Available As: Compact 5-door hatchback

Base Price Range (MSRP): $14,320-$22,705

Pros: Versatility, passenger space, acceleration (2.4), available AWD.

Cons: Refinement, interior quality, handling, visibility.

Overall: Hatchback versatility is nice, but it can be found in better cars than the Caliber.

Rating: 5/10

Recommended: NO

The Caliber is an aggressively-styled compact hatchback that tries to win buyers for its combination of styling, versatility, and unique accessories. But the design is lacking. Versatility is virtually inherent in a hatchback or wagon, and it has less cargo space than many similar competitors. Ride and handling are mediocre, and the Caliber's weight hurts acceleration and fuel economy. The interior is shoddily constructed using very cheap materials. And the styling cuts into the outward view. The prices may look inviting, but you can do much better.

The Nissan Versa is a good all-around hatchback, with a roomy and comfortable interior, very good gas mileage, good driving dynamics, and a reasonable price. The Mazda3 and Volkswagen Rabbit offer a premium feel, but are rather pricey and not very roomy. The Mazda5 is very roomy, includes a third-row seat, and drives well, but is pricey and doesn't get particularly good gas mileage. And the Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe twins, which are very similar in form and function to the Caliber, are roomy and get very good gas mileage, but are noisy and slow and not particularly inexpensive. 

See the 2007 Dodge Caliber SXT in the IFCAR Compact Hatchback Comparison Test

Available As: Compact sedan and coupe

Base Price Range (MSRP): $14,075-$16,375

Pros: Ride, handling, price, interior comfort.

Cons: Interior quality, safety ratings (coupe).

Overall: A competitive and well-priced small car that's a bit rough around the edges.

Rating: 7/10

Recommended: YES

Though the Focus was redesigned for 2008, it retains the fundamental mechanicals it has had since 2000. But although this has led to the car being widely criticized by reviewers, the car has not aged poorly. It still rides and handles better than many newer competitors, still has a relatively spacious and comfortable interior, and still comes competitively priced. However, while its interior quality, refinement, and fuel economy have improved, though not enough to put it at the top of its class in those areas. The new coupe model also did poorly in NHTSA side crash testing. But overall, the 2008 Focus builds on excellent fundamentals to continue to be a highly competitive economy car, though Ford did not go the extra mile to make its former shortcomings (primarily interior quality and refinement) into strengths.

Other capable, well-rounded, and well-priced economy cars on the market are the Nissan Versa, Hyundai Elantra, and Toyota Corolla. The Versa got excellent crash-test scores, rides and handles well, has very comfortable seats and a high quality interior, and isn't too expensive. The Elantra is similar to the Versa, but with a longer warranty and slightly sloppier handling. The Corolla gets excellent gas mileage, but tall drivers may be uncomfortable behind the wheel, and it's even less agile than the Elantra. None are nearly as as fun to drive as the Focus, however. For similar steering and handling but a nicer interior, consider the much pricier Mazda3, which also is quicker than the Focus but not as spacious or fuel efficient. The Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris are relatively inexpensive and very fuel-efficient, but rather slow and, in the Fit's case, hard to find.

See the 2008 Focus SE in the IFCAR Small Sedan Comparison Test

Available As: Compact coupe and sedan

Base Price Range (MSRP): $14,810-$22,600

Pros: Safety ratings (sedan), fuel economy, interior space (sedan), agility, ride.

Cons: Price, instrument layout.

Overall: A good but expensive all-around economy car.

Rating: 7/10

Recommended: YES

In its most popular forms, the Civic is a pleasant, safe, and economical compact car with a rather high price tag and a few design quirks. Though it is priced alongside "premium" compact cars like the Mazda3 and Volkswagen Jetta, it lacks premium qualities itself beyond the optional navigation system. It tries to rely on its competence at mainstream matters to justify its higher price, and a case could be made that it succeeds. It is fairly roomy, did very well in crash testing, and rides and handles well. It's not too slow, and gets commendable fuel economy. However, road noise and interior materials are far from luxurious, and a normal gauge layout is scattered around the dash in a mix of digital and analog readouts for the styling benefit of a sloping roofline and at the expense of functionality. So while the Civic has its strong points (it's one of the best-sellers in its class for a reason), it shouldn't be automatic to spend more for it without checking out the strong competition. The Civic is also sold as a hybrid and in the Si sport version, listed separately.

Among the capable, well-rounded, and well-priced economy cars on the market are the Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Versa, and Toyota Corolla, all three of which are less expensive than the Civic. The Mazda3 and Volkswagen Jetta and Rabbit offer a premium feel at a premium price. The Honda Fit (below) and Toyota Yaris are relatively inexpensive and fuel-efficient, but rather slow and, in the Fit's case, hard to find. The Ford Focus is very inexpensive, roomy, and fun to drive, but not particularly fuel efficient. And the Scion tC is a decent choice if you must have a coupe.

See the 2008 Civic LX in the IFCAR Economy Sedan Comparison Test

Available As: Subcompact sedan and 3-door hatchback

Base Price Range (MSRP): $10,415-$13,915

Pros: Price, warranty, fuel economy, ride.

Cons: Rear-seat space, acceleration, safety ratings.

Overall: While the Accent is good for a subcompact, particularly by standards of the recent past, it's priced too close to superior larger vehicles.

Rating: 5/10

Recommended: NO

To someone used to a subcompact as new as three years old, the Accent (or its Kia Rio twin) would seem terrific, and by the standards of that age it would be. It is rides comfortably, gets excellent gas mileage, and has comfortable front seating, a long warranty, and a low price. And then, its unimpressive crash test performance, rear seat space, and acceleration were the norm, and would not have hurt it. But the times have changed, and the prices have risen even for the least expensive subcompacts. Space efficiency has improved to provide adult-friendly rear seats, the Accent's standard side airbags are overshadowed by the competition's superior safety ratings, and other small cars offer a better blend of pep and fuel economy, with higher manual-transmission shift quality. The Accent has few serious weak points, but also few unique strong points (the leading one being Hyundai's long warranty). Not doing too much wrong is no longer enough to compete in the economy car class.

The best budget car on the market is the Ford Focus, which is not only deeply discounted from already reasonable prices but also offers impressive interior space and driving dynamics. It is also much more powerful than the Accent, though not as fuel-efficient. For maximum fuel efficiency at a low price, consider the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris. But neither are as inexpensive as the Accent, and the Fit is in very short supply. The Fit is also fun to drive for a subcompact car, though the Yaris is not. And the Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Versa, and Toyota Corolla are well-rounded, relatively inexpensive economy cars with good gas mileage and roomy interiors.

See the 2008 Accent GLS in the IFCAR Economy Sedan Comparison Test

Available As: Subcompact sedan and 5-door hatchback

Base Price Range (MSRP): $10,770-$13,750

Pros: Price, warranty, fuel economy, ride.

Cons: Rear-seat space, acceleration, safety ratings.

Overall: While the Rio is good for a subcompact, particularly by standards of the recent past, it's priced too close to superior larger vehicles.

Rating: 5/10

Recommended: NO

To someone used to a subcompact as new as three years old, the Rio (or its Hyundai Accent twin) would seem terrific, and by the standards of that age it would be. It is rides comfortably, gets excellent gas mileage, and has comfortable front seating, a long warranty, and a low price. And then, its unimpressive crash test performance, rear seat space, and acceleration were the norm, and would not have hurt it. But the times have changed, and the prices have risen even for the least expensive subcompacts. Space efficiency has improved to provide adult-friendly rear seats, the Rio's standard side airbags are overshadowed by the competition's superior safety ratings, and other small cars offer a better blend of pep and fuel economy, with higher manual-transmission shift quality. The Rio has few serious weak points, but also few unique strong points (the leading one being Kia's long warranty). Not doing too much wrong is no longer enough to compete in the economy car class.

The best budget car on the market is the Ford Focus, which is not only deeply discounted from already reasonable prices but also offers impressive interior space and driving dynamics. It is also much more powerful than the Accent, though not as fuel-efficient. For maximum fuel efficiency at a low price, consider the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris. But neither are as inexpensive as the Accent, and the Fit is in very short supply. The Fit is also fun to drive for a subcompact car, though the Yaris is not. And the Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Versa, and Toyota Corolla are well-rounded, relatively inexpensive economy cars with good gas mileage and roomy interiors.

See the 2008 Hyundai Accent GLS in the IFCAR Economy Sedan Comparison Test

See the 2006 Rio5 SX in the IFCAR Subcompact Wagon Comparison Test

Available As: Compact wagon

Base Price Range (MSRP): $16,395-$20,195

Pros: Interior space, refinement, interior quality, acceleration, third-row seat, warranty.

Cons: Fuel economy.

Overall: A comfortable, practical, and inexpensive family car priced alongside econoboxes.

Rating: 8/10

Recommended: YES

The Rondo is likely to be missed in standard cross-shopping. Its closest equivalent, the Mazda5, also fits into the niche of the tall, inexpensive front-wheel-drive compact station wagon with three rows of seats, but neither car gathers much attention from the average family car shopper. Wagons are unpopular, and economy cars are often viewed as something to be settled for more than chosen. But the Rondo, sharing its platform and engines with Kia's midsize Optima sedan, feels nothing like an economy car. It is more powerful, more spacious, more refined, and higher quality, though it isn't as agile or as fuel-efficient. But the pricing clearly shouts "economy car", as the Rondo undercuts most traditionally family-use vehicles by so much that it may be overlooked. Its third row seat is too small for all but occasional use, it's not nearly as spacious as a true minivan, it's more expensive than most economy cars, and unlike most small cars, there is no available manual transmission. Nonetheless, it is an excellent choice as a practical, comfortable, and inexpensive family car.

As noted, the Rondo can be most obviously cross-shopped with the Mazda5. The 5 is more nimble and has an available manual transmission, and its sliding doors ease rear access, but the Rondo is more refined, more powerful (particularly with the optional V6), and more comfortable, and can seat up to seven passengers instead of merely six. Among other small wagons, the Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe twins are noisy and slow and only seat five, but get excellent gas mileage and offer spacious front and rear seating. The Nissan Versa doesn't have as much cargo space, and also lacks a third row, but is very comfortable for four occupants, gets excellent gas mileage, rides and handles well, and has a high-quality interior, and is quite inexpensive. The Rondo can also be cross-shopped against inexpensive small SUVs, where it compares favorably for its emphasis of practicality over rugged appearance, or against midsize sedans, where it compares favorably for its wagon practicality and for the added maneuverability caused by its smaller footprint. Families needing more space should consider a minivan, like Kia's own Sedona. The Rondo is also an excellent practical alternative to a midsize family sedan.

See the Kia Rondo LX in the IFCAR Sub-$20,000 6-passenger Vehicle Comparison Test

Available As: Compact sedan and wagon

Base Price Range (MSRP): $12,895-$15,995

Pros: Price, interior quality, ride, refinement, warranty.

Cons: Limited ABS-availability, safety ratings, acceleration, fuel economy, handling (except SX).

Overall: A comfortable, quiet, and well-priced small car crippled by a few serious issues.

Rating: 6/10

Recommended: NO

The Spectra is a very pleasant economy car with an unusually high level of interior quality and refinement, excellent pricing, and a long warranty. But once a class leader, it has fallen behind thanks to Kia's decontenting (limiting antilock brakes to high-end models) and competitors' advances. Mainstream versions of the sedan ride very comfortably and quietly, but handle sloppily by small-car standards, and no Spectras with automatic transmissions are either quick or fuel efficient. SX models, which are all hatchbacks and the top-of-the-line sedan have better handling but aren't as comfortable or as quiet, and cost much more. While the Spectra was once an excellent bargain, there are now competitors that can do a better job for no more money.

For a roomy, high-quality interior, a low price, a long warranty, and a comfortable and quiet ride, consider the Hyundai Elantra from Kia's parent company. A newer design than the Spectra, it also has stronger crash-test scores, much better gas mileage, and less clumsy handling, though the Spectra is quieter. The Nissan Versa offers better handling, more comfortable seats, and a nicer interior, and can be had as a practical hatchback, but lacks the Hyundai/Kia warranty and still isn't especially fun to drive. The Ford Focus is a very well-priced, comfortable, refined, and fun-to-drive sedan, but it isn't as fuel efficient as some competitors. And the Honda Fit and Scion xD are fun-to-drive subcompact hatchbacks that offer excellent gas mileage but aren't smooth-riding or refined.

See the 2008 Spectra EX in the IFCAR Economy Sedan Comparison Test

See the 2006 Spectra5 SX in the IFCAR Compact Wagon Comparison Test