The Similarities: 2010 Honda Civic v Hyundai Elantra v Toyota Corolla

The 2010 Honda Civic, 2010 Hyundai Elantra, and 2010 Toyota Corolla are front-wheel drive compact cars that compete with the likes of the Mazda 3, Ford Focus, and Volkswagen Jetta. (The EPA actually classifies Elantra as a midsize model based on its interior volume, but it belongs in the compact in terms of overall size, price, and market positioning.)

All three cite five-passenger seating, but each is more realistically a four-passenger model. Split-folding rear seatbacks help expand their cargo-carrying abilities.

All come powered by four-cylinder engines and offer manual and automatic transmissions.

Reasonably plain in their base models, each can be generously equipped in their top-of-the-line versions. Still, don’t expect a lot of high-tech accoutrements in this segment.

As has fast become the standard, each comes equipped with 12-volt power points to keep portable navigation systems and smartphones running, along with myriad cupholders and storage areas.

Standard safety features include front-side and side-curtain airbags to protect passengers in collisions and antilock brakes for skid-free stopping power.