A decade ago, the benchmark in this segment was the Toyota Corolla, but today’s Corolla is outclassed.
The Chevrolet Cruze—from Ford’s crosstown rivals at Chevy—is to some the top rival to the Focus.
Compared to the Focus, the Cruze feels a little roomier yet with a rather soft ride and bland styling inside and out, it’s not nearly as exciting.
For those who want a sporty driving feel, the Mazda3 is still one of the best bets; trouble is, the 3 just has too much harshness and road noise inside.
The Hyundai Elantra is the new leader in this segment, with a stylish interior and exterior, good ride comfort, and an excellent 40-mpg highway rating for all versions.
The Volkswagen Jetta became a step blander last year—with a lackluster base four-cylinder engine and unimpressive fuel economy—but otherwise it’s a decent value.
Honda’s Civic has also been refreshed this year, with an upgraded interior and a somewhat new look.
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 2012 Ford FocusBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Chevrolet CruzeBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Honda CivicBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Hyundai ElantraBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Mazda MAZDA3Browse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | ||||
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With the 2012 Focus, Ford shows that small cars don't have to feel so banal, with charismatic compacts that are more satisfying to drive, more luxurious, and better-equipped. |
The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze is a practical, comfortable, fuel-efficient, and a strong value, but it does lack the nimble, tossable feel that some small-car fans appreciate. |
The 2012 Honda Civic is a little more spacious, comfortable, and economical, but it's now one of the blandest of the bunch. |
The 2012 Hyundai Elantra has officially left the Civic and Corolla in the dust, thanks to a 38-mpg gas mileage rating, a sleek look, and tremendous value for the money. |
With its new Skyactive powertrains, the 2012 Mazda3 is the eco-conscious choice that sure doesn't drive like one. |
| MSRP From | ||||
| $16,500 | $16,800 | $15,755 | $15,345 | $15,200 |
| Gas Mileage | ||||
| 26 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 25 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 44 MPG Hwy | 23 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | ||||
| Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 |
| EPA Class | ||||
| Compact | Midsize Car | Compact | Midsize cars | Compact |
| Style Name | ||||
| 4-Door Sedan S | 4-Door Sedan LS | 2-Door Manual DX | 4-Door Sedan Manual GLS (Alabama Plant) | 4-Door Sedan Manual i SV |
| Drivetrain | ||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | ||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | ||||
| N/A | 4 | N/A | 4 | N/A |
| Body Style | ||||
| 4 Door Sedan | Sedan | 2 Door Coupe | 4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan |
| Transmission | ||||
| Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
| 2012 Ford Focus vs. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze | 2012 Ford Focus vs. 2012 Honda Civic | 2012 Ford Focus vs. 2012 Hyundai Elantra | 2012 Ford Focus vs. 2012 Mazda MAZDA3 | |
