Results and rankings for the 2012 Subcompact Shootout

— -- Here are model-by-model results of our Subcompact Shootout and details on how the Shootout was done. At the end of the list are results of the Audio Shootout, an in-depth look at the cars' audio systems:

What: Three-day comparison test of subcompact cars that seat four, have four doors and automatic transmission, are EPA-rated 35 mpg or more on the highway and are priced less than $16,000 before shipping charges (about the average transaction price for subcompacts).

Contenders (all 2012s): Chevrolet Sonic, Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, Nissan Versa, Toyota Yaris.

Media judges: Cars.com's Kelsey Mays (industry analyst), Jennifer Newman (family editor), Joe Wiesenfelder (executive editor). USA TODAY auto reporter James R. Healey. Brian Robinson, producer for "MotorWeek" on PBS.

Family judges: Erik Rose and Robyn Gerry-Rose, Southern California. (See story).

How they were scored (maximum 1,000 points):• Static (35% of final score) — first impressions inside and out, front-seat comfort and adjustability, ergonomics and controls, cargo space and usability, audio system usability with handheld devices.• Driving (35%): Acceleration and braking, handling and steering, ride quality, road and engine noise, visibility.• Value (20%): Overall impression of value for price.• Gas mileage (10%): 200-mile test loop in Southern California mixing highway and city miles.

The Results:

No. 1. Honda FitScore: 760Sticker price: $15,975 (plus $770 shipping)Liked: Space: "Unbelievably roomy for the overall size," says Healey. Most judges gave the Fit top scores for cargo, from the flat load floor to the second-row seats that fold up rearward or down forward. "It's impossible to beat the practicality of the rear seat," Robinson says. It also was judged fun to drive. "The Fit handled the steep hills and curvy roads. … The transmission easily found the right gear," Newman says. Fit also was one of the best for visibility. "Nearby traffic can hide no more," says Mays.Disliked: Oldest non-updated design and it shows. "The materials quality is falling behind," Wiesenfelder says, "including upholstery that's a throwback to the velour days." "A little behind in the technology department," Robinson says. "Ugly outside, ugly inside," Healey says. Other issues: "Still rides a bit busy," says Mays, "and highway wind noise requires cranking the stereo to overcome it."Bottom line: "A triumph of cargo volume, versatility and execution," Wiesenfelder says, "and its powertrain is a winner. From the first moment, the Fit begged to be driven hard."