2 2012 Kia Rio

Score: 718 Sticker price: $15,595 (plus $750 shipping)

Liked: Features: “Lots of little extras,” Wiesenfelder says, “like sliding visors with mirrors, steering-wheel buttons and power lock switches on both front doors.” Design: “I love the exterior look and love the interior design even more,” Robinson says. Powertrain: “Decent punchiness and a well-sorted six-speed automatic transmission,” says Mays. Ride: “This suspension would be perfect for Goldilocks, not too firm and not too soft,” says Newman.

Disliked:

Noise: “A fairly noisy environment,” Robinson says, “but it didn’t seem as bad as the (mechanically similar corporate sibling Hyundai) Accent.” “Lacks refinement on the highway, with a constant low rumble from the tires,” Mays says. Some found the back seat bottom too low.

Bottom line:

“If you don’t need Fit’s space,” Healey says, “the Rio’s the pick of the litter.”