Here are the top 10 best compact cars of all time. “Best” in terms of best to drive, best to buy, best rated, safest, and best value for money. Most of the compact cars available in the market are priced under $20,000. Anyone with this budget can certainly get a nice car without any doubt. See also five best compact car models.

There are certainly many advantages of buying compact cars. It is always the first aim for medium earner. It is cheap to buy – cheap car price, cheap car insurance, cheap car loan. It is easy to maintain, easy to park, and most important, it often goes many miles than those big cars do.

1. Honda Civic

It is, and it is always, the best compact cars. In America, it is the most popular compact cars sold and young people’s dream ride since the 70s. Fuel efficient (28 city/39 highway mpg), low maintenance cost, and cool outlook is what make the Honda Civic popular like a superstars in automobile world.

2. Volkswagen Jetta

The Jetta has a spacious interior that drivers only know when sit in. It has a large trunk for luggage and stuffs when travelling long journey with family. The Jetta is well-equipped with smart electronics interface. Volkswagen Jetta Diesel is one of the most fuel-efficient compact cars in the market today with 30 city/42 highway mpg.

3. Mazda3

In the world of compact cars, the Mazda3 is always one of the major players. The fuel efficiency of Mazda3 is as high as 25 city/33 highway mpg for the 2.0L MT model.

4. Ford Focus

Introduced in 2000, it has been Ford’s entry-level car as well as first good car for teenager. The 2012 Ford Focus has its own character and has what a compact car should have including good handling and powerful engine although it is not a luxury car. If the front seats slide all the way to the back, the back seat will become a little short on legroom.

5. Hyundai Elantra

The Hyundai Elantra is a high-end economy car. The outlook is luxury and the price is economy. The car is best to use for daily drive with its precise steering, powerful braking, and fuel economy at 29 city/40 highway mpg. Simply one of the best compact cars to own.

6. Kia Forte

Kia Forte has a good fuel economy rating at 25 city/34 highway mpg. The car price is affordable starts from MSRP $14,995 with long warranty.

7. Fiat 500

The new Fiat 500 come back again in 2007, exactly 50 years after the first Fiat 500 debuted in 1957 in Italy. It is a great compact car or city car to own. The top speed for Fiat 500 Abarth can go up to 127 mph (205 km/h) which is quite fast for compact car range.

8. MINI Cooper

The MINI is always there since 1959. It is the British icon and it is also a compact car for people who love special things. The MINI Cooper give very sharp handling and give the drivers go-cart driving experience in a luxury compact. The car’s fuel economy rating is 29 city/37 highway mpg.

9. Honda Fit / Honda Jazz

From east to west, from Japan to America, this is one of the best compact cars. In Western most people recognize it at Honda Fit and in Asia most people recognize it as Honda Jazz. The Japanese made Honda Fit’s fuel economy rating is 27 city/33 highway mpg. It has an impressive power and excellent visibility.

10. Chevrolet Cruze

The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze has luxury interior design, high performance engine, and large trunk. Chevrolet Cruze Eco has the highest fuel mileage with EPA mileage estimated at 28 city/42 highway mpg.

When gas or petrol price keep on rising, compact cars are still the top seller in most of the country. Top 10 is always inadequate, there are many good compact cars other than the above including Ford Fiesta, Scion xB, Volkswagen Golf, Scion tC, Honda CR-Z, Honda Insight, Kia Soul, Mitsubishi Lancer, Subaru Impreza, Nissan Versa, Suzuki SX4, Suzuki Swift, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Yaris, Smart Fortwo, Hyundai Accent, Nissan Sentra, Volkswagen New Beetle, Chevrolet Aveo, Ford Taurus, Buick Regal, Mazda MX-5 Miata, Infiniti EX, Chevrolet Malibu, Volkswagen GTi, Toyota Prius, Chevrolet Cobalt, Toyota Matrix, and Honda Brio are best compact cars of all time.