The Civic and Corolla used to be the segment leaders among inexpensive compact sedans, but just over the past two to three model years everything's changed with the entrance of several excellent models.
The Kia Forte is one of the oldest in this segment now, yet it's still a good choice with a strong feature list and perky driving feel.
Then there's the Chevrolet Cruze, which feels more refined and sophisticated than its low price tag might suggest.
The Hyundai Elantra is also one of the best-equipped vehicles in this class, and all versions get an EPA 40 mpg highway.
Meanwhile the Ford Focus might be the best-driving vehicle in this class, with excellent handling and a firm but comfortable ride—plus a bold, nicely styled interior.
Also in the mix is the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, though the Jetta suffers from the same somewhat de-styled, de-contented syndrome as the Civic.
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 2012 Honda CivicBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Chevrolet CruzeBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Ford FocusBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Hyundai ElantraBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Kia ForteBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Subaru ImprezaBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | |||||
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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 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. |
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 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. |
The 2012 Kia Forte family of vehicles manages to feel more eager, comfortable, and sophisticated than its sticker price might suggest. |
Crisply restyled, with higher gas mileage, more space inside, a nicer interior, and all-wheel drive standard, the 2012 Subaru Impreza is a newly compelling compact alternative. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $15,755 | $16,800 | $16,500 | $15,345 | $15,200 | $17,495 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 22 MPG City / 44 MPG Hwy | 25 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy | 26 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 23 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | 25 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas Flat 4 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| Compact | Midsize Car | Compact | Midsize cars | Compact Cars | Compact Cars |
| Style Name | |||||
| 2-Door Manual DX | 4-Door Sedan LS | 4-Door Sedan S | 4-Door Sedan Manual GLS (Alabama Plant) | 4-Door Sedan Manual LX | 4-Door Manual 2.0i |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||||
| N/A | 4 | N/A | 4 | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| 2 Door Coupe | Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | Sedan |
| Transmission | |||||
| Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2012 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze | 2012 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Ford Focus | 2012 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Hyundai Elantra | 2012 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Kia Forte | 2012 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Subaru Impreza | |
