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Best Rated Compact Cars

If you're looking for a car that's easy to get around town and has some fun options, then a subcompact or compact car may be the right choice for you.

Consumer Reports recently revealed what they consider the best subcompact and compact cars available right now. The subcompact list includes the Kia Rio, Chevrolet Sonic and Honda Fit, while the compact list features the Subaru Impreza, Hyundai Elantra, and Toyota Prius.

Consumer Reports has listed models they suggest avoiding. For subcompacts, that includes the Smart ForTwo and Scion iQ, while for compacts they suggest staying away from the Mitsubishi Lancer and Dodge Dart.

If you're looking to purchase a subcompact or compact vehicle, I recommend you use TrueCar No Haggle and CarsDirect to get the best deal possible on any of these vehicles.

Best & Worst Subcompact Cars

CategoryVehicleBase MSRP Price RangeOverall MPG
Best OverallKia Rio$13,900-$18,09030
Best OverallChevrolet Sonic$14,170-$21,61028
Best for Fuel EconomyMitsubishi i-MiEV$22,995111
Best for Fuel EconomyToyota Prius C$19,080-$23,36043
Best for Fuel EconomySmart ForTwo$13,270-$28,00039
Best for Fuel EconomyHonda Insight$18,725-$23,91538
Best for Fuel EconomyHonda CR-Z$19,995-$23,99035
Best for Fuel EconomyScion iQ$15,665-$17,85034
Best for Fuel EconomyFord Fiesta$14,100-$21,40032-33
Best for Fuel EconomyFiat 500$16,195-$31,80033
Best for Fuel EconomyHonda Fit$15,425-$36,62530-33
Best for Fuel EconomyMazda2$14,720-$17,05030-33
Best for Fuel EconomyHyundai Accent$14,645-$17,39531-32
Best for Fuel EconomyNissan Versa Sedan$11,990-$16,89032-33
Best for Fuel EconomyToyota Yaris$14,430-$17,34032
Fun to DriveFord Fiesta ST$14,100-$21,400 
Fun to DriveFiat 500 Abarth$16,195-$31,800 
Fun to DriveMini Cooper$19,950-$35,700 
Small Car, Big FootprintHonda Fit$15,425-$36,625 
Small Car, Big FootprintNissan Versa Note$13,990-$15,990 
Small Car, Big FootprintNissan Cube$16,760-$18,860 
Models to AvoidSmart ForTwo$13,270-$28,000 
Models to AvoidScion iQ$15,665-$17,850 
Models to AvoidChevrolet Spark$12,170-$27,010

Best & Worst Compact Cars

CategoryVehicleBase MSRP Price Range
Best OverallSubaru Impreza$17,895-$23,195
Best OverallHyundai Elantra$18,750-$22,700
Best OverallToyota Prius$24,200-$34,905
Best OverallMazda3$16,945-$26,495
Models to AvoidScion tC$19,210-$22,440
Models to AvoidMitsubishi Lancer$17,195-$38,195
Models to AvoidDodge Dart$16,495-$22,995





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About The Author

Gregg Fidan Gregg Fidan is the founder of RealCarTips. After being ripped off on his first car purchase, he devoted several years to figuring out the best ways to avoid scams and negotiate the best car deals. He has written hundreds of articles on the subject of car buying and taught thousands of car shoppers how to get the best deals.

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