwy
#8
2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser
The PT Cruiser, with its spacious interior, offers plenty of cargo and passenger room for the money, but some think that the retro design has become overly ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.0 |
| Performance: | 6.9 |
| Exterior: | 8.0 |
| Interior: | 7.3 |
| Safety: | 8.4 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $17,495 - $28,950
- Invoice: $16,711 - $27,245
- MPG: 20 City / 27 Hwy
#9
2008 Subaru Impreza Wagon
The 2008 Subaru Impreza Wagon is a five-door vehicle. The Impreza Wagon has one available engine, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 170 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.7 |
| Performance: | 8.3 |
| Exterior: | NA |
| Interior: | 8.4 |
| Safety: | 9.8 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $16,515 - $17,835
- Invoice: $15,607 - $16,854
- MPG: 21 City / 30 Hwy
#10
2008 Chevrolet HHR
The HHR offers a smooth ride, distinctive retro look and practical cargo and passenger capacities, but it trails its competitors in acceleration and sporty handling.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.6 |
| Performance: | 6.0 |
| Exterior: | 7.5 |
| Interior: | 7.7 |
| Safety: | 9.8 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $22,950 - $25,700
- Invoice: $21,573 - $24,158
- MPG: 19 City / 28 Hwy
#10
2008 Volvo C30
The C30 is the first in a new line of Volvos pitched at younger customers, and reviewers generally like its high-performance engine and stylish appearance.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.6 |
| Performance: | 8.1 |
| Exterior: | 8.7 |
| Interior: | 7.8 |
| Safety: | NA |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- MSRP: $14,000 - $22,435
- Invoice: $13,200 - $20,876
- MPG: 24 City / 29 Hwy
#12
2008 Dodge Caliber
The 2008 Dodge Caliber offers some unique convenience features, but an unimpressive driving experience.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.0 |
| Performance: | 6.1 |
| Exterior: | 7.1 |
| Interior: | 6.9 |
| Safety: | 8.8 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
Unranked: Affordable Compact Wagons
Our rankings are based on analysis of third party reviews. Sometimes, we are unable to find enough reviews to publish a definitive ranking. Please check back later, as we are constantly updating our reviews.
2008 MINI Clubman
MSRP: $19,950 - $19,950 | Invoice: $17,955 - $17,955 | MPG: - TBD - City / - TBD - Hwy
2009 Toyota Matrix
MSRP: $16,190 - $21,850 | Invoice: $14,973 - $19,773 | MPG: 26 (Est) City / 32 (Est) Hwy
