Compare these cars, this is a challenge:?

well, let's see what we can do to help. based on your criteria of sporty, we are going to eliminate the smart fortwo (slowest car sold in the US) the Chevy Aveo, the Suzuki SX4 (great starter AWD car, but slow) and the dodge caliber (motor trend says they handle like a dodge ram, which is below average for a pick up and atrocious for a small car)

based on teh criterfira of okay to good gas mileage we'll further eliminate the rx-8 b/c the rotary engine, while small, is excessively thirsty.

we are down to the scions, hte mitsu's (i'd leave out the eclipse too) the mazda 3, the accord and the mini. of these listed, the mini will handle tied for best (with the 3) but school the others in gas mileage and 'cuteness'. the scion xD is the only one to have if you live an active lifestyle (or the mazda 3 5 door) as they will haul more than any two of the other cars combined. same goes if you have many friends you want to haul around... but the xD gets average, at best, fuel economy.

as an everyday hauler, my top 2 choices would be the mazda 3i (people hauler very good gas mileage (top 10 based on price sold in the US) and the mini cooper. it's just really cool and will get exceptional gas mileage.

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Narrow your choices down to the Honda, Mazdas, & Scion/Toyota for reliability and resale value. All have decent gas mileage. Check out the ratings on consumerreports.org - even if you have to pay 20 bucks or whatever it is for access to the site, it's money well spent when comparing vehicles.

Only one stands out for me, the RX-8. Seriously fast and fun to drive along with historically good resale value not to mention they look hot. The Eclipse would be my second choice BTW.

2008 Honda Accord Coupe. Dependeble and will hold a good resale value

my top ones are:

Scion tC - it's a toyota which means it will be reliable

Mini Cooper - cool little cars with ridiculous gas mileage

Mazda3 - proven to be reliable and fun cars

Honda Accord - It's a Honda...

I'd go with the Mazda3. I have a Mazda6 and completely love it. The interior is awesome, it is fun to drive, and it is very reliable.

Good luck! I hope you find something that works for you!

The Accord coupe is by far the best car on your list.

mini cooper clubman ftw (great on gas)