In an era when trucks, SUVs, and crossovers continue to set sales records and take top billing in marketing materials, it’s easy to overlook the essential goodness of the compact car. Reasonably sized, efficient, and often value-priced, the compact has a righteous role. Thanks to tight competition and a surge in the availability of technology features, the traditional four-door-compact formula has become elastic, stretching to include everything from box-on-wheels wagons to sleek and sporty coupes. Whatever your needs, there’s probably a compact car that will fill them. Click on through to see how the current compact offerings rank.
Mitsubishi Lancer
With a cheap-feeling interior, last-generation technology, and less-than-thrilling driving chops, the Lancer leaves much to be desired. Powertrains include a 148-hp four-cylinder in ES guise, or a 168-hp four in the SE, SEL, and GT. A five-speed manual is standard in ES and GT trims; a CVT is optional for them and standard in the SE and SEL. The SE offers goodies including heated seats and a rearview camera; the SEL adds leather and rain-sensing wipers. No Lancer has competitive driving dynamics, and combined with the cheap-o interior
Nissan Sentra
The painful mediocrity of the Sentra suggests that the days of truly great small Nissans might be gone. The car has a large back seat and trunk, but it’s all downhill from there. The 1.8-liter four-cylinder makes a lethargic 130 horsepower and comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission. But you must accept an infuriating CVT automatic to access any of the Sentra’s most desirable features. To make matters worse, the Sentra’s handling is equally unsettling, especially under braking. The spec sheet shows a long list of available equipment, but most features are dated or poorly implemented and not much of a consolation
Dodge Dart
Handsome on the outside, the Dart becomes less attractive once you get behind the wheel and drive it. The base 184-hp engine yields average acceleration; optional engines are a 160-hp turbo four and a 160-hp naturally aspirated four-cylinder; all offer a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. While we haven’t found any version of the Dart satisfying to drive, its roomy interior can be filled with high-tech options and fuel economy for certain models is excellent. If you value driving fun, however, keep shopping. We must note that Dodge has announced that the car will be discontinued
Scion tC
If you’re among the rare subset of buyers who want a car that looks sporty but isn’t exactly muscular, then the tC fills the bill. Its 179-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder powers the front wheels through a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. Handling is confident and body motions are well controlled, but its rivals easily outpace it. However, the tC does offer a roomy cabin, top-notch build quality, and a good reliability record. It’s a sensible choice; racy styling is simply a bonus. If you want one, however, act now: The Scion division has been killed. While the brand’s iA and iM will survive as Toyotas, the tC will be discontinued entirely.
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