Car Rankings: Upscale Small Cars
Ranking of near-luxury compact cars, including sedans, hatchbacks and coupes, generally priced $20,000 to $35,000. Audi A3, Acura TSX, Volvo S40 and more. Rankings based on an in-depth analysis by U.S. News editors of all published auto ratings, reviews and test drives.
- MSRP: $25,930 - $34,915
- Invoice: $24,115 - $32,471
- MPG: 21 City / 29 Hwy
#1
2008 Audi A3
The A3 performs like a sports car in the body of a stylish compact hatchback, but is expensive for an entry-level upscale vehicle.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.7 |
| Performance: | 8.7 |
| Exterior: | 8.2 |
| Interior: | 7.7 |
| Safety: | 9.8 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $28,190 - $30,290
- Invoice: $25,915 - $27,841
- MPG: 19 City / 28 Hwy
#2
2008 Acura TSX
The TSX is a fun-to-drive small sedan with a luxurious interior and a reasonable price tag, but it does not have the more racy exterior lines of ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.6 |
| Performance: | 8.1 |
| Exterior: | 7.5 |
| Interior: | 7.8 |
| Safety: | 8.2 |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $22,800 - $24,375
- Invoice: $21,258 - $22,794
- MPG: 21 City / 29 Hwy
#2
2008 Volkswagen GTI
The GTI delivers high performance, handling, and braking, with a well-designed interior and hatchback utility. However, the exterior design could be seen as controversial to VW purists, ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.6 |
| Performance: | 8.7 |
| Exterior: | 7.3 |
| Interior: | 8.4 |
| Safety: | 8.8 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- MSRP: $28,080 - $35,215
- Invoice: $26,620 - $33,384
- MPG: 19 City / 29 Hwy
#4
2008 Saab 9-3
The 9-3 has a polished exterior and a sporty feel, but it doesn't quite match the performance of top class cars.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.3 |
| Performance: | 8.3 |
| Exterior: | 8.7 |
| Interior: | 7.2 |
| Safety: | 9.6 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $24,365 - $30,365
- Invoice: $22,903 - $28,543
- MPG: 20 City / 28 Hwy
#5
2008 Volvo S40
The S40 is a quirky entry into the upscale market that offers outstanding safety features and a classy and minimalist appearance both inside and out. But it ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.7 |
| Performance: | 7.1 |
| Exterior: | 8.2 |
| Interior: | 7.6 |
| Safety: | 9.6 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
Unranked: Upscale 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.
2008 BMW 1-Series
MSRP: $28,600 - $34,900 | Invoice: $26,310 - $32,110 | MPG: - TBD - City / - TBD - Hwy
2008 Volkswagen GLI
MSRP: $24,300 - $25,375 | Invoice: $22,659 - $23,732 | MPG: - TBD - City / - TBD - Hwy
