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.

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MSRP: $13,320 - $17,120
Invoice: $12,886 - $16,458
Avg. Paid: $13,784 - $17,542
MPG: 28 City / 37 Hwy

#1
2011 Ford Fiesta

Reviewers are nearly unanimous in saying that the 2011 Ford Fiesta sets new benchmarks for the affordable small car class -- even reviewers who don't go that ...

Best Subcompact Car for the Money

U.S.News Scores
Overall:	9.4
Performance:	9.4
Exterior:	8.4
Interior:	8.9
Safety:	9.6
Reliability:	NA

MSRP: $15,805 - $25,490
Invoice: $14,571 - $24,022
Avg. Paid: $15,731 - $24,859
MPG: 26 City / 34 Hwy

#2
2011 Honda Civic

Reviewers agree that the 2011 Honda Civic is a well-rounded car. It offers a winning combination of substance and style that make it an exceptional daily driver. ...

Best Compact Car for the Money

U.S.News Scores
Overall:	9.2
Performance:	8.4
Exterior:	8.3
Interior:	8.2
Safety:	9.2
Reliability:	NA

MSRP: $15,100 - $19,240
Invoice: $14,572 - $18,546
Avg. Paid: $14,916 - $18,810
MPG: - TBD - City / - TBD - Hwy

#2
2011 Honda Fit

Offering one of the largest cargo holds in the class, innovative interior storage options, good fuel economy and spunky performance, the 2011 Honda Fit is a hard ...

Best Hatchback for the Money

U.S.News Scores
Overall:	9.2
Performance:	8.4
Exterior:	7.3
Interior:	8.8
Safety:	10.0
Reliability:	NA

MSRP: $17,995 - $24,985
Invoice: $17,275 - $23,986
Avg. Paid: $18,121 - $24,957
MPG: 23 City / 33 Hwy

#2
2011 Volkswagen Golf

The 2011 VW Golf has a powerful engines and a near-luxury cabin that reviewers say is worth the Golf’s high price. The 2011 Golf also has a ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:	9.2
Performance:	8.6
Exterior:	NA
Interior:	8.7
Safety:	10.0
Reliability:	NA

MSRP: $16,275 - $21,975
Invoice: $15,624 - $21,096
Avg. Paid: $16,830 - $22,474
MPG: - TBD - City / - TBD - Hwy

#5
2011 Chevrolet Cruze

The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze promises mid-size space in a compact package, as well as near-hybrid fuel economy. Only time will tell if it can deliver.

U.S.News Scores
Overall:	9.1
Performance:	8.8
Exterior:	NA
Interior:	8.4
Safety:	9.9
Reliability:	NA

MSRP: $14,830 - $19,980
Invoice: $14,426 - $19,145
Avg. Paid: $15,109 - $20,125
MPG: 29 (est) City / 40 (est) Hwy

#5
2011 Hyundai Elantra

Hyundai updated the Elantra for 2011, and now this car offers a complete package: great performance, exceptional fuel economy ratings, impressive features and jazzy exterior styling.

U.S.News Scores
Overall:	9.1
Performance:	8.6
Exterior:	9.3
Interior:	8.9
Safety:	NA
Reliability:	NA

MSRP: $14,995 - $18,895
Invoice: $14,700 - $18,000
Avg. Paid: $15,433 - $19,259
MPG: 25 City / 34 Hwy

#7
2011 Kia Forte

For 2011, the Kia Forte receives a few aesthetic and mechanical changes, but the most noticeable shift is the introduction of the Forte five-door hatchback. Edmunds says ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:	9.0
Performance:	7.9
Exterior:	8.7
Interior:	8.6
Safety:	10.0
Reliability:	NA

MSRP: $15,800 - $23,810
Invoice: $14,801 - $22,294
Avg. Paid: $15,388 - $23,223
MPG: 25 (Est) City / 33 (Est) Hwy

#8
2011 Mazda3

Reviewers give the 2011 Mazda3 a thumbs up for its high performance and nice interior, but many grimace at its smiling front grill. If you’re willing to ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:	8.9
Performance:	8.6
Exterior:	5.6
Interior:	8.5
Safety:	9.2
Reliability:	NA

MSRP: $14,180 - $16,435
Invoice: $13,996 - $16,216
Avg. Paid: $14,804 - $17,034
MPG: 29 (Est) City / 35 (Est) Hwy

#9
2011 Mazda2

The 2011 Mazda2 hopes to bring some of the "zoom-zoom" driving Mazda is known for to the mushrooming subcompact class.

U.S.News Scores
Overall:	8.6
Performance:	8.9
Exterior:	6.5
Interior:	8.0
Safety:	NA
Reliability:	NA

MSRP: $19,400 - $29,100
Invoice: $17,460 - $26,190
Avg. Paid: $19,613 - $28,988
MPG: 29 City / 37 Hwy

#9
2011 Mini Cooper

The 2011 Mini Cooper is the perfect package for some car shoppers: it’s cute, fun to drive and has great fuel economy. Many, however, will decide to ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:	8.6
Performance:	8.4
Exterior:	8.4
Interior:	6.6
Safety:	9.4
Reliability:	NA

MSRP: $16,000 - $16,950
Invoice: $15,200 - $16,102
Avg. Paid: $16,629 - $17,572
MPG: 22 City / 28 Hwy

#9
2011 Scion xB

Though the 2011 Scion xB ranks near the bottom of its class when it comes to fuel economy, it’s a safe, affordable and funky small car for ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:	8.6
Performance:	7.7
Exterior:	8.2
Interior:	7.9
Safety:	10.0
Reliability:	NA

MSRP: $13,300 - $18,495
Invoice: $13,040 - $17,560
Avg. Paid: $13,583 - $18,631
MPG: 26 City / 31 Hwy

#12
2011 Kia Soul

Having debuted in 2010, the little has changed for the 2011 Kia Soul. It still has a quirky exterior with fun color options, a hip interior and ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:	8.4
Performance:	7.1
Exterior:	8.6
Interior:	8.8
Safety:	9.3
Reliability:	NA

MSRP: $14,310 - $21,210
Invoice: $13,807 - $20,299
Avg. Paid: $14,038 - $20,474
MPG: 25 (EST) City / 30 (EST) Hwy

#13
2011 Nissan Cube

The 2011 Nissan Cube is a box on wheels with polarizing exterior styling. Some reviewers don’t like the Cube’s looks, but they do agree that it’s perfect ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:	8.3
Performance:	7.2
Exterior:	7.5
Interior:	8.3
Safety:	10.0
Reliability:	NA

MSRP: $13,499 - $19,249
Invoice: $12,959 - $18,479
Avg. Paid: $13,426 - $19,496
MPG: 22 (2010) City / 30 (2010) Hwy

#13
2011 Suzuki SX4

The 2011 Suzuki SX4’s most appealing feature is available all-wheel drive. Shoppers who don’t need this option should research the competition -- there are more affordable cars ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:	8.3
Performance:	7.8
Exterior:	7.9
Interior:	8.0
Safety:	8.7
Reliability:	NA

MSRP: $23,950 - $27,150
Invoice: $22,042 - $24,977
Avg. Paid: $23,678 - $26,739
MPG: 40 City / 43 Hwy

#15
2011 Honda Civic Hybrid

Because it’s slow and doesn’t offer much cargo space, the 2011 Honda Civic Hybrid isn’t the best hybrid on the market. However, if you want to go ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:	8.2
Performance:	7.3
Exterior:	8.3
Interior:	7.9
Safety:	8.1
Reliability:	NA

MSRP: $18,275 - $19,275
Invoice: $17,361 - $18,311
Avg. Paid: $18,983 - $19,981
MPG: 23 City / 31 Hwy

#15
2011 Scion tC

The 2011 Scion tC will be available in October, but so far, most reviewers aren’t pumped about the newly-redesigned tC’s debut. Critics say the 2011 tC is ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:	8.2
Performance:	7.5
Exterior:	8.0
Interior:	7.7
Safety:	10.0
Reliability:	NA

MSRP: $15,195 - $28,095
Invoice: $14,553 - $26,909
Avg. Paid: $15,431 - $28,035
MPG: 24 City / 33 Hwy

#17
2011 Mitsubishi Lancer

The 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer is one of the sportiest options among Affordable Small Cars. While it receives solid marks for its handling and comfortable front seats, its ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:	8.1
Performance:	7.7
Exterior:	9.1
Interior:	7.0
Safety:	10.0
Reliability:	NA

MSRP: $9,990 - $16,940
Invoice: $9,759 - $16,337
Avg. Paid: $10,421 - $17,372
MPG: 26 City / 34 Hwy

#17
2011 Nissan Versa

In terms of performance and comfort, the Nissan Versa doesn't really stand out in its class. However, when it comes to bargain-basement pricing, the Versa is tough ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:	8.1
Performance:	7.2
Exterior:	7.1
Interior:	8.6
Safety:	7.4
Reliability:	NA

MSRP: $14,995 - $25,295
Invoice: $14,395 - $24,283
Avg. Paid: $15,076 - $24,960
MPG: 24 City / 34 Hwy

#17
2011 Volkswagen Jetta

Volkswagen gives the sixth generation 2011 Jetta major updates, but reviewers say some changes -- like its cheap interior plastics -- aren’t an improvement.

U.S.News Scores
Overall:	8.1
Performance:	7.7
Exterior:	8.0
Interior:	8.4
Safety:	NA
Reliability:	NA

MSRP: $17,495 - $20,995
Invoice: $16,734 - $19,945
Avg. Paid: $17,744 - $20,900
MPG: 20 City / 27 Hwy

#20
2011 Subaru Impreza

The Subaru Impreza has standard all-wheel drive and impressive crash test scores, making it a sure-footed option for small car shoppers. However, its base price is a ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:	8.0
Performance:	7.8
Exterior:	6.6
Interior:	7.3
Safety:	10.0
Reliability:	NA

MSRP: $15,045 - $17,705
Invoice: $14,292 - $16,819
Avg. Paid: $15,773 - $18,485
MPG: 27 City / 33 Hwy

#21
2011 Scion xD

Reviewers says the 2011 Scion xD has one of the most unique exteriors on the market, but aren’t sure if its boxy shape makes up for poor ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:	7.8
Performance:	7.3
Exterior:	7.8
Interior:	7.3
Safety:	8.7
Reliability:	NA

MSRP: $15,600 - $18,300
Invoice: $14,742 - $16,959
Avg. Paid: $15,498 - $18,070
MPG: 28 (EST) City / 35 (EST) Hwy

#21
2011 Toyota Corolla

In a class filled with cars that offer quality, reliability, comfort, good fuel economy and affordability, the 2011 Toyota Corolla is merely adequate.

U.S.News Scores
Overall:	7.8
Performance:	7.7
Exterior:	7.1
Interior:	7.4
Safety:	10.0
Reliability:	NA

MSRP: $19,345 - $23,355
Invoice: $18,260 - $22,030
Avg. Paid: $19,887 - $23,849
MPG: 31 City / 37 Hwy

#23
2011 Honda CR-Z

Honda tried to accomplish a lot with the 2011 Honda CR-Z, its new sport-oriented hybrid vehicle. The automotive press feels the CR-Z is a good attempt, but ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:	7.7
Performance:	7.4
Exterior:	8.0
Interior:	7.9
Safety:	5.5
Reliability:	NA

MSRP: $18,200 - $23,265
Invoice: $17,184 - $21,945
Avg. Paid: $17,983 - $22,786
MPG: 40 City / 43 Hwy

#23
2011 Honda Insight

The 2011 Honda Insight is a hybrid sedan that looks a lot like the Toyota Prius. These hybrids may look similar, but when it comes down to ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:	7.7
Performance:	7.8
Exterior:	8.8
Interior:	7.3
Safety:	NA
Reliability:	NA

MSRP: $14,990 - $24,535
Invoice: $14,390 - $23,554
Avg. Paid: $14,740 - $22,598
MPG: 25 City / 37 Hwy

#25
2010 Chevrolet Cobalt

The Chevy Cobalt is surprisingly fun to drive for an inexpensive car. It boasts solid fuel economy and is available with one of the nicest stereo systems ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:	7.6
Performance:	7.9
Exterior:	7.5
Interior:	6.7
Safety:	8.6
Reliability:	7.0

MSRP: $12,955 - $14,515
Invoice: $12,436 - $13,934
Avg. Paid: $13,162 - $14,791
MPG: 29 City / 36 Hwy

#25
2011 Toyota Yaris

The 2011 Toyota Yaris has a few good things going for it: excellent fuel economy, an affordable base price and an eccentric appearance. However, with a lackluster ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:	7.6
Performance:	7.2
Exterior:	7.9
Interior:	7.3
Safety:	10.0
Reliability:	NA

MSRP: $16,640 - $19,670
Invoice: $15,724 - $18,315
Avg. Paid: $17,020 - $19,984
MPG: 25 City / 35 Hwy

#27
2011 Ford Focus

The 2011 Ford Focus offers a fair amount of passenger space and comfort, but overall, reviewers say that the Focus is an out-of-date entry in a competitive ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:	7.5
Performance:	7.5
Exterior:	7.1
Interior:	7.8
Safety:	9.4
Reliability:	NA

MSRP: $12,295 - $16,395
Invoice: $12,060 - $15,390
Avg. Paid: $12,891 - $16,834
MPG: 28 City / 34 Hwy

#28
2011 Kia Rio

The 2011 Kia Rio has a low base price, but when you add features like air conditioning and an automatic transmission, that price starts to grow. Equipped ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:	7.4
Performance:	6.9
Exterior:	8.4
Interior:	7.2
Safety:	6.3
Reliability:	NA

MSRP: $12,490 - $17,690
Invoice: NA
MPG: 33 City / 41 Hwy

#28
2011 Smart ForTwo

Shoppers looking for a cute city car that seats the driver plus one should consider the 2011 Smart ForTwo. But they must be willing to compromise on ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:	7.4
Performance:	6.4
Exterior:	8.2
Interior:	8.5
Safety:	NA
Reliability:	NA

MSRP: $9,985 - $16,145
Invoice: $9,899 - $15,682
Avg. Paid: $10,266 - $16,156
MPG: 28 City / 34 Hwy

#30
2011 Hyundai Accent

The 2011 Hyundai Accent offers decent performance, adequate cargo space, good fuel economy and not much else for about $10,000. Looking for more features and a better ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:	7.3
Performance:	6.6
Exterior:	7.3
Interior:	7.4
Safety:	6.3
Reliability:	NA

MSRP: $11,965 - $15,365
Invoice: $11,486 - $14,750
Avg. Paid: $12,421 - $14,792
MPG: 27 City / 35 Hwy

#31
2011 Chevrolet Aveo

The 2011 Chevrolet Aveo trails behind other cars in its class in most, if not all, aspects. However, it’s one of the cheapest ways to start enjoying ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:	7.0
Performance:	7.0
Exterior:	6.5
Interior:	7.2
Safety:	6.7
Reliability:	NA

MSRP: $15,540 - $20,100
Invoice: $14,909 - $18,744
Avg. Paid: $15,955 - $20,372
MPG: 24 City / 31 Hwy

#31
2011 Nissan Sentra

The 2011 Nissan Sentra is a good car, but when you compare it to the Honda Fit and Ford Fiesta which cost about the same and are ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:	7.0
Performance:	6.8
Exterior:	6.9
Interior:	7.9
Safety:	7.0
Reliability:	NA

MSRP: $18,690 - $26,390
Invoice: $17,747 - $25,060
Avg. Paid: $19,003 - $25,494
MPG: 20 City / 28 Hwy

#33
2010 Volkswagen New Beetle

The 2010 Volkswagen appeal appeals to shoppers who like standing out from the crowd and have a soft spot for retro styling. Expect the fun to continue ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:	6.9
Performance:	7.4
Exterior:	7.9
Interior:	6.5
Safety:	7.7
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.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Car Rankings: Affordable Small Cars

#12011 Ford Fiesta

#22011 Honda Civic

#22011 Honda Fit

#22011 Volkswagen Golf

#52011 Chevrolet Cruze

#52011 Hyundai Elantra

#72011 Kia Forte

#82011 Mazda3

#92011 Mazda2

#92011 Mini Cooper

#92011 Scion xB

#122011 Kia Soul

#132011 Nissan Cube

#132011 Suzuki SX4

#152011 Honda Civic Hybrid

#152011 Scion tC

#172011 Mitsubishi Lancer

#172011 Nissan Versa

#172011 Volkswagen Jetta

#202011 Subaru Impreza

#212011 Scion xD

#212011 Toyota Corolla

#232011 Honda CR-Z

#232011 Honda Insight

#252010 Chevrolet Cobalt

#252011 Toyota Yaris

#272011 Ford Focus

#282011 Kia Rio

#282011 Smart ForTwo

#302011 Hyundai Accent

#312011 Chevrolet Aveo

#312011 Nissan Sentra

#332010 Volkswagen New Beetle