The compact sedan has always represented excellent value for drivers looking to purchase a new car without breaking the bank. These vehicles typically retail for just over $20,000 and offer a nice number of standard features. There are a multitude of compacts on the market right now, so which is worth a driver's time?
Kelley Blue Book recently did an in-depth comparison of four of the more popular models. The Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Honda Civic and Chevrolet Cruze have all sold well for their particular brands, but each of these cars have their strengths and weaknesses.
Of the four, the news source liked the Elantra and the Civic the best. These cars each earned ratings of 7.5 out of 10, compared to 6.7 for the Cruze and 6.9 for the Focus. Despite the lower ratings, reviewers found a lot to love on the domestic models. The Cruze had the best interior, while the Focus offered great fuel economy and plenty of horsepower for the money.
The Elantra and Civic ultimately won, however, albeit for different reasons. KBB loved the Elantra's overall styling, both inside and out, along with its low price tag. The Civic performed well on the open road and also offered a strong bargain.
These cars might represent good value, but that won't mean anything if they constantly need to be taken in for maintenance and repairs. A driver who keeps up with their vehicle inspections and tune-ups will improve the longevity of their vehicle and possibly save themselves some big repair bills down the road.