The 2012 Toyota Corolla is competent in nearly all areas, but many of the alternatives are more distinct for styling, features, or the driving experience--at a comparable price.
The Hyundai Elantra is by many critics the new champ in this segment for value-conscious shoppers, with a stronger feature list than the Corolla and a bit more for the money; though like the Corolla the Elantra is more comfort-oriented.
The Nissan Sentra has better style and a better backseat, while the Mazda3 is the zippiest of all.
Comfort-minded shoppers should also consider the new Chevrolet Cruze, which has a great interior that transcends its price and feels almost like a mid-sizer for comfort.
The Honda Civic has been redesigned for 2012, with more of an emphasis on comfort, but it's arguably lost its way on styling and driving excitement.
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 2012 Toyota CorollaBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Chevrolet CruzeBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Honda CivicBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Hyundai ElantraBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Mazda MAZDA3Browse Used Listings |  2012 Nissan SentraBrowse Used Listings |
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For those who want frugal, trouble-free transportation but have no want of excitement, the 2012 Toyota Corolla fits the bill. |
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. |
The 2012 Nissan Sentra no longer looks fresh, but especially in base 2.0 form or SE-R Spec V guise it represents a strong value for the money with a roomy, comfortable interior. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $16,130 | $16,800 | $15,755 | $15,345 | $15,200 | $16,430 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 26 MPG City / 34 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 | 21 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| Compact | Midsize Car | Compact | Midsize cars | Compact | Compact |
| Style Name | |||||
| 4-Door Sedan Manual L (Natl) | 4-Door Sedan LS | 2-Door Manual DX | 4-Door Sedan Manual GLS (Alabama Plant) | 4-Door Sedan Manual i SV | 4-Door Sedan I4 Manual 2.0 |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||||
| N/A | 4 | N/A | 4 | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| 4 Door Sedan | Sedan | 2 Door Coupe | 4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan |
| Transmission | |||||
| Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2012 Toyota Corolla vs. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze | 2012 Toyota Corolla vs. 2012 Honda Civic | 2012 Toyota Corolla vs. 2012 Hyundai Elantra | 2012 Toyota Corolla vs. 2012 Mazda MAZDA3 | 2012 Toyota Corolla vs. 2012 Nissan Sentra | |
