DETROIT — The latest issue of Consumer Reports delivers a pleasant surprise for Hyundai Motor Co., as well as a tough report card for the Detroit Three's lineup of compact sedans and subcompact cars.

Consumer Reports' July edition, which goes on sale today, ranked the 2008 Hyundai Elantra SE first among 19 compact sedans. Ford-controlled Mazda was the only Detroit Three brand to land a model among the top 10 in that category, and the Chevrolet Aveo LT finished last among a group of 11 subcompact cars rated.

Three versions of the Honda Civic ranked among the top 10 among compact sedans along with two Toyotas — the Prius and the Corolla LE. The Mazda3 i manual transmission sedan was ranked fourth, and the Mazda3 i automatic was sixth.

Consumer Reports' overall road-test score consists of more than 50 tests, including safety and crash tests, reliability scores and three road tests for fuel efficiency.

With an overall score of 82, the Elantra SE edged out the second-ranking Honda Civic EX by less than a point. The Elantra's rise to the top reflects improvements in Hyundai's entire lineup, which dwelled at or near the bottom just a few years ago, according to Gabriel Shenhar, program manager for Consumer Reports.

"Their cars are getting better in performance and fuel economy, quietness, ride comfort and interior fit and finish," Shenhar said. "They are getting a lot more competitive."

The once top-ranked Ford Focus was ranked 12th out of 19 compact sedans.

"The Focus is still a good car, but it's only midpack now," Shenhar said. "The '08 freshening really did not do a whole lot to improve it."