Small surprises.(Small Sedans)(Evaluation)

Small cars are coming of age. The latest models benefit from increasingly sophisticated safety features, more comfort and convenience features, and roomier, more efficient interior designs. For a relatively inexpensive price of between $14,000 and $18,000, you can now find a good small sedan that doesn't make you feel as if you're scrimping.

Two cars that promise to fit this description are the redesignedfor-2001 Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra, models that in the past have represented the upper and lower strata of the segment, respectively. To see how they compare with other popular competitors, we pitted them against the strong-selling Toyota Corolla and Chevrolet Cavalier. Some of the results were surprising.

Built in Ohio, the Honda Civic has earned our high rating for years. Now in its seventh generation, the new line is available as a two-door or four-door but no longer as a hatchback. All trim lines are powered by a 1.7-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 115 hp in the lower-trim-line DX and LX, and--thanks to Honda's VTECWe E technology--127 hp in the top-of-the-line EX. (The Civic coupe is also available as a special fuel-efficient HX version that offers a continuously variable transmission and is estimated by the Environmental Protection Agency at 35 mpg city/40 mpg highway.) We chose an EX sedan, which comes with "sportier" suspension tuning, a sunroof, and antilock brake system (unfortunately, ABS isn't offered on the lower trim lines). With four-speed automatic transmission our car started at $17,710. With shipping it totaled $18,150. The Consumer Reports Wholesale Price--which includes any buyer rebates and what the dealer paid after incentives--is $16,108. (All CR Wholsesale Prices in this report were effective as of early December 2000.)

One of the most pleasant surprises in this test group was the Hyundai Elantra. Over the decade and a half since it became the first Korean automaker to enter the U.S. market, Hyundai has generally produced inexpensive cars that, based both on our tests and various owner surveys, have exhibited a mediocre driving experience and troublesome reliability. That seems to be changing. The newest cars from Hyundai compete with the best, often providing more features for less money. That's clearly true of the redesigned Elantra, which comes in only one well-equipped trim line, the GLS. It's powered by a 140-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. With automatic transmission the price starts at $13,299. ABS is available as part of an option package with traction control, but we couldn't find a car to buy that had it. Other options, including cruise control and remote keyless entry, brought the sticker price to $14,312, including destination charges. The CR Wholesale Price is $12,923.

The current-generation Toyota Corolla was introduced for the 1998 model year. It's built in Canada and California (alongside its cousin, the Chevrolet Prizm). Always a solid if unexciting car, the Corolla received a mild facelift for 2001. Its 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine is rated at 125 hp. We opted for the top-of-the-line LE with automatic transmission, which starts at $14,198. With ABS, cruise control, air conditioning, power accessories, and destination charge, it came to $16,764. The CR Wholesale Price is $14,568.

The Ohio-made Chevrolet Cavalier (and its sibling, the Pontiac Sunfire) have remained little changed since 1995--a long stretch in the auto world--and a redesign isn't due until 2004. Two four-cylinder engines are available: a base 2.2-liter 115-hp version and an optional 2.4-liter 150-hp engine. We chose an LS model with automatic transmission and standard ABS and traction control, which starts at $14,855. With power accessories, the 150-hp engine upgrade, CD player, and destination charge, the sticker price totaled $17,330. The CR Wholesale Price is $14,833.

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