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.

Mazda Mazda5 Image
  • 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
Scion xB Image
  • 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
Kia Rio5 Image
  • 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
Pontiac Vibe Image
  • 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
Kia Spectra5 Image
  • 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
Toyota Matrix Image
  • 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
Suzuki SX4 Wagon Image
  • 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
Chrysler PT Cruiser Image
  • 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
Subaru Impreza Wagon Image
  • 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
Chevrolet HHR Image
  • 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
Volvo C30 Image
  • 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
Dodge Caliber Image
  • 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.

MINI Clubman Image

2008 MINI Clubman

MSRP: $19,950 - $19,950 | Invoice: $17,955 - $17,955 | MPG: - TBD - City / - TBD - Hwy

Toyota Matrix Image

2009 Toyota Matrix

MSRP: $16,190 - $21,850 | Invoice: $14,973 - $19,773 | MPG: 26 (Est) City / 32 (Est) Hwy

Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen Image

2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen

MSRP: NA | Invoice: NA | MPG: NA