City Car Buying Guide

This tiny city car is great in so many ways. First of all, the 2012 Fiesta is tremendously efficient at 29/39 mpg. Secondly, it provides an exciting driving experience, especially considering its size and limited power output. The Fiesta holds its own in stop-and-go traffic and is an overall smooth operator around corners and on straightaways. And just like a party, the Fiesta is vibrant and fun, with several eye-catching colors to choose from.

If it hadn't been for a redesign, the 2012 Toyota Yaris hatchback probably wouldn't have made this list. The Yaris's city-friendly 30 mpg is top of the line (highway fuel efficiency is also worth noting at 38 mpg). Cargo room and overall length has improved so that you can transport day-to-day gear around town with ease. The suspension tuning has been improved for better handling. The L and LE trims offer a smooth suspension for a calm and relaxed ride, while the SE model is a bit more sporty and responsive, which is perfect if you plan on zipping around town.

The all-new Sonic isn't as efficient as the previously mentioned subcompacts, but it's no slouch either with 26/35 mpg. That being said, it gets 138 horsepower and 125 pounds-feet of torque for solid acceleration through the hustle and bustle of city life. The Sonic rests on a finely-tuned suspension with responsive steering that is not only reassuring, but fun as well. The Sonic isn't as roomy as some others (hatchbacks) in its class, but it makes up for that with a high-quality interior and modern styling. A class-leading 10 airbags will help insulate you from the dangers that lie in wait in the urban jungle.

If you like the Ford Fiesta but want something a little bigger and more capable, the redesigned 2012 Ford Focus is your car. First you'll have to get over what the Focus used to be and instead focus on what it is today. The Focus is a sedan/hatchback that gets 26/36 mpg and is tuned for city-inspired driving. Even though it's a shade over the $20k threshold, the Focus Titanium Handling package adds a sport-tuned suspension for more capable traction and grip. If you're constantly running around town and need room to accommodate several boxes or other cargo, you will love the Focus's 44.8 cubic-feet of storage volume when the rear seats are folded.

As a small crossover, the 2012 Kia Sportage is nimble in narrow city streets and has SUV-esque cargo space. Drivers that prefer the ride-height and flexibility of an SUV will love the value-packed Sportage and its excellent fuel economy of 22/32 mpg. An optional rear camera display puts eyes where you need them so you don't back into any parking meters or parked cars. A sport-tuned suspension brings lively handling into the mix for those who thrive in tight-city driving. A best-in-class 10-year/100,000-mile warranty provides long-term coverage and reliability.

Drivers looking to squeeze every last drop of fuel out of their car will gravitate towards the hands-down city mpg leader 2012 Toyota Prius. Buyers looking to save money on city driving can't beat the Prius's 51 mpg in the city. The Prius operates on its electric motor at speeds up to 25 mph and uses regenerative braking. Both of those features are why the Prius gets such good city fuel economy ratings. The Prius is tiny enough to squeeze into places that larger gas-guzzling cars can't go.

If you like the look of a well-made hatchback and the fuel efficiency of clean diesel technology, then the 2012 VW Golf TDI is the car for you. City fuel economy ratings are excellent at 30 mpg (42 mpg on the highway isn't bad either). The 140-horsepower engine isn't anything to write home about, but the impressive 236 pounds-feet of torque is. What that means is that the Golf TDI excels at accelerating at low speeds so you can get off of the line quicker in day to day traffic. The VW Golf TDI is available in two- and four-door models.

Having interior flexibility and versatility in the city is just as important to some as fuel efficiency and compact handling is to others. Maybe you need the extra space for your children. Maybe you like to ride high and survey the road. Or perhaps you like to have peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is capable of taking on unexpected cargo and passengers. That's where the 2012 Chevy Equinox compact SUV/crossover comes in. The Equinox can offer passengers the most rear seat leg room in its class. The V6 engine offers inspired handling and a more engaging feel.

Resting on the border between everyday practicality and entry-level luxury, the 2012 Acura TSX is a sleek sedan that makes navigating through busy city streets a welcomed challenge. That's because the TSX has the amenities of an entry-level sedan and the handling of an every-day sports car. The available AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting system will help you steer clear of gridlock by providing continuously updated traffic information in major metropolitan areas. It can also suggest an alternative route if the system determines it is at least two minutes (or 10 percent) quicker.

Luxury meets city efficiency in the 2012 Lexus CT 200h. The CT 200h is a refined four-door hatchback that shares its powertrain with the highly reputable Prius. Lexus has been in the hybrid business for some time now, so it's no surprise that that the sophisticated CT 200h receives great fuel economy of 43 mpg in the city. The CT 200h allows you to vary the driving mode depending on traffic conditions. EV mode lets you get the best efficiency possible and is great for stop-and-go traffic. If traffic opens up, you can set the 200h lose by selecting Sport mode.

SUV/crossover fans that live in metropolitan areas can't go wrong with the 2012 Escape Hybrid and its 34 city mpg rating. The Escape isn't as big as the Explorer, which is good news for drivers looking to navigate through narrow city streets and use small parking spaces. The Escape Hybrid can travel at speeds of up to 44 miles per hour in full electric mode so you don't waste gas in stop and go traffic. If you find yourself transporting cargo around town, simply fold the rear seats down for a maximum 67.2 cubic feet of storage space. With impressive cargo/passenger flexibility and excellent fuel efficiency ratings, it seems like the 2012 Escape Hybrid was made for city driving.