Consumers' Favorites: Best Economy Cars

Taking top honors with 24 percent of the votes is the Ford Fiesta, a versatile little car that also happens to be fun to drive. Hot on its rear tires is the just redesigned and similarly well-rounded Hyundai Elantra, with 22 percent. And trailing its Hyundai cousin with 10 percent is the Kia Forte.

See how the rest of the field did in the full results below and make sure to exercise your right to vote in our next Consumers' Favorites poll.

1. 

   1. Ford Fiesta

What Edmunds.com says:
The 2012 Ford Fiesta gives economy car shoppers reason to celebrate with its fun-to-drive personality, nicely trimmed cabin, tight build quality and unexpected features.

What Edmunds.com says:
Thanks to head-turning styling, a fuel-efficient engine and a long list of standard safety features and upscale options, the 2012 Hyundai Elantra is a top pick for a small sedan.

What Edmunds.com says:
The 2011 Kia Forte may not be top of mind for a lot of consumers, but it should be, as it compares favorably against perennial favorites from Honda, Mazda and Toyota.

What Edmunds.com says:
The 2011 Toyota Yaris has broad appeal thanks to a wide variety of body styles and a reputation for dependability, but it falls short of being our top economy-car choice.

What Edmunds.com says:
The 2011 Mazda 2 keeps the fun alive as an economical hatchback, but comes up a bit short when compared to the competition.

What Edmunds.com says:
The 2011 Kia Soul brings hipster styling and a fun-to-drive nature to the realm of the practical hatchback.

What Edmunds.com says:
Larger, sharper and more fuel-efficient, the redesigned 2012 Hyundai Accent deserves buyer consideration as an affordable, stylish new car.

What Edmunds.com says:
The redesigned 2012 Nissan Versa would seem to meet expectations, but other subcompacts will likely be more enjoyable to drive and own.

What Edmunds.com says:
While the 2011 Suzuki SX4 still remains a good value, a number of newer and more enticing compact sedan and hatchback competitors make it harder to recommend.

What Edmunds.com says:
The 2011 Nissan Cube is a reasonably versatile and spacious little hatchback, but it's also bizarre, so you'll have to be an adventurous sort to appreciate its virtues.

What Edmunds.com says:
The 2011 Chevrolet Aveo is a decent and inexpensive subcompact, but that's not enough in the face of better performing, more functional rivals that are more enjoyable to drive and own.

What Edmunds.com says:
As far as small economy cars go, there are better choices than the 2011 Kia Rio.