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: $15,010 - $22,460
- Invoice: $13,842 - $20,675
- MPG: 26 City / 34 Hwy
#1
2008 Honda Civic
In our rankings, the 2008 Civic is engaged in a sibling rivalry with the 2008 Honda Fit. The Civic holds an edge in safety and visual appeal, ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 9.4 |
| Performance: | 8.1 |
| Exterior: | 8.0 |
| Interior: | 7.8 |
| Safety: | 9.8 |
| Reliability: | 9.0 |
- MSRP: $13,950 - $15,270
- Invoice: $13,468 - $14,735
- MPG: 27 City / 34 Hwy
#2
2008 Honda Fit
The Fit's configurable cabin, numerous standard amenities and peppy performance secure its place as one of the top affordable small cars and hatchbacks. With the escalating gas ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 9.2 |
| Performance: | 8.1 |
| Exterior: | 7.7 |
| Interior: | 8.3 |
| Safety: | 8.3 |
| Reliability: | 10.0 |
- MSRP: $22,600 - $24,350
- Invoice: $20,804 - $22,409
- MPG: 40 City / 45 Hwy
#3
2008 Honda Civic Hybrid
The Civic Hybrid provides similar qualifications to the popular Toyota Prius while offering the conventional styling of a gas-engine sedan. But many reviewers report its around-town driving ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.8 |
| Performance: | 6.3 |
| Exterior: | 8.1 |
| Interior: | 7.6 |
| Safety: | 9.8 |
| Reliability: | 9.0 |
- MSRP: $13,895 - $20,845
- Invoice: $13,022 - $19,502
- MPG: 24 City / 32 Hwy
#4
2008 Mazda MAZDA3
The Mazda3's good ranking is based on its superb handling dynamics, bold design, and luxurious appointments. Ranked in the top half of its class, the Mazda3 proves ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.7 |
| Performance: | 8.1 |
| Exterior: | 7.8 |
| Interior: | 7.4 |
| Safety: | 7.3 |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $15,650 - $16,600
- Invoice: $14,867 - $15,770
- MPG: 22 City / 28 Hwy
#5
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: | 7.3 |
| Exterior: | 8.2 |
| Interior: | 7.2 |
| Safety: | 9.5 |
| Reliability: | NA |
- MSRP: $15,600 - $18,650
- Invoice: $14,799 - $18,118
- MPG: 22 City / 29 Hwy
#5
2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
The Rabbit delivers good performance and a well-equipped interior at an affordable price.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.5 |
| Performance: | 8.0 |
| Exterior: | 7.8 |
| Interior: | 8.5 |
| Safety: | 8.7 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $13,870 - $17,570
- Invoice: $13,496 - $16,854
- MPG: 24 City / 33 Hwy
#7
2008 Hyundai Elantra
The Elantra delivers a relatively inexpensive base price, plenty of safety features and a fun drive.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.3 |
| Performance: | 7.4 |
| Exterior: | 7.2 |
| Interior: | 8.0 |
| Safety: | 9.2 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $12,915 - $14,715
- Invoice: $12,250 - $13,965
- MPG: 27 City / 32 Hwy
#8
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: | 8.2 |
| Performance: | 7.4 |
| Exterior: | 7.8 |
| Interior: | 6.9 |
| Safety: | 8.5 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $17,000 - $17,800
- Invoice: $16,150 - $16,910
- MPG: 20 (2008) City / 27 (2008) Hwy
#8
2009 Scion tC
The tC has sporty appeal -- both in performance and design -- but all for an affordable price.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.2 |
| Performance: | 7.5 |
| Exterior: | 7.9 |
| Interior: | 7.5 |
| Safety: | 9.5 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $16,990 - $22,900
- Invoice: $16,190 - $21,664
- MPG: 21 City / 29 Hwy
#8
2008 Volkswagen Jetta
The Jetta delivers excellent power, handling and extensive safety features.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.2 |
| Performance: | 8.0 |
| Exterior: | 7.3 |
| Interior: | 8.5 |
| Safety: | 8.7 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $18,050 - $21,200
- Invoice: $16,327 - $19,162
- MPG: 32 City / 40 Hwy
#11
2007 MINI Cooper
The Cooper delivers on its promise of a fun ride and a unique, quirky style, but it doesn't match the value pricing or interior space of other ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.1 |
| Performance: | 8.1 |
| Exterior: | 7.7 |
| Interior: | 6.0 |
| Safety: | 8.6 |
| Reliability: | NA |
- MSRP: $15,599 - $17,739
- Invoice: $14,975 - $17,029
- MPG: 21 City / 28 Hwy
#12
2008 Suzuki SX4
The SX4's comfortable seating, sporty suspension and can't-be-beat price make it a pleasant vehicle to drive. But with merely adequate gas mileage and no folding rear seats, ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.0 |
| Performance: | 7.5 |
| Exterior: | 7.3 |
| Interior: | 7.7 |
| Safety: | 8.4 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $15,995 - $16,995
- Invoice: $14,955 - $15,890
- MPG: 23 City / 30 Hwy
#13
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: | 7.8 |
| Performance: | 7.0 |
| Exterior: | 7.7 |
| Interior: | 7.2 |
| Safety: | 9.5 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $12,880 - $15,980
- Invoice: $12,434 - $15,414
- MPG: 26 City / 31 Hwy
#13
2008 Nissan Versa
The Versa is a very roomy, well equipped subcompact that comes standard with six air bags, a rarity for a small car. But the Versa is no ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.8 |
| Performance: | 6.6 |
| Exterior: | 6.5 |
| Interior: | 8.0 |
| Safety: | 9.5 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $10,890 - $14,465
- Invoice: $10,465 - $13,730
- MPG: 32 City / 35 Hwy
#15
2008 Kia Rio
The Rio is distinctive for offering plenty of safety features and an outstanding warranty, but it doesn't offer the cutting-edge interior features of others small cars.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.7 |
| Performance: | 6.7 |
| Exterior: | 7.8 |
| Interior: | 7.0 |
| Safety: | 6.4 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $13,990 - $18,590
- Invoice: $13,328 - $17,711
- MPG: 21 City / 29 Hwy
#15
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
The Lancer offers some of the most attractive exterior styling and balanced handling in its class, combined with some tech features that are usually reserved for luxury ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.7 |
| Performance: | 7.4 |
| Exterior: | 8.8 |
| Interior: | 7.0 |
| Safety: | 9.6 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- MSRP: $15,350 - $20,050
- Invoice: $14,198 - $18,144
- MPG: 26 City / 35 Hwy
#17
2009 Toyota Corolla
A redesign for the 2009 model year doesn't affect the Corolla's reputation as a dependable cruiser for those on a budget, but it still disappoints those who ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.6 |
| Performance: | 7.3 |
| Exterior: | 6.7 |
| Interior: | 7.0 |
| Safety: | 9.2 |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $10,775 - $15,375
- Invoice: $10,540 - $14,933
- MPG: 27 City / 32 Hwy
#18
2008 Hyundai Accent
The Accent represents a good value for those looking for predictable, no-frills transportation. But it's placement in both small car and hatchback rankings is a reflection of ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.5 |
| Performance: | 6.5 |
| Exterior: | 7.1 |
| Interior: | 7.0 |
| Safety: | 6.7 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $12,895 - $16,995
- Invoice: $12,345 - $15,890
- MPG: 23 City / 30 Hwy
#18
2008 Kia Spectra
The Spectra delivers reasonable performance, a spacious and comfortable cabin, and a reasonable price tag, but it has a relatively noisy engine and handling is not as ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.5 |
| Performance: | 7.1 |
| Exterior: | 7.8 |
| Interior: | 7.4 |
| Safety: | 8.5 |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $14,410 - $19,695
- Invoice: $13,617 - $18,612
- MPG: 24 City / 33 Hwy
#20
2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
The Cobalt delivers a smooth ride and attempts to provide upscale features in its cabin, but its overall appeal falls short of the top-ranked cars in its ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.4 |
| Performance: | 7.6 |
| Exterior: | 7.5 |
| Interior: | 6.4 |
| Safety: | 9.5 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $14,755 - $16,925
- Invoice: $13,900 - $15,727
- MPG: 24 City / 35 Hwy
#21
2008 Ford Focus
The newly refreshed Focus has improved its standing as an economical small sedan. With newly styled sheet metal, interior refinements and exclusive tech features, the Focus is ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.3 |
| Performance: | 7.4 |
| Exterior: | 6.3 |
| Interior: | 7.5 |
| Safety: | 9.2 |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $16,995 - $21,495
- Invoice: $16,246 - $20,399
- MPG: 20 City / 27 Hwy
#22
2008 Subaru Impreza
The Impreza has the distinction in its class of offering all-wheel drive standard for all trims, and has received recognition as a safe compact. But its design ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.2 |
| Performance: | 7.1 |
| Exterior: | 5.6 |
| Interior: | 7.7 |
| Safety: | 9.8 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- MSRP: $17,475 - $20,525
- Invoice: $16,381 - $19,538
- MPG: 20 City / 28 Hwy
#22
2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
The New Beetle still satisfies cravings for nostalgia and a whimsically fun drive. But unless you're stuck on Beetle styling and short on time to shop around, ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.2 |
| Performance: | 7.1 |
| Exterior: | 7.3 |
| Interior: | 6.3 |
| Safety: | 8.7 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $14,550 - $15,350
- Invoice: $13,822 - $14,582
- MPG: 27 City / 33 Hwy
#24
2008 Scion xD
The xD is an acceptable car for around-town cruising and offers plenty of customization options for a unique look and feel. But it doesn't have the stamina ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.1 |
| Performance: | 6.2 |
| Exterior: | 7.0 |
| Interior: | 7.5 |
| Safety: | 9.2 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $11,590 - $13,590
- Invoice: NA
- MPG: 33 City / 41 Hwy
#24
2008 Smart fortwo
The Fortwo's small frame and cozy seating are good in city driving, but its sluggish power makes it impractical for the highway.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.1 |
| Performance: | 6.0 |
| Exterior: | 7.7 |
| Interior: | 7.7 |
| Safety: | 8.9 |
| Reliability: | NA |
- MSRP: $11,550 - $14,650
- Invoice: $10,856 - $13,770
- MPG: 29 City / 36 Hwy
#26
2008 Toyota Yaris
The Yaris is a fuel-efficient budget car. It delivers a pleasant drive with good storage space and the Toyota reputation for quality, but doesn't match the performance ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 6.9 |
| Performance: | 6.5 |
| Exterior: | 7.5 |
| Interior: | 6.3 |
| Safety: | 8.2 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $16,140 - $20,570
- Invoice: $15,275 - $19,181
- MPG: 25 City / 33 Hwy
#27
2008 Nissan Sentra
The Sentra places an emphasis on efficiency over style with an affordable price. But it's stellar gas mileage means the car takes a hit for underwhelming overall ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 6.8 |
| Performance: | 6.4 |
| Exterior: | 6.7 |
| Interior: | 7.3 |
| Safety: | 9.7 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $15,400 - $20,000
- Invoice: $14,630 - $19,000
- MPG: 21 City / 28 Hwy
#27
2009 Pontiac Vibe
The Vibe is an affordable and appealing alternative to much larger crossovers, but its unexciting drive doesn't secure a top spot in either our small car or ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 6.8 |
| Performance: | 6.5 |
| Exterior: | 7.1 |
| Interior: | 7.4 |
| Safety: | 9.7 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $16,290 - $21,950
- Invoice: $15,066 - $19,864
- MPG: 21 City / 28 Hwy
#27
2009 Toyota Matrix
The Matrix is a redesigned model with as much utility and comfort as the previous model. But the car's design, performance and cabin don't have enough positives ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 6.8 |
| Performance: | 6.3 |
| Exterior: | 6.0 |
| Interior: | 6.9 |
| Safety: | 9.7 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $15,875 - $18,375
- Invoice: $14,843 - $17,181
- MPG: 24 City / 32 Hwy
#30
2008 Saturn Astra
The brand-new 2008 Saturn Astra is a class-competitive cruiser with superior style and a classy interior, but speed junkies might find its performance lacking compared to other ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 6.7 |
| Performance: | 7.3 |
| Exterior: | 8.4 |
| Interior: | 6.9 |
| Safety: | NA |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- MSRP: $14,965 - $23,350
- Invoice: $14,078 - $21,709
- MPG: 24 City / 29 Hwy
#31
2008 Dodge Caliber
The 2008 Dodge Caliber offers some unique convenience features, but an unimpressive driving experience.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 6.6 |
| Performance: | 5.9 |
| Exterior: | 6.8 |
| Interior: | 6.6 |
| Safety: | 8.8 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $15,675 - $19,850
- Invoice: $14,813 - $18,758
- MPG: 24 City / 33 Hwy
#31
2008 Pontiac G5
The G5 falls short of competitors in comfort, safety features and overall value.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 6.6 |
| Performance: | 6.6 |
| Exterior: | 7.7 |
| Interior: | 6.3 |
| Safety: | 8.8 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $10,235 - $13,920
- Invoice: $9,672 - $13,154
- MPG: 24 City / 34 Hwy
#33
2008 Chevrolet Aveo
The Aveo doesn't compete effectively with the top small cars on driving performance, safety features or fuel economy. What it does offer is an economical sticker price, ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 6.3 |
| Performance: | 6.0 |
| Exterior: | 7.7 |
| Interior: | 7.4 |
| Safety: | 6.7 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- MSRP: $13,839 - $15,439
- Invoice: $13,285 - $14,821
- MPG: 20 City / 28 Hwy
#34
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: | 6.2 |
| Performance: | 6.1 |
| Exterior: | 7.4 |
| Interior: | 7.1 |
| Safety: | 6.8 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- MSRP: $14,489 - $16,089
- Invoice: $13,909 - $15,445
- MPG: 19 City / 28 Hwy
#35
2008 Suzuki Forenza
The Forenza is a basic, budget-friendly car for around-town travel, but receives troubling safety scores and lacks the engine power of others in its class.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 6.0 |
| Performance: | 5.9 |
| Exterior: | 7.6 |
| Interior: | 7.0 |
| Safety: | 6.2 |
| 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.
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