IRVINE, Calif. — Kelley Blue Book released the results of its 2011/2012 Compact Sedan Comparison Test, which put the Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, and Hyundai Elantra through their paces.

During the testing of these vehicles, Kbb.com editors gave each model an overall rating as well as specific ratings based on interior, exterior, performance, comfort/convenience and value, according to the company. Based on the results, the Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra tied for first place, with each scoring 7.5 out of 10 possible points in the overall ratings.

According to the results, the Elantra outshined the others in the style and design ratings, while the Civic shined in the performance and value categories. Rounding out the list were the Ford Focus in third place and the Chevrolet Cruze in fourth.

"Because this vehicle class is an inevitable part of most American drivers' lives, we wanted to put the top new models up against each other head-to-head to see how they would fare,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com. “Each model proved to have different strengths and weaknesses that potential buyers should know about before they make their final decision. The cars are in the same segment, but they certainly aren't the same, and we found that each meets the needs of a particular set of consumers."

To view Kbb.com’s full analysis of the winners, click here.