front-drive Coupe/Hatchback

The Bottom Line: While the 2010 Honda Insight EX with navigation may not be as mileage-friendly as the Prius, it represents a much better value and is more fun to drive.

The Bottom Line: If you like a fun, fast ride, the 2009 Honda Civic Si will make you smile. With navigation, phone connectivity, and modern digital music sources, it also makes a practical daily driver.

Specs: Coupe, Si, Gas

The Bottom Line: The 2007 Nissan Versa S is a car for those who are happy to get from A to B without GPS or MP3s. For better fuel economy and a more enjoyable all-around drive, we highly recommend the manual transmission.

Specs: hatchback, 1.8 S, Gas

The Bottom Line: Without many of the options our test car came loaded with, the 2007 Volkswagen GTI represents a very sporty car for a great price. But the added expense and the inferior cabin electronics drag the car down.

Specs: hatchback, Base, Gas

The Bottom Line: The extra push from the John Cooper Works kit doesn't seem enough to justify the premium it adds to the price of the 2006 Mini Cooper S Convertible. We would have been happy to shave the kit and some other options off and just enjoy driving with the convertible top down, which is already part of the base price.

Specs: hatchback, S, Gas

The Bottom Line: The 2007 Toyota Yaris is suitable for city errands and short commutes but few other applications. Good fuel economy is nice, but poor road conditions can easily upset this little car.

Specs: hatchback, Base, Gas

The Bottom Line: The 2006 Honda Civic Si is a real performance bargain that also offers good mileage and emissions ratings. The quality of the electronics is equivalent to that found in much pricier vehicles. Simple standard features fit the car's mission well, signaling the Si's return to form.

Specs: coupe, Si, Gas

The Bottom Line: The 2006 Mini Cooper S is a ton of fun to drive and makes its mark with retro exterior and interior features. Besides an excellent-sounding stereo and an untested navigation system, cabin electronics are generally left to dealer options.

Specs: hatchback, S, Gas

The Bottom Line: The 2007 Honda Fit is a well-designed all-purpose vehicle that can tackle a wide range of tasks. It works well as a commute vehicle and for running errands around town, but it isn't good on hills and will make its occupants suffer on longer trips.

Specs: sedan, Base, Gas

Editors' Take: The 2006 Volkswagen GTI, with its 200-horsepower engine and DSG or manual six-speed transmissions, justifies Volkswagen's "Drivers wanted" tagline. Cabin appointments are good, though with some notable exceptions.

Specs: hatchback, Base, Gas