Best Selling Small Sedans

January 2010 Sales: 2,161
Change vs. January 2009: N/A
MSRP: $13,990 - $20,120

The Nissan cube looks like nothing else on the road today; it boasts fun and whimsical styling, excellent fuel efficiency and space for five people in its comfortable, yet quirky interior. The front-wheel drive cube is powered by a 122-hp 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, bolted to either a six-speed manual or Xtronic CVT. There are four trim levels available, 1.8, 1.8S, 18SL and 1.8 Krom.

January 2010 Sales: 2,398
Change vs. January 2009: +44.8%
MSRP: $11,695 - $14,895
Fuel Economy: 34 mpg Hwy, 28 mpg City

The Kia Rio is a subcompact car that is inexpensive, stylish, and spacious. It delivers sprightly performance, great fuel economy and agile handling. The Kia Rio is front-wheel drive with independent front suspension, a semi-independent rear suspension, 14-inch wheels on the Base and LX trims, and 16-inch on the SX trim. It's powered by a 110-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder with continuously variable valve timing.

January 2010 Sales: 2,506
Change vs. January 2009: +4.4%
MSRP: $18,060 - $18,060
Fuel Economy: 27 mpg Hwy, 23 mpg City

The Dodge Caliber is a fun, well-rounded package, combining the versatility of a sport utility vehicle with the value and fuel-efficiency of a compact car. The front-wheel drive Caliber is currently available in one Mainstreet "lifestyle" trim, outfitted with a 158-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

January 2010 Sales: 2,697
Change vs. January 2009: -43.2%
MSRP: $14,900 - $16,410
Fuel Economy: 33 mpg Hwy, 27 mpg City

The Honda Fit distinguishes itself from all other subcompacts with its impressive practicality thanks to four-door hatchback versatility and ingenious interior packaging. The Fit offers five-passenger seating and a unique second-row "Magic Seat" that either folds flat with the cargo floor, or flips up to carry tall items behind the first row of seats. The Fit is available in two trim levels, base and Sport.

January 2010 Sales: 3,732
Change vs. January 2009: N/A
MSRP: $13,695 - $17,495
Fuel Economy: 34 mpg Hwy, 25 mpg City

For 2010, the Forte replaces the aging Spectra in Kia's line-up. The Forte is a mid-size 4-door sedan featuring Kia's new distinctive family look. It is available in three trims; LX, EX and SX. The LX and EX trims both feature a 156-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a standard five-speed manual, or optional four-speed automatic transmission. The SX features a 173-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a standard six-speed manual, or optional five-speed automatic.

January 2010 Sales: 5,747
Change vs. January 2009: +61.4%
MSRP: $9,970 - $16,195
Fuel Economy: 36 mpg Hwy, 27 mpg City

The Hyundai Accent sedan and hatchback are exceptional economy cars that offer attractive looks and outstanding value in a price-sensitive market segment. The Accent is powered by a 1.6-liter double overhead-cam engine that produces 110 horsepower, and features variable valve timing. A five-speed manual transmission is standard; a four-speed automatic transmission is optional.

January 2010 Sales: 5,914
Change vs. January 2009: +18.2%
MSRP: $9,990 - $16,530
Fuel Economy: 34 mpg Hwy, 26 mpg City

The Versa is Nissan's entry-level car with the intention of attracting economy-minded buyers with its mileage, price and larger size than most other vehicles in its class. The Versa is available as a hatchback or sedan, with two four-cylinder engine choices on the sedan, a 107-hp 1.6-liter or a 122-hp 1.8-liter, while the hatchback is available exclusively with the 1.8.

January 2010 Sales: 7,368
Change vs. January 2009: -3.7%
MSRP: $15,295 - $22,000
Fuel Economy: 33 mpg Hwy, 25 mpg City

The Mazda3 is a premium compact car, exciting to drive and look at, and equipped with unexpected luxury and technology features not typically found in its class. The Mazda3 comes with four levels of equipment: SV (sedan only), Sport, Touring (sedan only) and Grand Touring. The entry-level i-model (sedan only) is available with a 148-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, while the sporty s-model (sedan and hatchback) is equipped with a new 167-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder borrowed from the Mazda6.

January 2010 Sales: 7,514
Change vs. January 2009: +40.9%
MSRP: $15,420 - $20,080
Fuel Economy: 31 mpg Hwy, 24 mpg City

The Nissan Sentra front-wheel drive 4-door sedan is a practical, roomy and economical car with several trims available to suit a person's needs. The Sentra has six trims available: the 2.0, 2.0S, 2.0SL, 2.0SR, SE-R, and the SE-R Spec V. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 140-hp and is mated to either a six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission.

January 2010 Sales: 7,690
Change vs. January 2009: +132.5%
MSRP: $14,145 - $17,845
Fuel Economy: 35 mpg Hwy, 26 mpg City

The Hyundai Elantra is an economic compact car with handsome styling and nice lines. It has excellent interior space and standard safety equipment. The current generation Elantra can seat up to five and has very accommodating trunk space. Three trim levels are offered: Blue, GLS, and SE. All use a 138-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.

January 2010 Sales: 10,389
Change vs. January 2009: +33.7%
MSRP: $16,290 - $18,780
Fuel Economy: 35 mpg Hwy, 24 mpg City

Small, economical, and fun, the Ford Focus is a smart choice for those looking for a compact car. Available as a coupe or sedan the Focus includes only minor changes for 2010. The engine is a 140-hp 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder available with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Ford offers two series on the coupe, the SE and SES; and four on the sedan, the S, SE, sporty SES, and luxury SEL.

January 2010 Sales: 12,962
Change vs. January 2009: +149.7%
MSRP: $14,990 - $24,535
Fuel Economy: 35 mpg Hwy, 25 mpg City

The Chevrolet Cobalt is available as either a two-door coupe or a four-door sedan, each available in four trims: Base, LS, LT and SS Turbocharged. The Base, LS and LT trims come standard with a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine mated to either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. The SS Turbocharged comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission.

January 2010 Sales: 14,693
Change vs. January 2009: +3.5%
MSRP: $15,455 - $25,340
Fuel Economy: 34 mpg Hwy, 26 mpg City

The Honda Civic is one of the most reliable and popular economy compact cars in its class. For years it has set the quality and performance standard for the affordable, compact car market. Available in sedan or coupe bodies, all but the GX and Si trims are powered by a 140 horsepower, 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder with a standard five-speed manual transmission and optional five-speed automatic.

January 2010 Sales: 17,121
Change vs. January 2009: -11.0%
MSRP: $15,450 - $18,960
Fuel Economy: 35 mpg Hwy, 26 mpg City

The Toyota Corolla is among the best of the compact sedans: reliable and economical yet refined and comfortable. The 2010 Corolla comes in five trims: Standard, LE, XLE, S, and XRS. The principal powertrain is a 132 horsepower, 1.8-liter dual VVT-I engine, matched with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.