Small wonders: Hyundai improves the compact Elantra, and the Mazdaspeed3 is the best sporty car.(economy automobiles)(Product/service evaluation)

As a class, small, economical cars have a bad reputation. While fuel efficient and low-priced, they're often seen as anemic cars with poor driving characteristics, cramped interiors, few safety features, and inadequate crash protection. But that segment also includes desirable and highly rated cars such as the Honda Civic, Ford Focus, Mazda3, and Toyota Corolla.

And now, other small cars deserve some respect. The redesigned Hyundai Elantra, which outscored the other small cars in this group, is well-rounded, roomier, and more fuel efficient, and has a more pleasant interior than many more expensive cars. It earned a sixthplace rating out of 14 small cars we've ...