Car Rankings: Affordable Small Cars
Ranking of compact cars and subcompact cars, generally priced under $20,000. Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, MINI Cooper and more. Rankings based on an in-depth analysis by U.S. News editors of all published auto ratings, reviews and test drives.
- MSRP: $15,455 - $24,455
- Invoice: $14,250 - $22,505
- Avg. Paid: $15,651 - $24,140
- MPG: 25 City / 36 Hwy
#1
2010 Honda Civic
Reviewers agree that the 2010 Honda Civic is a winning combination of substance and style that has deservedly staked its claim as a class leader. It is ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 9.0 |
| Performance: | 8.3 |
| Exterior: | 8.2 |
| Interior: | 8.2 |
| Safety: | 9.6 |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $14,900 - $19,110
- Invoice: $14,380 - $18,421
- Avg. Paid: $16,054 - $20,321
- MPG: 28 City / 35 Hwy
#1
2010 Honda Fit
The 2010 Honda Fit is a winner is almost every respect. Beloved by the automotive press for its innovative storage options, its extensive list of available features ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 9.0 |
| Performance: | 8.2 |
| Exterior: | 7.3 |
| Interior: | 8.7 |
| Safety: | 9.6 |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $14,145 - $17,845
- Invoice: $13,758 - $17,113
- Avg. Paid: $14,226 - $17,761
- MPG: 25 City / 33 Hwy
#3
2010 Hyundai Elantra
Offering one of the most comfortable and spacious cabins in the Affordable Small Car class, the Elantra is well worth a look for those who want a ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.5 |
| Performance: | 7.6 |
| Exterior: | 7.7 |
| Interior: | 8.3 |
| Safety: | NA |
| Reliability: | 9.0 |
- MSRP: $13,695 - $18,695
- Invoice: $13,430 - $17,810
- Avg. Paid: $14,197 - $19,449
- MPG: 25 (Est) City / 34 (Est) Hwy
#3
2010 Kia Forte
The automotive press is heaping praise on the trendy and feature-laden 2010 Kia Forte. While the Forte's predecessor, the Spectra, was a disappointment to most reviewers, ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.5 |
| Performance: | 8.0 |
| Exterior: | 9.0 |
| Interior: | 8.5 |
| Safety: | 9.3 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $23,800 - $27,000
- Invoice: $21,904 - $24,839
- Avg. Paid: $24,229 - $27,269
- MPG: 40 City / 45 Hwy
#5
2010 Honda Civic Hybrid
The 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid offers a satisfying combination of high quality design and class-leading fuel economy in a relatively affordable price. Still, if you're looking to ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.4 |
| Performance: | 7.3 |
| Exterior: | 8.2 |
| Interior: | 7.9 |
| Safety: | 9.6 |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $16,300 - $19,340
- Invoice: $15,456 - $18,781
- Avg. Paid: $16,349 - $18,975
- MPG: 20 City / 29 Hwy
#5
2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
The Rabbit is a great performer with plenty of standard features and a high index of class and comfort.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.4 |
| Performance: | 8.1 |
| Exterior: | 8.0 |
| Interior: | 8.4 |
| Safety: | 9.4 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $15,295 - $22,800
- Invoice: $14,341 - $21,345
- Avg. Paid: $15,337 - $22,440
- MPG: 25 (Est) City / 33 (Est) Hwy
#7
2010 Mazda MAZDA3
The redesigned Mazda3's aggressively sporty performance is notable among affordable small cars, but its once-sleek exterior is now described as goofy-looking by some auto writers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.3 |
| Performance: | 8.7 |
| Exterior: | 5.6 |
| Interior: | 8.4 |
| Safety: | 9.8 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $17,515 - $23,540
- Invoice: $16,863 - $22,263
- Avg. Paid: $17,059 - $22,607
- MPG: 21 City / 30 Hwy
#7
2009 Volkswagen Jetta
The Jetta has good power, great safety features and comfortable seating, plus a brand new diesel trim that's earning positive attention for its smooth performance and high ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.3 |
| Performance: | 8.4 |
| Exterior: | 7.8 |
| Interior: | 8.4 |
| Safety: | 9.4 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $18,800 - $34,000
- Invoice: $16,920 - $30,600
- MPG: 28 City / 37 Hwy
#9
2010 Mini Cooper
The 2010 MINI Cooper is a favorite in the automotive press for its unique looks and excellent performance capabilities. Nonetheless, its price can be a hurdle for ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.1 |
| Performance: | 8.4 |
| Exterior: | 8.4 |
| Interior: | 6.6 |
| Safety: | 8.4 |
| Reliability: | NA |
- MSRP: $13,300 - $17,900
- Invoice: $12,755 - $16,775
- Avg. Paid: $13,955 - $18,506
- MPG: - TBD - City / - TBD - Hwy
#10
2010 Kia Soul
The Soul is Kia's brand-new car-based hatchback, though it does sport some SUV-like styling. It's about the same length as the Kia Rio compact and competes with ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.0 |
| Performance: | 7.1 |
| Exterior: | 8.6 |
| Interior: | 8.6 |
| Safety: | 9.8 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $13,359 - $19,949
- Invoice: $12,825 - $19,151
- MPG: 22 City / 30 Hwy
#11
2010 Suzuki SX4
With a spacious cabin, nimble handling and a long list of available features, the 2010 Suzuki SX4 is drawing the attention of reviewers. Nonetheless, it doesn’t quite ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.9 |
| Performance: | 7.8 |
| Exterior: | 7.3 |
| Interior: | 8.1 |
| Safety: | 8.3 |
| Reliability: | NA |
- MSRP: $13,325 - $15,125
- Invoice: $12,640 - $14,355
- Avg. Paid: $13,700 - $15,452
- MPG: 27 City / 32 Hwy
#12
2009 Kia Rio5
The Rio5 offers one of the best safety packages in its class, as well as an outstanding warranty and good cargo capacity. But it also has very ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.8 |
| Performance: | 7.6 |
| Exterior: | 8.3 |
| Interior: | 7.3 |
| Safety: | 8.4 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $17,000 - $17,800
- Invoice: $16,150 - $16,910
- Avg. Paid: $17,728 - $18,524
- MPG: 20 City / 27 Hwy
#12
2010 Scion tC
Small and sporty, the tC is an affordable coupe with pleasing performance and plenty of customization possibilities.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.8 |
| Performance: | 7.8 |
| Exterior: | 8.0 |
| Interior: | 7.1 |
| Safety: | 9.3 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- MSRP: $15,750 - $16,700
- Invoice: $14,962 - $15,865
- Avg. Paid: $16,515 - $17,463
- MPG: 22 City / 28 Hwy
#12
2010 Scion xB
The xB is still square, safe and affordable, but isn't your best option for cabin comfort and gas mileage.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.8 |
| Performance: | 7.8 |
| Exterior: | 8.2 |
| Interior: | 7.7 |
| Safety: | 8.6 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $15,350 - $20,050
- Invoice: $14,352 - $18,345
- Avg. Paid: $15,357 - $19,862
- MPG: 26 City / 35 Hwy
#12
2010 Toyota Corolla
The Corolla is still a great option for those who want dependability, comfort and a great value. But it doesn't have the versatility, style or power of ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.8 |
| Performance: | 7.6 |
| Exterior: | 7.1 |
| Interior: | 7.6 |
| Safety: | 9.3 |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $9,970 - $16,995
- Invoice: $9,872 - $16,480
- Avg. Paid: $10,484 - $17,378
- MPG: 27 (Est) City / 36 (Est) Hwy
#16
2010 Hyundai Accent
The 2010 Hyundai Accent is a good choice for those looking for value in an inexpensive car. It falls well short of competitors, however, because of its ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.7 |
| Performance: | 6.7 |
| Exterior: | 7.8 |
| Interior: | 7.5 |
| Safety: | 9.0 |
| Reliability: | NA |
- MSRP: $13,990 - $20,120
- Invoice: NA
- MPG: 24 City / 29 Hwy
#16
2010 Nissan Cube
In its second year on the market, the 2010 Nissan Cube offers the same bold styling, spacious interior and low price that make it appealing to those ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.7 |
| Performance: | 7.0 |
| Exterior: | 7.8 |
| Interior: | 8.5 |
| Safety: | NA |
| Reliability: | NA |
- MSRP: $9,900 - $16,530
- Invoice: $9,759 - $15,942
- Avg. Paid: $10,160 - $16,924
- MPG: 26 (2009) City / 34 (2009) Hwy
#16
2010 Nissan Versa
Considering that it is one of the least expensive cars in its class, the Nissan Versa is a good choice for its spacious cabin and excellent handling ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.7 |
| Performance: | 7.2 |
| Exterior: | 7.1 |
| Interior: | 8.6 |
| Safety: | 9.2 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $16,100 - $20,875
- Invoice: $15,376 - $19,936
- Avg. Paid: $16,169 - $20,778
- MPG: 26 City / 32 Hwy
#16
2010 Pontiac Vibe
The Vibe has cargo space to rival larger crossovers, but its unexciting drive doesn't compare well to newer hatchbacks.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.7 |
| Performance: | 7.1 |
| Exterior: | 7.8 |
| Interior: | 7.5 |
| Safety: | 9.6 |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $17,495 - $26,995
- Invoice: $16,734 - $25,510
- Avg. Paid: $17,448 - $26,463
- MPG: 20 City / 26 Hwy
#16
2010 Subaru Impreza
If you live in an area where winter weather can make driving difficult, the Subaru Impreza may be exactly what you’re looking for. With standard All-Wheel Drive ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.7 |
| Performance: | 7.8 |
| Exterior: | 6.6 |
| Interior: | 7.2 |
| Safety: | 9.6 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $14,990 - $24,535
- Invoice: $14,390 - $23,554
- Avg. Paid: $14,979 - $24,903
- MPG: 25 City / 37 Hwy
#21
2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
The Chevy Cobalt is surprisingly fun to drive for an inexpensive car, boasts solid fuel economy, and is available with one of the nicest stereo systems found ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.6 |
| Performance: | 7.9 |
| Exterior: | 7.5 |
| Interior: | 6.7 |
| Safety: | 8.7 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $14,790 - $27,590
- Invoice: $14,090 - $26,285
- Avg. Paid: $15,426 - $28,093
- MPG: 22 City / 30 Hwy
#21
2010 Mitsubishi Lancer
While the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer is a favorite in the automotive press for its aggressive exterior styling, decent handling and comfortable front seats, it has some drawbacks. ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.6 |
| Performance: | 7.7 |
| Exterior: | 9.1 |
| Interior: | 7.0 |
| Safety: | NA |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $11,495 - $14,875
- Invoice: $11,045 - $14,120
- Avg. Paid: $11,916 - $15,208
- MPG: 27 City / 32 Hwy
#23
2009 Kia Rio
The Rio is a competent affordable small car with plenty of safety features and an appealing powertrain warranty, but it doesn't have the amenities, utility or comfort that ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.5 |
| Performance: | 7.0 |
| Exterior: | 8.4 |
| Interior: | 7.3 |
| Safety: | 6.0 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $16,695 - $17,695
- Invoice: $15,610 - $16,540
- Avg. Paid: $16,809 - $17,768
- MPG: 23 City / 30 Hwy
#23
2009 Kia Spectra5
The Spectra5 is nimble on highways and easy on the wallet, but is not the best vehicle for impressive power, and most reviewers say you won't be ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.5 |
| Performance: | 7.3 |
| Exterior: | 8.0 |
| Interior: | 7.0 |
| Safety: | 9.3 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $14,800 - $15,600
- Invoice: $14,060 - $14,820
- Avg. Paid: $15,568 - $16,367
- MPG: 26 City / 32 Hwy
#23
2010 Scion xD
Reviewers appreciate the xD for its around-town cruising capabilities and long list of customization options, but most say that it lacks the comfort and utility of other ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.5 |
| Performance: | 7.2 |
| Exterior: | 7.7 |
| Interior: | 7.2 |
| Safety: | NA |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $15,995 - $18,485
- Invoice: $15,071 - $17,177
- Avg. Paid: $16,250 - $18,656
- MPG: 24 City / 35 Hwy
#26
2010 Ford Focus
The 2010 Ford Focus is worth a look for its comfortable front seats, entertainment features and innovative MyKey system. That said, if you’re looking for performance or ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.4 |
| Performance: | 7.6 |
| Exterior: | 7.1 |
| Interior: | 7.8 |
| Safety: | 8.3 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $13,550 - $17,450
- Invoice: $12,965 - $16,310
- Avg. Paid: $13,787 - $17,533
- MPG: 23 City / 30 Hwy
#26
2009 Kia Spectra
The Spectra is practical and spacious with a high-quality cabin. In addition, it has one of the lowest MSRPs in its class. But many say the Spectra's handling is soft compared to the ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.4 |
| Performance: | 7.3 |
| Exterior: | 8.1 |
| Interior: | 7.5 |
| Safety: | 7.9 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: NA
- Invoice: NA
- MPG: - TBD - City / - TBD - Hwy
#26
2009 Saturn Astra
The Astra is competitively stylish both inside and out, but its four-cylinder engine is hardly peppy on the road and its cabin is hampered by an inconvenient ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.4 |
| Performance: | 7.7 |
| Exterior: | 8.5 |
| Interior: | 7.5 |
| Safety: | NA |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $16,550 - $21,960
- Invoice: $15,474 - $20,092
- Avg. Paid: $16,803 - $22,012
- MPG: 26 City / 32 Hwy
#26
2010 Toyota Matrix
The Matrix is fuel efficient and practical. But nit-picking reviewers note the car's unimpressive cabin materials and forgettable performance.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.4 |
| Performance: | 7.0 |
| Exterior: | 7.3 |
| Interior: | 7.6 |
| Safety: | 9.6 |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $12,355 - $13,915
- Invoice: $11,737 - $13,219
- Avg. Paid: $12,660 - $14,419
- MPG: 29 (2009) City / 35 (2009) Hwy
#26
2010 Toyota Yaris
From its excellent fuel economy and eccentric appearance to its comprehensive package of safety features, the 2010 Toyota Yaris is a good value. Nonetheless, with a painfully ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.4 |
| Performance: | 7.2 |
| Exterior: | 7.9 |
| Interior: | 7.4 |
| Safety: | 8.0 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $15,420 - $20,080
- Invoice: $14,794 - $18,725
- Avg. Paid: $15,650 - $20,133
- MPG: 26 City / 34 Hwy
#31
2010 Nissan Sentra
For 2010 Nissan has reworked its pricing structure so that all six trims of the new Sentra are offered with more features at a lower starting price, ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.2 |
| Performance: | 6.8 |
| Exterior: | 6.9 |
| Interior: | 7.9 |
| Safety: | 9.6 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $11,990 - $16,990
- Invoice: $11,151 - $15,801
- Avg. Paid: $12,925 - $17,854
- MPG: 33 City / 41 Hwy
#32
2009 Smart ForTwo
The Fortwo's cute frame and nimble handling make it a very tempting choice for city driving, but its sluggish power is impractical for the highway.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 6.9 |
| Performance: | 6.4 |
| Exterior: | 8.2 |
| Interior: | 8.4 |
| Safety: | 8.5 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- MSRP: $18,290 - $25,990
- Invoice: $17,371 - $24,686
- Avg. Paid: $18,250 - $25,359
- MPG: 20 City / 28 Hwy
#32
2009 Volkswagen New Beetle
If you like standing out in a crowd and have a soft spot for nostalgia, you'll appreciate the fun driving dynamics and playful appearance of the 2009 ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 6.9 |
| Performance: | 7.4 |
| Exterior: | 7.9 |
| Interior: | 6.5 |
| Safety: | 7.8 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $11,965 - $15,365
- Invoice: $11,486 - $14,750
- Avg. Paid: $12,624 - $15,998
- MPG: 27 City / 35 Hwy
#34
2010 Chevrolet Aveo
The Chevy Aveo is notable for its low sticker price more than for anything else. It is among the least expensive cars on the road, and with ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 6.7 |
| Performance: | 6.7 |
| Exterior: | 7.7 |
| Interior: | 7.3 |
| Safety: | 8.4 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- MSRP: $16,980 - $20,280
- Invoice: $16,216 - $19,367
- Avg. Paid: $16,067 - $19,076
- MPG: 23 City / 32 Hwy
#34
2009 Pontiac G5
The G5 trails the majority of the small car class when it comes to comfort, quality and performance. Take the Mazda3 for a test drive if you're ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 6.7 |
| Performance: | 6.8 |
| Exterior: | 7.7 |
| Interior: | 6.3 |
| Safety: | 8.7 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $16,460 - $24,840
- Invoice: $15,498 - $23,208
- Avg. Paid: $16,417 - $24,384
- MPG: 24 City / 30 Hwy
#36
2009 Dodge Caliber
The Caliber's aggressive styling and spacious trunk are assets for anyone shopping for a hatchback -- but reviewers say the car's underwhelming powertrain and less than stellar build ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 6.6 |
| Performance: | 6.4 |
| Exterior: | 7.5 |
| Interior: | 7.1 |
| Safety: | 8.1 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
Unranked: Affordable Small Cars
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.
2010 Volkswagen New Beetle
MSRP: $18,540 - $26,170 | Invoice: $17,605 - $24,855 | MPG: 20 City / 28 Hwy