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Compared to its H2 sibling, the H3 was nearly as competent, especially when equipped with the optional off-road suspension package that included specially tuned springs and shocks, low-range transfer-case gearing and a locking rear axle. The standard five-speed manual transmission was a popular feature with hard-core off-roaders (a four-speed automatic was optional). A quiet and well-proportioned interior offered sufficient room for five passengers plus their gear.

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The 1-series coupe/convertibles were made on a shortened (by four inches) version of the 3-Series platform and used the same engines. The base 128i came with a non-turbo inline six-cylinder that made 230 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque, while the 135i’s twin-turbocharged six-cylinder rang in at 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. Each could be paired with a six-speed manual transmission or optional six-speed automatic. For 2011, a simplified single turbo system was used in the 135i (with no loss of power or torque) and the six-speed automatic was exchanged for a seven-speed paddle-shift manual.

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The Mazda2 was one of the sportier small cars you could buy. Its light weight (2,300 pounds), crisp handling and direct steering made it enjoyable. Exceptional ride comfort was another plus. The little hatch was also quite roomy for its size, both for front- and rear-seat passengers. Likewise, cargo volume was similar to or better than many sub-compact competitors, with the exception of the class-leading Honda Fit. Fuel economy was about average, but cars equipped with the slick-shifting manual transmission stretching the most miles from a tank of gas.

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The somewhat sporty Maxima was based on the lower-level Altima platform and had a well-earned reputation as a smooth and quiet-running performer. The Maxima had solid construction, good handling and potent acceleration and the interior provided plenty of comfort for up to five passengers. Adding 20 more horsepower to the Altima-based 270-horse V6 gave the Maxima a bit more thrust, even if it preferred drinking from the premium-grade well and carried about 500 extra pounds. Standout styling was a definite improvement over previous Maximas.

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The Insight was a comfortable and reasonably roomy vehicle that did a good job stretching a tank of gas (42 mpg in combined city/highway driving). There was also a fair bit of stowage space in back with the rear seat folded or left upright. The gas-electric power team’s output was modest, but available paddle shifters for the CVT, which mimicked a normal automatic transmission, aided overall drivability. Ride quality was a bit rough, but the power steering was quick and precise.

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The A3 proved to be an excellent introductory model for the Audi line. Not surprisingly, there was a reasonable amount of stowage space in back and the rest of the interior was clean and uncluttered. The standard 200-horsepower turbo four-cylinder was a smooth-running jewel of an engine with enough spunk to propel the A3 to 60 mph from zero in 6.5 seconds (according to Audi). The optional 250-horsepower V6 made the Audi even quicker, while the torquey TDI’s arrival turned the car into quite the fuel miser.

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The original Mini Cooper delivered plenty of driving fun and its replacements have continued that tradition. The car’s low center of gravity and wide stance minimized body lean while cornering. Steering was ultra-quick and responsive. Likewise, shifting the standard-issue six-speed manual transmission was a treat (it was designed by BMW, after all). A six-speed automatic was optional.

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The CR-V (which stands for Comfortable Runabout Vehicle) continues to lead the compact tall-wagon class. Along with its thrifty-yet-swift four-cylinder engine, the fully developed 2007-’11 edition excelled at interior-space efficiency. Although perhaps considered an entry-level vehicle, interior styling which could be trimmed in leather, was also a big plus, along with a quieter and more comfortable ride than before. With the back seat folded, the CR-V’s ample cargo area could easily swallow large/bulky objects.

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The Legacy has managed to carve out a strong niche, especially in mountainous areas where superior traction made it a popular pick. The 2010 redesign improved the car?s appearance, and the enlarged cabin helped attract plenty of buyers. The interior was a comfortable and roomy place for five adults, especially when the seats had been covered in the optional leather. Handling was considered agile, especially for post-2012 models that were given a suspension upgrade that reduced body roll in the corners.

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First-generation Caymans were quite at home on twisty highways or road courses. Base models were quick enough for most drivers, while the Cayman S’s performance rivaled the base 911 coupe that cost significantly more. The Cayman held two people and had about double the luggage space of the Boxster. If you weren’t the manual-shifting type, you could opt for a five speed ‘Tiptronic’ automatic on pre-2010 versions, or the really excellent automated manual (PDK) transmission on later models.

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