2012 Kia Rio – 7.6
With its Euro-inspired looks, nicely-finished interior and smooth drivetrain, the 2012 Kia Rio is “an exceptional value,” say TCC editors, “considering the amount of standard equipment offered in the base LX versions.” The Rio five-door hatchback is also the first non-hybrid, non-luxury vehicle to offer idle stop and go technology that helps reduce fuel consumption by shutting off the engine when the vehicle is not in motion, and automatically restarts it when the driver releases the brake pedal--though the feature has been delayed until the 2013 model year. All base 2012 Rio sedans and hatchbacks carry a less-than-$15,000 price tag, including $750 destination charge. Bluetooth, cruise control and tilt/telescopic steering wheel are standard on all but LX models. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 30/40 mpg across the lineup.
2012 Hyundai Accent – 7.4
The appeal of the 2012 Hyundai Accent is quite simple: a vast interior, great styling in the five-door hatchback, stellar 30/40-mpg fuel economy, and affordable price. The base $15,355 five-door Accent GS has standard air conditioning, a 172-watt stereo, CD player, XM Satellite Radio, USB port, and a rear defroster. Cruise control is standard when GS is ordered with automatic transmission. The Accent SE hatchback adds standard Bluetooth, cruise control, steering-wheel audio controls, a sliding armrest and 16-inch wheels. This is the most expensive Accent you can buy, topping out at $17,555.
2012 Ford Focus – 8.8
Completely redesigned for 2012, the 2012 Ford Focus can include safety and technology features such as Active Park Assist, rearview camera, ambient lighting and Ford SYNC. Other safety and convenience features in the Focus include AdvanceTrac stability control, front and side airbags, keyless entry, cruise control, power outlets and heated front seats – all with a starting MSRP of $17,995 (including $495 destination charge). We named it our Best Car To Buy 2012--and our review says it all: “With the 2012 Focus, Ford shows us that small cars don’t have to feel so banal, with charismatic compacts that are more satisfying to drive, more luxurious, and better equipped.”
2012 Chevrolet Cruze – 8.2
An all-new design last year, the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze compact sedan offers consumers a value-packed and feature-rich, safe vehicle that comes in at under $20,000 in all trims except LT with 2LT. Even the high-mileage (28 mpg city/42 mpg highway) Cruze Eco slides in under the $20K mark. Our review lauds the feature set of the Cruze, equal to that of a larger mid-size sedan (and just as roomy as many), as well as IIHS Top Safety Pick and overall five-star NHTSA safety ratings, due in part to the 10 standard airbags, OnStar with automatic crash response, and collapsible pedal system to help reduce risk of leg and ankle injuries in the event of a crash.
2012 Hyundai Elantra – 8.2
Here’s what TCC editors have to say about the 2012 Hyundai Elantra: “The 2012 Hyundai Elantra has officially left the Civic and Corolla in the dust, thanks to a 40-mpg gas mileage rating, a sleek look, and tremendous value for the money.” There’s more, of course, in this review, but the bottom line is that the Elantra is one of the best compact sedans available today. Even the base GLS has power windows, locks, and mirrors, keyless entry and (on automatic models) air conditioning, cruise control and telescopic steering. Another IIHS Top Safety Pick, the Elantra with navigation system also comes with a rearview camera. The 2012 Hyundai Elantra GLS (in all versions) slides in under $20,000. Only the Elantra Limited exceeds the $20K mark, beginning at $20,595, excluding destination charge.
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