Re: Corolla v Civic v Hyundai/Nissan moeds

RPS I've been wondering the same recently and am still researching.
For what's its worth Consumer Re****ts (CR) has picked the '08 Elantra
SE as it's best small car.
http://www.consumerre****ts.org/cro/cars/models/new/hyundai/elantra/se-4-cyl/overview.htm

Here is their summery:

"The Elantra is a pleasant small sedan. We found the ride comfortable
and road noise low, but the Elantra still isn't as agile as a Mazda3
or Honda Civic. The engine booms at high revs but returns good fuel
economy. Cabin access is fairly easy, and the roomy interior is put
together nicely. It also has more standard safety equipment than some
competitors, including ABS and curtain air bags. Electronic stability
control is standard on the SE trim and, combined with wider tires and
a tighter suspension, makes the car very secure. IIHS offset-crash
results are good. First-year reliability has been much better than
average. An Elantra Touring hatchback model will arrive for 2009."

Another interesting new feature CR has is under "Price and Costs"
They calcuate the overall cost of owning the car for 1-8 years to be
$0.46 a mile which they rate as "Excellent" which is their highest
rating.

I'm going to check the other car site and see how these cars you've
mentioned fair.

Paul