2000-05 Toyota MR2 Spyder
Nimble and eager, the MR2 delivers genuine sports-car thrills. Compared to the more practical Miata, however, it's more of a short-haul commuter or weekend toy. Workmanship on an early test MR2 [...]
2003-08 Toyota Matrix
Though slightly tamer than Pontiac's Vibe in character, the Matrix is an interesting alternative to conventional small wagons and compact SUVs. Utility, fine road manners, available AWD, and [...]
1993-01 Subaru Impreza
With the exception of available AWD, the Impreza fails to stand apart. Later models might be more tempting--especially the Outback Sport wagon or the 2.5 RS coupe...
2002-07 Subaru Impreza
With the 2002 redesign, Impreza sticker prices moved above the Honda Civic to Volkswagen Jetta level. But workmanship and refinement belie Subaru's "premium small car" billing. Still, all-wheel [...]
2004-06 Scion xA
It may be badged a Scion, but the xA is pure Toyota. That implies solid workmanship and long-lived reliability, plus strong resale values, though it's too early to tell how Scions fare on that [...]
1991-95 Saturn Sedan/Wagon
Saturn sedans aren't the best choice in a subcompact, but overall they rank only slightly below the class-leading Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla...
1996-02 Saturn Sedan/Wagon
Despite some real improvements, these sedans and wagons still lag behind such rivals as the Civic and Corolla...
2003-07 Saturn Ion
Despite disappointing interior decor, Ion matches most like-priced competitors for comfort and performance, though Saturn trails in mechanical refinement. The Quad Coupe has more storage [...]
1995-99 Nissan Sentra
Solid and refined, Sentra looks like a good value in the small-car hunt. We'd even place it on a par with the Toyota Corolla--today's standard of comparison in the subcompact league...
1997-02 Mitsubishi Mirage
Mirage is definitely worth a test drive if you're shopping in the Civic/Corolla neighborhood and wouldn't mind saving a few dollars...
