COMPACT CARS

[regfootball]

This will be a fun companion topic to the mid size sedans one. no lux makes please. Just the blue collar ones.

No way I can make a full list right now, but here is for starters.

1. Mazda3

-the Astra would get inserted here

2. Rabbit / Jetta

-or here

3. Lancer (new one)

4. Sentra

4. Cobalt / G5

4. Focus

-Versa would get inserted here

7. Imprezza

8. SX4 sedan

8. Ion

10. Corolla

11. Elantra

12. Spectra

13. Civic

14. Forenza / Reno

Mini and C30 make the list if you include lux cars.

Edited April 30, 2007 by regfootball

[Intrepidation]

I don't have a list formulated but I can tell you what's at the top...

Evo X...yeah baby

So Reg did you forget the Caliber or do you hate it so much you placed the crappy Suzuki over it?

Edited April 30, 2007 by Dodgefan

[JT64]

Would Consider

1. rabbit

2. xB (2008)

3. Astra

4. Corolla (2008)

5. mazda3

6. lancer

7. impreza

8. civic

9. sentra

10. G5

11. SX4

12. tC

Would Not Consider

13. Matrix

14. forenza

15. cobalt

16. caliber

17. corolla (2007)

18. elantra

19. HHR

20. focus

21. PT Cruiser

22. Ion

crazy crowded market. Poor ugly Ion.

I used Edmunds to see the whole list of choices.

I hope my imaginary rabbit won't break down.

There's this giant thread of tons of people with stalling Rabbits with no known solution... lolol

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2856394

Edited April 30, 2007 by JT64

[JT64]

Evo X...yeah baby

Evo X is a luxury car, cheater! Where did you get all that money from?

You can buy an Audi A3 and have change left with that much money.

Edited April 30, 2007 by JT64

[Sixty8panther]

Solstice Redline

Sky GXP

Astra

Cobalt SS/SC

Rabbit

[Drew Dowdell]

I expected 68's list to read:

1963 Cutlass

1963 Special

1963 Tempest

1963 Falcon

1963 Comet

[Satty]

1. Mini

2. Astra

The rest really dont matter.

[Camino LS6]

Don't care for compacts, so the list is short.

The only two I'd actually consider buying: Solstice and Sky.

I'd take a Mini, if someone gave it to me.

[Drew Dowdell]

Sky

A3

WRX STi

Astra CDi

[Intrepidation]

Evo X is a luxury car, cheater! Where did you get all that money from?

You can buy an Audi A3 and have change left with that much money.

Same place you got your imaginary Rabbit from. It's also a performance car not a luxury car...although it's price enters luxury territory.

It's based on a compact car...the Lancer...so technically it is one

I didn't realize we could count the Kappas as part of the list. In light of that...

• Evo X or Sky Red Line (or ideally both)
• Caliber SRT-4
• Astra 3-door Red Line (if they ever produce it)
• Civic Si coupe
• Mazda3 sedan
• Mazdaspeed3 (Oh how I wish you could get it as a sedan)
• Mini Cooper S
• Cobalt SS
• WRX STi (the current one)
• PT Cruiser GT

Edited April 30, 2007 by Dodgefan

[Oracle of Delphi]

Solstice, Sky and HHR!

[Flybrian]

None.

[turbo200]

I might be replacing my car with one of these

mazda 3 [5-door, I think the sedan is yucky]

civic/ hybrid

rabbit [what can I say, beautiful, but thirsty, this is my favorite if all need to be practical were thrown out]

prius [though i've never driven one, so I'd have to try it out to see if I like it more than civic, the mileage and carpool lane and roomy trunk are definitely enticing]

that's all folks; none of the others are worth considering

except evo lancer but that is not what I'm in the market for so I didn't list it

astra but that's coming out too late in the year

[PrimeGTP]

The only compact I can see myself in at the moment is a G5 GT with a turbo added on =P

[Flybrian]

prius [though i've never driven one, so I'd have to try it out to see if I like it more than civic, the mileage and carpool lane and roomy trunk are definitely enticing]

You are Mr. Refinement, so you would absolutely laugh your ass off at the Prius. Seriously.

[pow]

As far as mainstream sedans/hatches go (I excluded wagons like the HHR, Vibe, etc)...

• Rabbit/Jetta
• Astra ('08)
• Civic
• Mazda3
• xB ('08)
• Lancer ('08)
• Sentra
• Impreza
• Elantra
• Focus ('08)
• Spectra
• Cobalt/G5
• Caliber
• Corolla
• ION
• Forenza/Reno

[Camino LS6]

As far as mainstream sedans/hatches go (I excluded wagons like the HHR, Vibe, etc)...

• Rabbit/Jetta
• Astra ('08)
• Civic
• Mazda3
• xB ('08)
• Lancer ('08)
• Sentra
• Impreza
• Elantra
• Focus ('08)
• Spectra
• Cobalt/G5
• Caliber
• Corolla
• ION
• Forenza/Reno

Not a jab at you, but I'd rather walk than drive those cars. No way could I make myself want any of them.

[turbo200]

You are Mr. Refinement, so you would absolutely laugh your ass off at the Prius. Seriously.

you're probably right.....that and I can't imagine myself sharing the road in something as ugly as the prius. it's an idea I'm floating, the gas mileage gives it some merit. going from wanting the mazda 3 though to this...

[pow]

you're probably right.....that and I can't imagine myself sharing the road in something as ugly as the prius. it's an idea I'm floating, the gas mileage gives it some merit. going from wanting the mazda 3 though to this...

HOV lane stickers are gone for hybrids anyway. CNG Civic still has it though...

[Cory Wolfe]

Myself.. of all current 2007 compacts (new ones noted by ~); luxury, performance, and mainstream... (nothing over $30k)

Mini

Miata

Mazda3

Solstice

~2008 Astra

A3

Rabbit

Impreza

Civic

~2008 Lancer

Sentra

HHR

Vibe

Cobalt

tC

New Beetle

Tiburon

~2008 Impreza

~2008 xB

SX4

Elantra

PT Cruiser

Caliber

xB

Aerio

~2008 Focus

Spectra

Focus

Corolla

Ion

And for fun... Subcompacts:

~2008 Mazda2

Fit

Versa

Accent

Yaris

Rio

Aveo

Edited April 30, 2007 by blackviper8891

[siegen]

If I had to buy a compact it would be a Civic Si Sedan. That's really the only one I'd consider.

[turbo200]

HOV lane stickers are gone for hybrids anyway. CNG Civic still has it though...

are they totally gone for Civic hybrid? the CNG you have to get this at home natural gas machine, right? you'd have to have a garage for that....which I don't. I'm not just getting it for the carpool lane, but that would be disappointing. I can get a hybrid $500 over invoice, around 19k for a 50 mpg car that is as good as the Civic, really compelling Edited April 30, 2007 by turbo200

[FAPTurbo]

I want this bad-boy.

[Intrepidation]

If I had to buy a compact it would be a Civic Si Sedan. That's really the only one I'd consider.

I'm shocked...really.

[A Horse With No Name]

My order:

CooperS/Miata (tie)

Mazdaspeed 3

Sky

Solstice

GTI

TC

SS/SC Cobalt

Nothing else in this segment matters to me.

Chris

[A Horse With No Name]

If I had to buy a compact it would be a Civic Si Sedan. That's really the only one I'd consider.

Once I get used to the styling I would probably add that to my list. But I really prefer the 99/00 SI. That car was HOT!

Chris

[pow]

are they totally gone for Civic hybrid? the CNG you have to get this at home natural gas machine, right? you'd have to have a garage for that....which I don't. I'm not just getting it for the carpool lane, but that would be disappointing. I can get a hybrid $500 over invoice, around 19k for a 50 mpg car that is as good as the Civic, really compelling

Yep, they're gone for all hybrids in CA.

[Z-06]

Yep, they're gone for all hybrids in CA.

Because people were driving 50 in a 60 speed zone in their Priuses.

[sciguy_0504]

1. Mazda 3 (wagon)

2. 2008 Lancer

3. 2008 xB

4. Civic (coupe only)

5. HHR

6. Impreza (sedan, current-gen)

7. G5

Edit: Now that I think about it, I'd rather have the G5 than the Cobalt coupe.

Edited May 1, 2007 by sciguy_0504

[Variance]

1. Sentra (SE-R only)

2. Mazda3 (5-door only)

3a. Civic (coupe only)

3b. Lancer (2008)

5. Impreza (2006-07 WRX sedan only)

6. GTI (DSG)

Yeah, I'm picky. Big whoop, wanna fight about it?

[Ravenfreak13]

My take on compacts...not in any order.

Mini-a poor mans BMW, very unique.

Miata- too cute-sy looking

Mazda3- one of the top compacts but oddly proportioned and tiny backseat.

Solstice-beautiful roadster, excellent price. a bit more feminine then SKY

2008 Astra-very euro inspired interior, excellent looks but questionable interior

Rabbit-eh...reminds me of a typical teen car

Civic- very unique styling inside and out, excellent overall but takes time getting used to.

2008 Lancer-much improved over previous gens. very sporty look, well priced

Sentra- typical "shift 2.0" styling, much better then previous model

HHR-pulls off retro well with modern interior. a bit slow with base engine but overall excellent value

Vibe-eh...its a toyota in costume...and its slow

Cobalt- better looking then ion and gauges in correct place but thats it. SS rocks though

tC-excellent value but will go down as rice boy car

New Beetle-still stands out in the crowd with unique features

Tiburon-great car for tyhe price but has a hyundai badge which downgrades it unfortunatelly

2008 Impreza- mini japanese sebring styling...not much opinion

2008 xB-looses nasty box design, better but still odd. best standard features for the money

Elantra- dull

PT Cruiser-still cool no matter what. base engine a bit slow...interior was better quality pre 06

Caliber- ok...just ok with a few unique features

2008 Focus-yuck yuck yuck! worse then an 03 ion

Spectra-no comment

Corolla-old boring and bland but still sells well

Ion- ugly yet has inspired many designs in cars...odd but true.

[JT64]

Ion- ugly yet has inspired many designs in cars...odd but true.

Not really. Not really.

It was one of the earlier cars to go with such a rounded roof, that's the similarity everyone sees in newer cars.

But if you look at this proportion... egg head with glasses and frail body.

Edited May 1, 2007 by JT64

[regfootball]

I don't have a list formulated but I can tell you what's at the top...

Evo X...yeah baby

So Reg did you forget the Caliber or do you hate it so much you placed the crappy Suzuki over it?

No i omitted the caliber because its a crossover not a sedan. Evo X is cool but I was thinking this thread would maybe not be influenced by something so extreme. that said, there is a Mazdaspeed3 and WRX so i guess the Evo counts then too. I keep the Lancer very high reagardless if the Evo exists or not. When i list the SX4 i mean the sedan version which ok is not quite out yet but you get my drift.

[Sixty8panther]

I expected 68's list to read:

1963 Cutlass

1963 Special

1963 Tempest

1963 Falcon

1963 Comet

Excellent point.

I assumed the cars had to be 2007 MY.

If that was NOT the case my top five would actually be close to that.

Perhaps like:

- 1969 Chevrolet Camaro COPO ZL1, 4-speed

- 1968 Pontiac Firebird OHC I-6, 4-speed

- 1961 Oldsmobile Cutlass Wagon, 3-speed (or a 1962 Buick Special)

- 1969 Chevrolet Corvair Yenko Stinger 4-speed

- 1964 Plymoouth Barracuda 4-speed

[regfootball]

Vegas and Monzas for me then and chevettes for all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMNIS TOO

[ZL-1]

Today's pecking order:

1. Mini

2. Astra

3. Bunny... I meant Golf

4. Mazda 3

Edited May 1, 2007 by ZL-1

[siegen]

I'm shocked...really.

It's not that I really want one, it's just one of the only ones I would consider if I had to get another compact. I would say TSX, but that is a bit larger and too expensive for this list. My next car will undoubtedly be a TSX though.

Once I get used to the styling I would probably add that to my list. But I really prefer the 99/00 SI. That car was HOT!

Chris

Assuming only new cars at least.

[Sixty8panther]

Back to 2007 MY cars...

I'm with Camino on this one. I think that a Scion anything,

Civic or Corolla along with most compact cars are about

as much "car" as the a tupperware container is a sailboat.

[Ravenfreak13]

^look at the backs and tell me that they are not simalar...from the slab sided C-pillar to the incredibly short back.

[Flybrian]

Better yet...

Don't 'baby Maxima' me on this; remove the stacked headlamps, and you have zero resemblance to the Maxima.

[Ravenfreak13]

THANK YOU!

[Variance]

Don't 'baby Maxima' me on this; remove the stacked headlamps, and you have zero resemblance to the Maxima.

Sorry, man. I do not buy it. The Sentra is clearly a fusion of the 3rd-gen Altima and current Maxima designs.

I've said before, I'll say it again: I do not know anyone who would copy the Ion's design...intentionally or otherwise.

[Sixty8panther]

While I agree the Mazda & Nissan resemble the Ion, the Ion is

not exactly a trendy or hip design. I think the Ion's rear 1/4s

and tail lights are hideous. Gross to be honest.

[Cory Wolfe]

^look at the backs and tell me that they are not simalar...from the slab sided C-pillar to the incredibly short back.

I think you're nuts.

Sorry, man. I do not buy it. The Sentra is clearly a fusion of the 3rd-gen Altima and current Maxima designs.

I've said before, I'll say it again: I do not know anyone who would copy the Ion's design...intentionally or otherwise.

[CARBIZ]

...so the general consensus is ANYTHING as long as it is NOT from Detroit.

[regfootball]

the sentra is a plagarized Ion, plain and simple.

[Sixty8panther]

I hope whoever styled the ION no longer works at GM.

[Variance]

the sentra is a plagarized Ion, plain and simple.

No.

[regfootball]

well sorry, i don't agree with you. next please.

[A Horse With No Name]

Excellent point.

I assumed the cars had to be 2007 MY.

If that was NOT the case my top five would actually be close to that.

Perhaps like:

- 1969 Chevrolet Camaro COPO ZL1, 4-speed

- 1968 Pontiac Firebird OHC I-6, 4-speed

- 1961 Oldsmobile Cutlass Wagon, 3-speed (or a 1962 Buick Special)

- 1969 Chevrolet Corvair Yenko Stinger 4-speed

- 1964 Plymoouth Barracuda 4-speed

Actualy maybe

66 Mustang Ragtop (what else?) Make it a 4 speed.

I'll agree on the Firebird thing but make mine a 67-68 V8 ragtop.

Instead of an olds I'll take a 64 chevelle SS with a 4 speed and a ragtop, please

I'll agree with the Yenko Stinger, seen them vintage raced, they are cool and rare.

Give me a 68 Dart GTS ragtop instead of the Barracuda please...and oh yeah...a 4 speed.

The Yenko is way cool until you see 10 high dollar clones show up at the same car show/cruise in.

Chris