A few years ago, the automobile experts from About.com put together a list of the top 10 cars for female drivers. While admittedly taking into account several stereotypes along with their market research, the site found that the majority of women heavily consider cargo space, safety, reasonable prices and low operating costs when they are shopping around for a new or used car.

After taking into consideration all the factors involved, the website found that the 2006 Ford Focus and the 2007 Honda Civic best met the female-specific criteria that their researchers assembled.

The 2006 Ford Focus, which is available as a sedan, hatchback or wagon, is fun to drive, moderately priced and has a rather unique style compared to the rest of the compact car segment.

Equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas engine capable of 136 horsepower or an optional 2.3-liter V4 good for 151 hp, the ’06 Focus has plenty of pep, but also superior handling for either highway or city driving, Edmunds.com reports. Its fuel economy is above average for its class, with both engines offering EPA mileage ratings in the high-20s for city driving and the mid-30s for highway driving.

“The 2006 Ford Focus is a wonderful small car that’s fun to drive, fuel efficient, and offered in such a wide variety of configurations,” concludes the news source. “It would be hard not to find one that suits your needs.”

Meanwhile, female car buyers who are looking for a strictly sensible and rational sedan may want to take a look at the 2007 Honda Civic.

While it doesn’t come with all the optional bells and whistles that complement the Focus, the ’07 Civic is exceptionally safe, comfortable and fuel-efficient.

Each model year Civic comes standard with front seat-mounted side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. They are also equipped with antilock brakes and optional stability control.

The 2007 Civic sedan earned a five-star rating from the National Highway Transportation Safety Institute for its ability to protect all occupants from frontal impacts. Honda’s hallmark compact sedan also boasts one of the lowest costs of ownership ratings in any car segment.

“The 2007 Honda Civic continues to set the bar for the small car segment,” says Edmunds.” Strong on comfort, safety and customization, this is one car that every shopper needs to consider.”