Compact Car ReviewsView All Reviews
Read the latest compact car reviews from the AutoGuide.com experts and watch our compact car video reviews to find out what small car is the best, the most affordable and the most fuel efficient. Each road test contains photos and detailed info on pricing, specs and fuel economy.
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2013 Buick Verano vs 2013 Acura ILX
By stuffing as much style and luxury into a small package under $30,000, which one of these two cars bests redefines entry-level luxury?
2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Review – Video
Redesigned for 2014 the Outlander keeps old staples while offering plenty of new tricks in a bid to put Mitsubishi back on the compact crossover map.
2013 BMW X1 xDrive35i Review
A modern vehicle but with some less-than modern equipment, is the X1 xDrive35i too sporty for its own good?
Hyundai Veloster Turbo vs Scion tC RS 8.0 – Video
With performance that’s a little less than their dramatic styling both the Hyundai Veloster Turbo and Scion tC offer fun in affordable, efficient and functional packages. But which is best?
2013 MINI Paceman Review – Video
With American consumers continuing to demand that their MINIs be less mini, is the new Paceman the brand’s future?
2014 Kia Forte Review
A swoopy shape, LED lights and plenty of optional extras make the 2014 Forte attractive, but is it more than just a pretty face?
2013 Dodge Dart DDCT Automatic Review
Apart from the price, we were pleasantly surprised with Dodge’s new compact sedan. Now available with a dual-clutch automatic we test the volume model to see if it’s more of what we like, or just more expensive
2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe vs 2012 Honda Civic Coupe
Honda has ruled the compact coupe segment for decades, but that may all change with the other H brand releasing its own stylish two-door.
2013 Honda Civic Review – Video
Hearing critics, Honda has refreshed its new Civic after just one model year. But are these changes enough to put it back on top?
2013 Nissan Sentra Review – Video
With new features, added space, class leading fuel economy and, most notably, a premium look, the Sentra is now in the compact car spotlight.
2013 Chevy Cruze Eco Review
Chevrolet’s non-hybrid fuel sipper saves through clever engineering, but is it worth the markup?
2013 Volkswagen Beetle Turbo Review
No longer the girly-girl Beetle of recent memory, the more masculine Bug gets more muscle under the hood. But the question still remains: would you be caught driving it?
Ford Focus EcoBoost 1.0L Review
Ford’s three-cylinder turbocharged engine aims to further improve fuel economy for compact lineup.
2012 Ford Focus Electric Review – Video
Can we call it the comeback of the electric car? Maybe not just yet, but the attempt is now there with increasing supply, the latest of which comes courtesy of Ford.
2013 Dodge Dart Review – Video
Choice can be a good thing, but too many options can also make the new Dodge Dart a confusing car to buy. Option out a model you like and chances are it’ll be an expensive one.
2013 Buick Verano Review
The 2013 Buick Verano delivers better handling and fuel economy with next-level brand qualities like a quiet and smooth ride. But will younger buyers bite?
2012 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Hyundai Elantra
The long-standing compact king has an all-new rival.
2012 Subaru Impreza Sedan Review
As Subaru attempts to go after the mainstream, its once-quirky Impreza fails to impress us.
2012 Ford Focus SEL Review
Far from being a bargain purchase, Ford’s new Focus hatchback costs a little extra, but is certainly worth it.
2012 Mazda3 SkyActiv Review [Video]
More of an all-new engine, than an all-new model, the 2012 Mazda3 delivers high fuel economy without many of the drawbacks.
2012 Honda Civic Si vs. 2012 MazdaSpeed3 [Video]
Did Honda bring a knife to a gunfight with the Civic Si against the turbocharged Mazdaspeed3 for this ‘hot version’ front-wheel drive shootout? Cue the Wild West music and take cover, because we’re shootin’ from the hip on this one!
2012 Hyundai Elantra GLS Review [Video]
Sixth months after the launch of the all-new Elantra and the small car segment continues to get even more competitive. So does this Korean compact have staying-power?
2012 Honda Civic Review [video]
It’s not the flashiest new compact car on the market but it is improved in every area. And when what came before was arguably the best in its class, well, better than best is pretty damn good.




