MSRP- $14,900 – Horsepower- 117 ▪ mpg- 27 city/33 highway – Standard transmission- 5-speed manual Initial impression- Packs a wallop in this featherweight class. Fit has been a top contender in this class since it hit the American market in 2006. It’s toss able, spunky and multipurpose with a tight suspension responsive 1.5-liter SOHV i-VTEC [...]

MSRP- $13,990 – Horsepower-122 – mpg- 27 city/31 highway – Standard transmission-6-speed manual Initial impression-Its looks are polarizing-and it’s a utilitarian juggernaut Cube Mobile Device as Nissan calls it, takes the it’s hip to be square persona to new heights. There is a lot to get one’s head about here- the irregular window treatment the [...]

MSRP- $13,300 –Horsepower- 122 – mpg-26 city/31 highway -Standard transmission- 5-speed manual Initial impression- Sleek looks for such a boxy machine- and a blast to drive. Its fit and finish is on par with the competition, and it is fun to drive. Kia’s forward-thinking interior boasts many engaging elements, ranging from a well-laid-out center dash [...]

MSRP-$14,790 – Horsepower-152-mpg 22 city/31 highway -Standard transmission-5-speed manual Initial impression- With jet fighter looks, this underdog brings a lot of value to the tarmac. Mitsubishi is not big on market share however the Lancer hits the high notes needed to stand out in the under-$15,000 category. It is smooth powerful and well-built and has [...]

MSRP-$13,695 –Horsepower- 156 ▪ mpg- 25 city/34 highway – Standard transmission- 5-speed manual Initial impression-Looks seriously sporty-and it’s aggressive- balanced and composed on the street. Forte has made great strides for Kia since it hit showrooms in 2009. No longer is a second-class citizen Kia compact presenting a deep stylistic and mechanical advancement. However its [...]