Rating the 2012 Compact Cars, #1–24

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
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