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: $14,750 - $18,960
- Invoice: $14,236 - $18,277
- MPG: 27 City / 33 Hwy
#1
2009 Honda Fit
Redesigned for 2009, the larger and sportier Fit has quality and utility that few subcompacts can match. Although it's an expensive car compared to other subcompacts and hatchbacks, the Fit ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 9.4 |
| Performance: | 8.2 |
| Exterior: | 7.3 |
| Interior: | 8.8 |
| Safety: | 9.8 |
| Reliability: | 10.0 |
- MSRP: $15,305 - $24,305
- Invoice: $14,113 - $22,368
- MPG: 26 City / 34 Hwy
#2
2009 Honda Civic
Reviewers praise the 2009 Honda Civic's excellent safety features and high-class cabin appointments, but also mention its sleek body style. It is one of the most reliable, visually ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 9.1 |
| Performance: | 8.3 |
| Exterior: | 8.4 |
| Interior: | 8.1 |
| Safety: | 9.8 |
| Reliability: | 9.0 |
- MSRP: $23,650 - $26,850
- Invoice: $21,767 - $24,702
- MPG: 40 City / 45 Hwy
#3
2009 Honda Civic Hybrid
The Civic Hybrid qualifications are similar to the popular Toyota Prius, but it offers the conventional styling of a gas-engine sedan. On the other hand, many reviewers report its around-town driving ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.8 |
| Performance: | 7.1 |
| Exterior: | 8.4 |
| Interior: | 7.9 |
| Safety: | 9.8 |
| Reliability: | 9.0 |
- MSRP: $15,045 - $22,300
- Invoice: $14,108 - $20,879
- MPG: 25 (Est) City / 33 (Est) Hwy
#4
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: | 8.6 |
| Performance: | 9.0 |
| Exterior: | 5.6 |
| Interior: | 8.4 |
| Safety: | NA |
| Reliability: | NA |
- MSRP: $16,300 - $19,340
- Invoice: $15,456 - $18,781
- MPG: 20 City / 29 Hwy
#4
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: | 8.6 |
| Performance: | 8.1 |
| Exterior: | 8.0 |
| Interior: | 8.4 |
| Safety: | 9.4 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $17,515 - $23,540
- Invoice: $16,863 - $22,263
- MPG: 21 City / 30 Hwy
#6
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: | 8.5 |
| Performance: | 8.4 |
| Exterior: | 7.8 |
| Interior: | 8.4 |
| Safety: | 9.4 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $14,120 - $17,820
- Invoice: $13,735 - $17,090
- MPG: 24 City / 33 Hwy
#7
2009 Hyundai Elantra
The Elantra has a low base price and great fuel economy. Plus many say it has one of the most comfortable and spacious cabins in the small car class. ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.2 |
| Performance: | 7.7 |
| Exterior: | 7.6 |
| Interior: | 8.3 |
| Safety: | 8.5 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $13,300 - $17,900
- Invoice: $12,755 - $16,775
- MPG: - TBD - City / - TBD - Hwy
#7
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: | 8.2 |
| Performance: | 7.4 |
| Exterior: | 8.4 |
| Interior: | 8.8 |
| Safety: | NA |
| Reliability: | NA |
- MSRP: $13,299 - $18,639
- Invoice: $12,767 - $17,893
- MPG: 22 City / 30 Hwy
#9
2009 Suzuki SX4
The SX4's fun style, interior features and performance make it a great alternative to the top-ranked small cars, as does its low pricing. But some of its ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.1 |
| Performance: | 7.9 |
| Exterior: | 7.7 |
| Interior: | 8.6 |
| Safety: | 8.1 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $13,325 - $15,125
- Invoice: $12,640 - $14,355
- MPG: 27 City / 32 Hwy
#10
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: | 8.0 |
| Performance: | 7.6 |
| Exterior: | 8.3 |
| Interior: | 7.3 |
| Safety: | 8.4 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $15,520 - $18,265
- Invoice: $14,574 - $16,916
- MPG: 24 City / 35 Hwy
#11
2009 Ford Focus
Car writers like the Focus' innovative infotainment SYNC system and are pleased with the car's performance. But the Focus also has an uninspiring exterior design and a cramped second row, ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.9 |
| Performance: | 7.6 |
| Exterior: | 7.0 |
| Interior: | 7.7 |
| Safety: | 9.2 |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $13,100 - $16,330
- Invoice: $12,645 - $15,750
- MPG: 26 City / 31 Hwy
#11
2009 Nissan Versa
The Versa is a roomy subcompact with pleasing performance and a large amount of standard safety equipment -- a rarity for a small car. But the Versa skimps ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.9 |
| Performance: | 7.2 |
| Exterior: | 7.1 |
| Interior: | 8.6 |
| Safety: | 9.2 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $18,550 - $28,550
- Invoice: $16,695 - $25,695
- MPG: 26 City / 34 Hwy
#13
2009 MINI Cooper
After a year hiatus, the 2009 MINI Cooper has come back with the same combination of classic and contemporary that won over reviewers in 2007. Reviewers like ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.8 |
| Performance: | 8.3 |
| Exterior: | 8.4 |
| Interior: | 6.6 |
| Safety: | 9.1 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- MSRP: $13,990 - $19,370
- Invoice: $13,500 - $18,557
- MPG: - TBD - City / - TBD - Hwy
#13
2009 Nissan Cube
According to our analysis, the 2009 Nissan Cube's bold styling, spacious interior and low MSRP should appeal to hatchback lovers who like to make a statement. But ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.8 |
| Performance: | 7.3 |
| Exterior: | 7.4 |
| Interior: | 9.1 |
| Safety: | NA |
| Reliability: | NA |
- MSRP: $14,650 - $15,450
- Invoice: $13,917 - $14,677
- MPG: 27 City / 33 Hwy
#15
2009 Scion xD
The xD is an acceptable car for around-town cruising with plenty of customization options for a unique look and feel. But it doesn't have the stamina or ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.7 |
| Performance: | 7.1 |
| Exterior: | 7.7 |
| Interior: | 7.4 |
| Safety: | 8.8 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $14,540 - $19,540
- Invoice: $13,852 - $18,616
- MPG: 22 City / 30 Hwy
#16
2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
The Lancer's attractive exterior styling and balanced handling are strong for this segment, while some of its high-tech cabin features are more common in a luxury class. ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.6 |
| Performance: | 7.6 |
| Exterior: | 9.0 |
| Interior: | 7.0 |
| Safety: | 9.6 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- MSRP: $17,495 - $26,995
- Invoice: $16,734 - $25,510
- MPG: 20 City / 27 Hwy
#16
2009 Subaru Impreza
The Impreza's leading safety scores and standard all-wheel drive should appeal to practical-minded car shoppers looking for reliable transportation. But some auto writers say the car has little ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.6 |
| Performance: | 7.6 |
| Exterior: | 6.1 |
| Interior: | 7.6 |
| Safety: | 9.8 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- MSRP: $15,350 - $20,050
- Invoice: $14,352 - $18,345
- MPG: 26 (2009) City / 35 (2009) Hwy
#16
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: | 7.6 |
| Performance: | 7.6 |
| Exterior: | 7.1 |
| Interior: | 7.6 |
| Safety: | 8.3 |
| Reliability: | NA |
- MSRP: $15,660 - $23,525
- Invoice: $14,955 - $22,466
- MPG: 25 City / 37 Hwy
#19
2009 Chevy Cobalt
The Cobalt is an adequate performer with great fuel economy and enough upscale cabin options to entice a large audience. But its class-leading competitors have similar qualities ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.5 |
| Performance: | 7.9 |
| Exterior: | 7.6 |
| Interior: | 6.7 |
| Safety: | 9.2 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $11,495 - $14,875
- Invoice: $11,045 - $14,120
- MPG: 27 City / 32 Hwy
#19
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: | 8.2 |
| Interior: | 7.3 |
| Safety: | 6.0 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $16,345 - $17,345
- Invoice: $15,280 - $16,210
- MPG: 23 City / 30 Hwy
#19
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: $11,070 - $15,870
- Invoice: $10,822 - $15,406
- MPG: 27 City / 33 Hwy
#22
2009 Hyundai Accent
The Accent pleases reviewers with its undeniably good value and generous interior space for such a small car. Those same reviewers say the Accent would make a better ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.4 |
| Performance: | 6.8 |
| Exterior: | 7.6 |
| Interior: | 7.6 |
| Safety: | 6.3 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $16,730 - $19,660
- Invoice: $15,823 - $18,334
- MPG: 24 City / 30 Hwy
#22
2009 Nissan Sentra
Its low MSRP and high fuel economy rating make the Sentra one of the best values in the affordable small car class. However, its 2.0-liter engine is not as ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.4 |
| Performance: | 6.8 |
| Exterior: | 6.9 |
| Interior: | 7.9 |
| Safety: | 9.7 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $13,200 - $17,100
- Invoice: $12,630 - $15,980
- MPG: 23 City / 30 Hwy
#24
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: | 7.3 |
| Performance: | 7.3 |
| Exterior: | 8.1 |
| Interior: | 7.5 |
| Safety: | 7.9 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $11,990 - $16,990
- Invoice: $11,151 - $15,801
- MPG: 33 City / 41 Hwy
#24
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: | 7.3 |
| Performance: | 6.4 |
| Exterior: | 8.2 |
| Interior: | 8.4 |
| Safety: | 8.5 |
| Reliability: | NA |
- 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: | 7.2 |
| Performance: | 7.7 |
| Exterior: | 8.5 |
| Interior: | 7.5 |
| Safety: | NA |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- MSRP: $12,205 - $15,880
- Invoice: $11,595 - $15,084
- MPG: 29 City / 36 Hwy
#26
2009 Toyota Yaris
The Yaris delivers a pleasant drive with good storage space and an odd but appealing design. But its great fuel numbers compromise its power, and its cabin is ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.2 |
| Performance: | 7.0 |
| Exterior: | 7.9 |
| Interior: | 7.2 |
| Safety: | 8.0 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $18,290 - $25,990
- Invoice: $17,371 - $24,686
- MPG: 20 City / 28 Hwy
#28
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: | 7.0 |
| Performance: | 7.4 |
| Exterior: | 7.9 |
| Interior: | 6.5 |
| Safety: | 7.8 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $16,460 - $24,840
- Invoice: $15,498 - $23,208
- MPG: 24 City / 30 Hwy
#29
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: | 6.7 |
| Performance: | 6.4 |
| Exterior: | 7.5 |
| Interior: | 7.1 |
| Safety: | 8.1 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $16,980 - $20,280
- Invoice: $16,216 - $19,367
- MPG: 23 City / 32 Hwy
#29
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: $11,965 - $15,365
- Invoice: $11,427 - $14,674
- MPG: 27 City / 34 Hwy
#31
2009 Chevy Aveo
Compared to sportier models from Honda or Mazda, the Chevy Aveo is merely an adequate performer, plus its standard safety features list is limited. Still, the Aveo ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 6.5 |
| Performance: | 6.7 |
| Exterior: | 8.0 |
| Interior: | 7.4 |
| Safety: | 6.3 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- MSRP: $13,839 - $15,439
- Invoice: $13,285 - $14,821
- MPG: 20 City / 28 Hwy
#31
2008 Suzuki Reno
The Reno delivers reasonable exterior style and interior spaciousness, but can't match the smooth handling, fuel economy, and number of standard safety features found in other cars ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 6.5 |
| Performance: | 6.6 |
| Exterior: | 7.8 |
| Interior: | 7.6 |
| Safety: | 6.5 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- MSRP: $14,489 - $16,089
- Invoice: $13,909 - $15,445
- MPG: 19 City / 28 Hwy
#33
2008 Suzuki Forenza
The Forenza is a basic, budget-friendly car for around-town travel, but it receives troubling safety scores and lacks the engine power of others in its class. Although it ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 6.2 |
| Performance: | 6.4 |
| Exterior: | 8.0 |
| Interior: | 7.3 |
| Safety: | 5.9 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
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 Pontiac Vibe
MSRP: $16,100 - $20,875 | Invoice: $15,376 - $19,936 | MPG: 26 (2009) City / 32 (2009) Hwy
