You're Buying WOT: $18,977 Boxy Compacts

You've always wanted a boldly styled compact car like the recently re-styled Scion xB, but now you're faced with two newcomers on the Boxy Small Car block: the 2009 Nissan Cube and the 2010 Kia Soul. Important for this decision: all three automakers will provide loads of customizable accessories to separate your xB/Cube/Soul from the rest. You have $18,977 to spend and must balance value versus space, power, and any other factors important to you.

Again, the choices are:
2009 Scion xB (MSRP: $16,420)
2010 Kia Soul (MSRP: $13,995)
2009 Nissan Cube (Estimated MSRP: $13,970)
Something else?
Despite the Nissan's smaller engine compared to the Scion xB and most trim levels of the Kia Soul, would its non-symmetrical charm win you over? Or maybe the Kia's value would make the choice easy. Or maybe you trust the reliability of a Toyota-product? Let us know what you'd pick, and figure an MSRP for the Nissan Cube of
$13,970.

Last week, we had $10,834 to buy a new 2009 Nissan Versa sedan, 2009 Hyundai Accent GS 3-door, or a used vehicle no more than 10 years old. Only one commenter did not definitively dismiss our low-end new car choices in favor of a used vehicle. Everything from a 2004 Pontiac GTO to a 2000-2004 Audi A6 2.7t were named as alternatives.

Refreshing or Revolting: 2010 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2010 Chevrolet Equinox gets more traditional SUV styling in a package that, dimensionally, is not too different from the rounder 2009 Equinox. The 2010 SUV is 1.0 in. shorter, 1.1 in. wider, and 0.7 in. lower than the '09 model it replaces.

The Chevy grille -- now familiar from the Malibu and Traverse -- makes its way onto the Equinox. Gone are the eye-catching taillights from the last-generation Equinox. Bulging wheel wells give it a macho look while blacked-out D-pillars add a touch of wagon appeal. Will compact SUV buyers care about the changes? We'll find out when the Equinox goes on sale this summer.

In the meantime, use our Comparison Gallery to better distinguish the changes made from 2009 to 2010 Chevy Equinox (we promise the link will work this time).

Last week, the 2010 Lincoln MKZ had its turn in the Refreshing/Revolting space and received mixed reviews.

Edkings22 liked the interior and the front end styling: "It looks much more dynamic."

Voxstr wasn't so positive: "While nice looking, it's no standout, and lets face it in this crowd you need to stand out."