2009 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS

At the gas pump, the GTS retains its relative frugality. Consumption remains almost the same as that of the 2008 at 21/28 mpg city/highway for the manual transmission version, dropping only by one mpg city and without a switch to premium octane. Opting for the CVT shaves off another highway mile. In the grand scheme of things, the Lancer GTS' fuel economy is par for the course for a sporty compact and similar to that of the Mazda3 Sport and Toyota Corolla XRS, among others.

It's when it comes to dollars where the GTS starts running into problems. Our tester came with the $1750 Sun & Sound package, which adds a 650-watt stereo, sunroof, and Mitsubishi's FAST keyless entry/start system, $1800 navigation system, and $1000 touring package that adds HID headlights, stability control, and rain-sensing wipers, bringing the price tag up from the starting price of $19,285 to $23,835, solidly in the weight class of the Civic Si. The Honda finished above the more-powerful Lancer Ralliart in our "Small, Fast, Fun" comparison, and even when equipped with a nav system, it costs under $1000 more than the GTS. The Lancer may have the style advantage but the Civic wins in the performance and refinement department. This is a battle the Mitsubishi will find hard to win.

At its base price of $19,285, however, the GTS with its six-speaker stereo, automatic climate control, and sport bucket seats puts up a good fight despite its cheap-feeling hard interior plastics and lack of a telescoping steering wheel. Keep the options boxes unchecked and, unless you're over 6-ft tall, you won't find yourself saying, "I really should have bought the Civic."