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 compact cars (excluding luxury cars). Click the name of the car for a detailed review of that vehicle. Or simply check out The Consumer Guide to 2012 Compact Cars.
Check out our current compact-car Best Buys
Best Small Cars
1. Scion xB
Base MSRP: $16,300; Consumer Guide Rating: 73
2. Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen
Base MSRP: $19,995; Consumer Guide Rating: 72
3. Volkswagen Golf
Base MSRP: $17,995; Consumer Guide Rating: 71
4. Ford Focus
Base MSRP: $16,500; Consumer Guide Rating: 67
4. Nissan Leaf
Base MSRP: $35,200; Consumer Guide Rating: 67
Best Buys for the City Dweller
The rest
6. Mazda 3 Base MSRP: $15,200; Consumer Guide Rating: 66
6. Subaru Impreza Base MSRP: $17,495; Consumer Guide Rating: 66
8. Chevrolet Volt Base MSRP: $39,145; Consumer Guide Rating: 65
8. Hyundai Elantra Base MSRP: $15,345; Consumer Guide Rating: 65
8. Hyundai Elantra Touring Base MSRP: $15,995; Consumer Guide Rating: 65
8. Volkswagen Jetta Base MSRP: $16,495; Consumer Guide Rating: 65
12. Chevrolet Cruze Base MSRP: $16,720; Consumer Guide Rating: 64
12. Nissan Versa Base MSRP: $10,990; Consumer Guide Rating: 64
14. Honda Insight Base MSRP: $18,350; Consumer Guide Rating: 63
14. Kia Forte Base MSRP: $15,200; Consumer Guide Rating: 63
16. Honda Civic Sedan Base MSRP: $15,805; Consumer Guide Rating: 62
17. Buick Verano Base MSRP: $22,585; Consumer Guide Rating: 61
17. Honda Civic Hybrid Base MSRP: $24,050; Consumer Guide Rating: 61
19. Honda Civic Coupe Base MSRP: $15,605; Consumer Guide Rating: 59
20. Toyota Corolla Base MSRP: $16,130; Consumer Guide Rating: 56
21. Nissan Sentra Base MSRP: $16,060; Consumer Guide Rating: 55
21. Toyota Matrix Base MSRP: $18,545; Consumer Guide Rating: 55
23. Mitsubishi Lancer Base MSRP: $15,695; Consumer Guide Rating: 53
24. Dodge Caliber Base MSRP: $17,380; Consumer Guide Rating: 52
Meet the 2018 Consumer Guide Best Buys
