Kelley Blue Book test : Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra win

Are Detroit automakers hard to fight the Asians from the top ranks of the compact sedan segment, according to a comparison test, Kelley Blue Book, car price experts.The compact available in the U.S. is greatly improved, fuel-efficient and fun to drive than they were even five years ago, said analyst Jack Nerad KBB. 

In a test with a relatively Hyundai Elantra, Honda Civic, Ford Focus and Chevrolet Cruze sedan, the Elantra, and tied for first place in the Civic, the Focus was the third, fourth, and the Cruze. "If it was a beauty contest or a price war, beats the 2011 Hyundai Elantra it hands down," KBB said Wednesday. 

But Civic Elantra suit - with a score of 7.5 out of 10 - because of its superior performance and shows the value category. "They pretty much did everything right - to a seat, ergonomics, fit and finish, handling and ride comfort," Nerad said. "This is a very well balanced, good package." 

Civic is one of the best sellers in this segment for many years. But the re-start the car and was seriously disturbed by an earthquake in Japan in March, and it has mixed reviews, such as low levels of write-up Civic LX Consumer Reports. 

Detroit's automakers are now fielding a strong candidate for a segment. Ford Focus KBB won praise from the most exciting car to drive to four, while the Cruze will give travelers "in the sense that they have a higher road, if they are small fuel-efficient vehicles," Nerad said.