Hyundai Accent SE
Base price: $15,445
Fuel cost: $8199
Cost of ownership: $27,260
Like the Suzuki, the Accent suffers with below-average resale value and fuel economy that is slightly behind the others. EPA ratings place the smallest Hyundai's fuel economy at 27 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. The Accent has the lowest repair costs of the vehicles in the comparison, as the car's five-year warranty puts all of the work on Hyundai's credit card.
Of the subcompacts gathered here, we find the Accent at the top of the list in terms of driver engagement. Its slick B&M racing shifter and capable chassis tuning make it fun to drive. However, The Accent lacks some of the comforts that we would want in a car serving as a daily driver, particularly on the highway where engine buzz and harsh bumps invade the cabin. ...next page >>