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The latest Jetta outsizes most of its competition and earns better fuel economy in some models, while it misses out on some key new features when compared with other compacts like the Ford Focus, our 2012 Best Car To Buy.
The Focus is entertaining to drive, a bit small inside, but laden with all sorts of features that advance its safety and entertainment without cutting into its zest for the road.
The Hyundai Elantra is another award-winning compact with great value and space, with less a reputation for handling than for great fuel economy in all versions--and now, with coupe and five-door GT models.
The Chevy Cruze also has a high-economy model, clean and elegant looks, and a refined drivetrain, while the new Dodge Dart plays up more racy looks and big interior room over ultimate refinement.
The Kia Forte soldiers on with value and body styles while it awaits a 2014 makeover, but it's still a well-priced offering that's unfortunately a cut below even the Elantra in handling.
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 2013 Volkswagen JettaBrowse Used Listings |  2013 Chevrolet CruzeBrowse Used Listings |  2013 Dodge DartBrowse Used Listings |  2013 Ford FocusBrowse Used Listings |  2013 Hyundai ElantraBrowse Used Listings |  2013 Kia ForteBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | |||||
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The Jetta draws drivers looking for a taut driving feel and delivers superior interior space; we'd pass on the low-cost base models, and aim for the standout TDI and GLI editions. |
The 2013 Chevrolet Cruze is one of the smartest picks for anyone wanting practicality, comfort, and safety in a compact sedan—although it's missing the fun-to-drive edge of some other models. |
Remember the Neon? The 2013 Dodge Dart brings some of the same passion back to Chrysler's compact-car lineup. |
Whether or not you consider the exciting new ST performance model, the 2013 Ford Focus lineup is evidence that small cars don't have to feel so appliance-like. |
Civic who? Corolla what? The Hyundai Elantra's one of the new standard bearers in the compact class, with 38-mpg fuel economy, better safety, and class-leading standard features. |
It's a family affair: the Kia Forte lineup is more comfortable, more eager, and better finished than ever, and a step up from what its sticker price might suggest. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $15,545 | $17,130 | $15,995 | $16,200 | $16,695 | $15,400 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 23 MPG City / 48 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy | 23 MPG City / 41 MPG Hwy | 23 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 26 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| Compact Cars | Midsize Cars | Compact | Compact | Midsize cars | Compact Cars |
| Style Name | |||||
| 4-Door Manual Base | 4-Door Sedan Manual LS | 4-Door Sedan Aero *Ltd Avail* | 4-Door Sedan S | 4-Door Sedan Manual GLS (Alabama Plant) *Ltd Avail* | 4-Door Sedan Manual LX |
| 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 | |||||
| 4 | 4 | 4 | N/A | 4 | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| 4 Door Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | 4 Door Sedan |
| Transmission | |||||
| Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2013 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2013 Chevrolet Cruze | 2013 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2013 Dodge Dart | 2013 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2013 Ford Focus | 2013 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2013 Hyundai Elantra | 2013 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2013 Kia Forte | |
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