2012 Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback 2LT
Price: $16,935.
Fuel economy: 25 mpg city and 35 mpg highway.
After years of importing its subcompact entry from Korea, Chevrolet delivers a world-class small car in the 2012 Sonic, and it's built in Michigan. What's striking about the Sonic isn't just its excellent handling and maneuverability, but that it's also surprisingly quiet.
Measuring only 159 inches long, it is the shortest car on our list. Yet, at 19 cubic feet, it has one of the largest cargo areas.
We chose the LT over the base LS model because it includes full power accessories. The "2" designation indicates it comes with six-speed automatic transmission.
Its "go" comes from a 138-horsepower, 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine. Among the standard features are 10 air bags, remote keyless entry, air conditioning, trip computer, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and a six-speaker audio system with CD player and auxiliary input jack.