Each year, Consumer Guide Automotive editors test drive and evaluate nearly every vehicle sold in the United States. Together, the editors rate each vehicle 1–10 in the following categories: Acceleration, Fuel Economy, Ride Quality, Steering/Handling/Braking, Quietness, Controls, Details, Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front), Room/Comfort (rear), Cargo Room, and Value Within Class.
The editors add those numbers to produce a total rating score for each vehicle. Below are the total rating scores for all 2012 Subcompact Cars. Click the name of the car for a detailed review of that vehicle. Or simply check out The Consumer Guide to 2012 Subcompact Cars.
Consumer Guides Current Small-Car Best Buys
1. Nissan Cube
Base MSRP: $14,980; Consumer Guide Rating: 69
2. Kia Soul
Base MSRP: $13,900; Consumer Guide Rating: 67
3. Honda Fit
Base MSRP: $15,175; Consumer Guide Rating: 65
3. Kia Rio
Base MSRP: $13,400; Consumer Guide Rating: 65
5. Hyundai Accent
Base MSRP: $12,445; Consumer Guide Rating: 64
6. Ford Fiesta
Base MSRP: $13,200; Consumer Guide Rating: 63
Steps to Hands Free Driving: Autonomous Driving Levels Explained
6. Mazda 2
Base MSRP: $14,370; Consumer Guide Rating: 63
8. Suzuki SX4
Base MSRP: $13,849; Consumer Guide Rating: 62
9. Chevrolet Sonic
Base MSRP: $13,735; Consumer Guide Rating: 61
9. Mitsubishi i
Base MSRP: $29,125; Consumer Guide Rating: 61
11. Scion xD
Base MSRP: $15,345; Consumer Guide Rating: 60
12. Toyota Yaris
Base MSRP: $14,115; Consumer Guide Rating: 56
13. Scion iQ
Base MSRP: $15,265; Consumer Guide Rating: 50
14. Smart ForTwo
Base MSRP: $12,490; Consumer Guide Rating: 43
