2012 Volkswagen Golf

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

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

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