The Audi A3 offers the versatility of a compact hatchback with seating for five. Power comes from a choice of turbocharged 4-cylinder engines. Quattro all-wheel-drive is an option.

Available with a choice of 4-cylinder engines, the Chevrolet HHR seats five in a spacious and versatile cabin. A two-seat panel version without rear seats is available.

The Chevrolet Sonic is a peppy, well-executed subcompact car with lots of standard features and surprisingly good performance at a reasonable price.

The PT Cruiser combines the retro look of late-'30s American iron with modern performance, efficiency, and features. The PT Cruiser offers ample space for five passengers and their cargo.

Powered by a choice of 4-cyl. engines, the Caliber combines design elements of several classes, but trails the competition in build quality. SRT4 offers affordable performance.

The Ford Fiesta comes powered by a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder offering adequate power and good fuel economy. With seating for 5, the Fiesta features comfortable seats and sporty handling.

The Honda Accord comes powered by 4- and 6-cylinder engines and offers a spacious and comfortable interior, good handling, and excellent build quality.

The Honda CR-Z sport hybrid coupe introduces sleek styling and sporty handling to the hybrid segment. The two-passenger CR-Z is powered by a 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine with hybrid assist.

The Honda Element is a utility vehicle that's designed to maximize space and hauling options in a fairly small package, with driving characteristics similar to a small sedan.

The Honda Fit is one of the most versatile vehicles in its class, thanks to its "magic" rear seats. It is powered by a willing 1.5-liter 4-cylinder and offers excellent handling.

Available in sedan and hatchback bodystyles, the Hyundai Accent offers a solid combination of value, utility and fuel economy. It's a complete package for an affordable price.

The Kia Soul comes with bold styling, powered by two 4-cylinder engines, and provides space for five passengers in a spacious and versatile interior.

The Lexus CT 200h is powered by a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder with hybrid support and features handsome looks, excellent build-quality and a sporty ride.

Powered by a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder, the Mazda 2 is practical and quite a bit of fun to drive. It's maneuverable for tight parking spaces, roomy for four and offers good cargo capacity.

Powered by a choice of 4-cylinder engines, the Mazda 3 comes in sedan and hatchback bodystyles with handsome and sporty styling and excellent handling.

Powered by fuel-efficient 1.6l engines, the Mini Cooper comes in hatchback and convertible styles with, in hatchback form at least, decent space, and offers excellent handling.

The Nissan Cube is all-new for 2009. It features a uniquely styled exterior and versatile interior. It is powered by a 1.8l 4-cylinder mated to either a CVT or 6-speed manual.

The Nissan Leaf is the first mass-production electric vehicle in the US. Powered by an electric motor producing 107 hp, the Leaf eschews a gas-engine, but remains useable everyday.

Powered by a choice of 4-cylinder engines, the Nissan Versa offers seating for five in hatchback and sedan bodystyles and comes with decent handling.

The Pontiac Vibe provides seating for five passengers and ample space for their luggage and comes powered by a choice of two 4-cylinder engines. All-wheel-drive is an option.

The Scion iQ is a focussed city car with four seats that works well in densely populated areas. Powered by a 1.3-liter engine, the Scion iQ provides decent acceleration but lacks sportiness.

With its boxy layout, the Scion xB offers ample space for five people and there luggage. Engine power, courtesy of a 2.4l 4-cyl., is adequate, the ride sporty, but wooden on the freeway.

Like its predecessor, the xA, the Scion xD comes well equipped, with air con, a Pioneer stereo, a full complement of power accessories, six airbags, anti-lock brakes, EBD, and brake-assist.

The smallest car available in the US, the Smart Fortwo comes powered by a 1.0l 3-cyl. engine and offers space for two passengers in hatchback and convertible bodystyles.

Available in sedan and hatchback styles, the Subaru Impreza comes powered by a choice of flat-4 engines. Standard all-wheel-drive provides ample traction in all wheather conditions.

Powered by a 2.0L 4-cyl., the Suzuki SX4 comes in sedan and hatchback bodystyles. The SX4 sedan offers responsive handling, while the hatchback offers cargo versatility and optional AWD.

Based on the Toyota Corolla, the Matrix offers seating for five, a large trunk, a choice of 4-cylinder engines, optional all-wheel-drive, and good handling.

The Toyota Yaris is powered by a 1.5l 4-cylinder, offering solid construction, good handling, and a relatively spacious interior for up to five passengers.