Offering more interior passenger and cargo space than subcompacts, yet still delivering the fuel efficiency that consumers expect, compact cars are clearly in demand right now. In fact, some dealers are having trouble keeping some models on the lot, such as the Honda Civic and Civic Hybrid. Fortunately for consumers, however, there are plenty of fuel-efficient compact models to choose from. Indeed, compact cars comprise half of the 2008 Automotive Environmental Index (AEI) Top 30 models. The list includes some of the best-selling models in the U.S., including the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cobalt and Toyota Prius—all among the top 20 in year-to-date sales.
2008 Chevrolet Cobalt 
The 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt is a carryover model from 2007, and is available in either coupe or sedan body styles and in LS, 1LT, 2LT and Sport trim levels. The top-of-the-line Sport model offers the most features, including electronic stability control and a more powerful 2.4-liter high-output engine and sport suspension. The front-wheel-drive Cobalt comes with a standard 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 4-speed automatic transmission. The 2.2-liter Ecotec dual overhead cam (DOHC), 16-valve, 4-cylinder engine is standard on 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt LS and LT models and produces 148 hp. The Sport model has a 2.4-liter high-output DOHC 4-cylinder engine delivering 171 hp. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2.2-liter engine are 24 mpg city/33 mpg highway for the manual transmission, and 22 mpg city/31 mpg highway for the automatic. The 2.4-liter engine’s EPA estimates are 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway (manual) and 22 mpg city/31 mpg highway (automatic).
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2008 Ford Focus 
For 2008, Ford has redesigned the Focus inside and out. A new grille that matches Ford’s other products is prominent, as is new interior lighting, improved ride and handling characteristics, and a quieter cabin. For 2008, the Focus is available in either a 4-door sedan or a 2-door coupe, and both models are available in two trim levels: SE and SEL. The engine for the front-wheel-drive 2008 Ford Focus comes in two different versions, depending on where you live. The 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine first comes as an Ultra-Low-Emission Vehicle (ULEV) that makes 140 hp. California and the New England states receive the second version of this engine, a Partial Zero-Emission Vehicle or PZEV, which makes 132 hp. Ford claims the engine is cleaner than some hybrid gas-electric vehicles, and further reduces 20 percent of the hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions of a ULEV engine. EPA city fuel-economy estimates are 24 mpg (with manual or automatic transmission); highway mileage is 35 mpg with the 5-speed manual transmission and 33 mpg with the 4-speed automatic transmission.
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2008 Honda Civic/Civic Hybrid 
Both Honda Civic models for 2008—the regular, non-hybrid as well as the Civic Hybrid—make the AEI Top 30 list for 2008. All 2008 Honda Civics employ 4-cylinder engines and front-wheel drive. Civic DX, LX, EX and EX-L models get a 1.8-liter engine producing 140 hp. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 25 mpg city/36 mpg highway with the optional 5-speed automatic. Si and Mugen Si models get a 2.0-liter engine that puts out 197 hp. A 6-speed manual is the only transmission offered; EPA fuel-economy estimates are 21 mpg city/29 mpg highway. The Civic Hybrid uses Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system, which combines a 1.4-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor. Combined power output is 110 hp. (Power output of the gasoline engine itself is 93 hp.) The Hybrid uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and fuel-economy estimates are 40 mpg city/45 mpg highway. The Civic GX is powered by a compressed natural gas (CNG)-fueled version of the 1.8-liter engine producing 113 hp and driving the wheels through a 5-speed automatic transmission. Fuel-economy estimates—measured in GGE, or Gasoline Gallon Equivalent—are 24 mpg city, 36 mpg highway.
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Honda Civic First Time Buyer’s Guide
2008 Hyundai Elantra 
The 2008 Hyundai Elantra comes exclusively as a 4-door sedan and is available in GLS and SE trim levels (the top-of-the-line Limited having been dropped for 2008). New features for 2008 include standard electronic stability control and brake assist on Elantra SE, and there’s a new tire-pressure-monitoring system. Open the 2008 Hyundai Elantra's hood and you'll find a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine powering the front wheels. Standard Elantras produce 138 hp. In states that comply with California emissions standards, a Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) version of the engine is available, with an output of 132 hp. PZEV Elantras come exclusively with a 4-speed automatic transmission, while standard Elantras can also be had with a 5-speed manual. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 24 mpg city/33 mpg highway with the manual transmission and 25 mpg city/33 mpg highway with the automatic transmission.
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2008 Kia Spectra 
After freshening the styling of its Spectra sedan and Spectra5 hatchback models for 2007, Kia makes minor changes to the compact car’s exterior and interior for 2008. The biggest news is the addition of the Spectra LX sedan with an automatic transmission. The 2008 Kia Spectra sedan is sold in LX, EX and sporty SX trim levels, while the hatchback is available exclusively in SX trim. LX and EX models get a new grille design for 2008, which blends black paint and chrome. Power for the front-wheel-drive 2008 Kia Spectra comes from a 138-hp, DOHC, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with continuously variable valve timing (CVVT). A 5-speed manual transmission is standard and a 4-speed automatic transmission is now optional on all models, including the base LX. Fuel mileage, using the new-for-2008 EPA formula, is 24 mpg city/32 mpg highway for models with an automatic transmission.
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2008 Mini Cooper/Cooper S 
Both Mini Cooper models for 2008—the base Cooper as well as the turbocharged Cooper S—make the AEI Top 30 list for 2008. The standard models are oriented towards economy, with a dash of sport. The “S” models are oriented towards higher performance. They offer a turbocharged 172-hp engine, a hood scoop on the front, a center-mounted twin exhaust pipe, and standard 16-inch wheels. The 2008 Mini Cooper is available with a choice of two engines. The standard engine is a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine developing 120 hp and EPA rated to achieve 26 mpg city/40 mpg highway. The more powerful Mini Cooper S models are equipped with a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine with a twin-scroll turbocharger. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 24 mpg city/36 mpg highway. The standard Mini Cooper engine is mated to either a 5-speed manual transmission or an optional CVT automatic with 6-speed Steptronic mode. The sportier “S” models employ a 6-speed manual transmission or an optional 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters.
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2008 Nissan Sentra 
Nissan offers the 4-door Sentra sedan in five different models ranging from an economical entry-level family sedan to a high-performance 200-hp enthusiast-targeted sport sedan. Standard Sentra 2.0 models feature a 2.0-liter powerplant rated at 140 hp. It is emissions-certified as a LEV2-ULEV engine operating on regular unleaded fuel. The engine is available with either a 6-speed manual transmission (2008 EPA fuel-economy estimates of 24 mpg city/31 mpg highway), or Nissan’s Xtronic CVT continuously variable transmission (EPA estimates of 25 mpg city/33 mpg highway). The 2008 Sentra SE-R features a larger 2.5-liter engine rated at 177 hp. It is emissions-certified as a LEV2-LEV engine running on regular unleaded fuel. The engine is mated to Nissan’s Xtronic CVT continuously variable transmission (EPA fuel-economy estimates of 24 mpg city/30 mpg highway). The Sentra SE-R Spec V features a high-output version of the same engine. It is rated at 200 hp. It is emissions-certified as a LEV2-LEV engine but requires premium unleaded fuel. The SE-R Spec V is only available with a 6-speed manual transmission (EPA estimates of 21 mpg city/29 mpg highway).
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2008 Pontiac G5
The compact, 2-door, 5-passenger, entry-level Pontiac G5 coupe is available in one body style and two trim levels (base and GT). The G5 shares the same platform as the Chevrolet Cobalt. Standard in the base model is a 2.2-liter, 16-valve, dual overhead cam (DOHC) 4-cylinder engine, producing 148 hp. The G5 GT’s power comes from a 2.4-liter, DOHC, 4-cylinder engine with variable valve timing, which delivers 171 hp. Both engines come standard with a 5-speed manual transmission, with a 4-speed automatic with overdrive optional. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2.2-liter engine are 22 mpg city/31 mpg highway (automatic) and 24 mpg city/33 mpg highway (manual). The 2.4-liter engine gets an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city/31 mpg highway (automatic) and 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway (manual).
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2008 Pontiac Vibe 
The Pontiac Vibe was co-developed with Toyota and shares its platform with the Toyota Matrix. For 2008, the Vibe wagon is virtually all carryover from the 2007 model year. An all-new design debuted for 2009 and is already on sale. The outgoing 2008 Vibe is equipped with a 1.8-liter, 126-hp 4-cylinder engine with variable valve timing and a standard 5-speed manual transmission, with a 4-speed automatic transmission available. Also available is a stability control system. EPA fuel economy is estimated at 25 mpg city/31 mpg highway for the automatic transmission and 26 mpg city/33 mpg highway for the manual.
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2008 Saturn Astra 
The 2008 Saturn Astra, a new entry in the automaker’s lineup for 2008, is essentially a re-branded Opel Astra, the compact hatchback that's been a cornerstone of Opel's European lineup for years. The Astra replaces the Ion sedan and coupe in Saturn’s model lineup, and true to Euro-form is available exclusively as a 3- or 5-door hatchback. The 2008 Astra is offered in XE and XR trim levels; the XE is only available as a 5-door hatchback and the XR comes as a 3-door or 5-door. A sport-handling package, which includes 17-inch alloy wheels, tighter suspension, and electronic stability control, is optional on the XR 5-door and standard on the 3-door, which also offers 18-inch wheels. The 2008 Saturn Astra is powered by an Ecotec 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine with variable valve timing; output is 140 hp. The front-wheel-drive Astra offers a choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 24 mpg city/30 mpg highway with the 4-speed automatic transmission.
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2008 Toyota Corolla 
The 2008 Corolla sedan occupies a space in the Toyota lineup above the entry-level Yaris and below the Camry midsize sedan. Available in CE, S and LE trim levels, all 2008 Corollas are powered by a 126-hp, 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine with variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i), which drives the front wheels through either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. At least 90 percent of peak torque (122 lb.-ft.) is available from 2000 rpm to the 6000 rpm redline, according to the automaker. Standard are 15-inch steel wheels; alloys are optional, and the S model includes a 16-inch alloy option. The 2008 Toyota Corolla gets EPA fuel-economy estimates of 28 mpg city/37 mpg highway with manual transmission; 26 mpg city/35 mpg highway with an automatic transmission. A redesigned 2009 Toyota Corolla went on sale several months ago, so it’s unlikely that you’ll find any 2008 models left on dealer lots.
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2008 Toyota Matrix 
Developed in conjunction with General Motors, the Matrix is based on the Toyota Corolla compact sedan and is mechanically identical to the Pontiac Vibe. Sold in Standard and XR grades, the front-wheel-drive 2008 Toyota Matrix has roomy, tall seats and carries five people. The rear seats split and fold to increase cargo room from 21.8 cubic feet to 53.2 cubic feet. The front passenger seat folds flat, too, and the trunk has a hard floor made of washable plastic. Eight tie-down hooks and two cargo nets are standard. Now that the 170-hp XRS model is gone, all 2008 Toyota Matrix models are powered by a 126-hp, 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder engine with variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i), which drives the front wheels through either a 5-speed manual or an optional 4-speed automatic transmission. The 2008 Matrix gets EPA fuel-economy estimates of 25 mpg city/31 mpg highway with an automatic transmission. A redesigned 2009 Toyota Matrix went on sale several months ago, so it is unlikely that any 2008 versions remain on dealer lots.
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2008 Toyota Prius 
Since its U.S. introduction in 2001, the Toyota Prius has become the poster vehicle for the green movement. Toyota introduced the second generation of its Prius hybrid-electric vehicle for the 2004 model year as a larger 5-door hatchback with improved acceleration and fuel economy. Despite its advancing age, today’s Prius offers Camry-like interior space, hatchback convenience, and futuristic styling inside and out. The 2008 Toyota Prius combines a 76-hp, 1.5-liter gasoline engine and an electric motor to produce a combined output of 110 hp. An electronic continuously variable transmission (ECVT) is the only available transmission. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2008 Toyota Prius are 48 mpg city/45 mpg highway.
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More Research
2008 Automotive Environmental Index
2008 AEI Subcompact Cars
2008 AEI Midsize Cars
2008 Multi-activity Vehicles
What To Drive: MPG and the Environment Edition
2008 Initial Quality Study Results
