Best Light Cars of March 2009

With the introduction of the new Ford Fiesta, the price isn't as competitive anymore and as such, the Toyota Yaris is back in the top three.

#1 Toyota Yaris

Base Model Estimated Price: $20,397

Pros:

• Made in Japan


• Full-size spare

Cons:

• None

#2 Fiat Punto

Base Model Estimated Price: $23,590

Pros:

• Full size spare


• Safe

Cons:

• None

#2 Mazda 2

Base Model Estimated Price: $19,500

Pros:

• Made in Japan


• Extra year warranty

Cons:

• No full-size spare

Best Compact SUVs of February 2009

With the X-Trail not on sale anymore, the Hyundai Tucson again enters the fray and secures top spot.

#1 Hyundai Tucson

Base Model Estimated Price: $23,990

Pros:

• Cheap


• Alarm standard


• Alloy wheels standard/li>
  
• Full-size spare

Cons:

• None

#2 Mitsubishi Outlander

Base Model Estimated Price: $29,990

Pros:

• Alloy wheel standard


• Alarm standard

Cons:

• Space Saver spare

#3 Suzuki Grand Vitara

Base Model Estimated Price: $29,990

Pros:

• Full size spare tyre

Cons:

• Alloys extra

Best Medium Cars of February 2009

Once again, the same contenders as last time, however the Mazda 6 no longer requires Premium Unleaded for fuel and the Kia Magentis is no longer on sale, resulting in some price differences. Ultimately though, the rankings remain the same, although Camry should really be equal first.

#1 Kia Magentis

Base Model Estimated Price: $26,886

Pros:

• Alloy wheels standard


• Alarm standard


• Full size spare


• ESP standard

Cons:

• Kia's poor resale value

#2 Toyota Camry Altise

Base Model Estimated Price: $26,990

Pros:

• Alarm standard


• Full size spare


• ESP standard


• Includes alloys

Cons:

• A bit thirsty on fuel

#3 Mazda 6

Base Model Estimated Price: $30,830

Pros:

• Made in Japan


• ESP standard


• Full size spare


• Excellent warranty

Cons:

• Alloy wheels extra

Best Compact Cars of February 2009

Out goes the Fiat Ritmo, thanks to the ending of its sale and in comes the Volkswagen Golf. The i30 actually overtakes the Impreza for simply being better value for money

#1 Hyundai i30

Base Model Estimated Price: $22,972

Pros:

• Full size spare


• Alarm standard


• Great warranty

Cons:

• Metallic Paint extra


• No alloys standard

#2 Subaru Impreza

Base Model Estimated Price: $26,680

Pros:

• Subaru resale value


• Metallic paint standard


• All-wheel drive


• Great warranty


• Made in Japan

Cons:

• Space Saver spare


• Poor fuel economy


• No alloy wheels standard


• No alarm standard

#3 Volkswagen Golf

Base Model Estimated Price: $25,490

Pros:

• Alloy wheels standard

Cons:

• No full-size spare


• Metallic Paint extra


• No alarm standard


• Premium Unleaded required

Best Light Cars of February 2009

No changes in terms of the rankings in the light car class although the Ford Fiesta doesn't have a special deal on at the moment and has increased in price.

#1 Fiat Punto

Base Model Estimated Price: $23,590

Pros:

• Full size spare


• Safe

Cons:

• None

#2 Mazda 2

Base Model Estimated Price: $19,500

Pros:

• Made in Japan


• Extra year warranty

Cons:

• No full-size spare

#3 Ford Fiesta

Base Model Estimated Price: $19,985

Pros:

• Made in Germany

Cons:

• No full-size spare

Best Compact SUVs of January 2009

Once again, it's a battle between 3 Japanese Compact SUVs all around the same price. This time though, the Nissan X-Trail overtakes the Toyota RAV4.

#1 Mitsubishi Outlander

Base Model Estimated Price: $29,990

Pros:

• Alloy wheel standard


• Alarm standard


• ESP Standard


• Excellent warranty

Cons:

• Space Saver spare

#2 Suzuki Grand Vitara

Base Model Estimated Price: $29,990

Pros:

• Full size spare tyre


• ESP Standard


• Excellent warranty

Cons:

• Alloys extra

#3 Nissan X-Trail

Base Model Estimated Price: $29,990

Pros:

• ESP Standard

Cons:

• No Full-size spare


• Alloy wheels extra


• Alarm extra

Best Medium Cars of January 2009

Same contenders as last time, same rankings.

#1 Kia Magentis

Base Model Estimated Price: $23,886

Pros:

• Ridiculously low price


• Alloy wheels standard


• Alarm standard


• Full size spare


• ESP standard

Cons:

• Kia's poor resale value

#2 Toyota Camry Altise

Base Model Estimated Price: $27,990

Pros:

• Alarm standard


• Full size spare


• ESP standard


• Includes alloys

Cons:

• A bit thirsty on fuel

#3 Mazda 6

Base Model Estimated Price: $30,830

Pros:

• Made in Japan


• ESP standard


• Full size spare


• Excellent warranty

Cons:

• Premium unleaded recommended


• Alloy wheels extra