2013 Kia Rio

How green is it? Even though the 2013 Kia Rio doesn't quite make the 40 mpg cut off, were noting it here for the new Eco Package on the EX model. An idle stop/start feature shuts off the engine at a complete stop to save fuel. This is great in Chicago where there's a stop light or stop sign at every corner.

Pros & cons: Rear seats don't fold flat. However, everything else is up, up, up. This car is attractive, comfortable and has a lot of up-level available features. This is hands down one of the best entry-level cars on the market.

Whats new: Rio was all-new in 2012, but it does get a couple tweaks for 2013, including the Eco Package on the EX model and paddle shifters on the SX model.

Ride & performance: Rio really shows off what 138 horsepower can do. The power is peppy, and for a base, compact car the ride is smooth, and interior quietness is quite good. Rio has the perfect combination of get-up-and-go for city driving and highway merges, yet the small size is perfectly parkable in Chicago.

Family value: Because of it its petite size, the Rio is really only good for younger families. It does have the rear LATCH system for car seats and boosters, but space is really tight in the back seat. So, if the driver or passenger is tall, the car seat might not fit.

Fun factor: Rio is surprisingly fun, especially with the 5-speed manual transmission. Of course, fuel economy goes down the more fun you have.

Safety: For an entry level car, Rio comes stocked with a nice level of safety features including, front airbags, full-length side-curtain airbags, rear head airbags, traction control, stability control, side-impact door beams and hill-assist control.

Courtesy of the Chicago Tribune