This sounds exactly the same as the Alamo setup in Denver, where I've been a few times recently. Had the same experience - there is no economy row, so economy reservations pick from "compact".
LAX was slightly different - there were 2 economy spots on the lot of several hundred cars, and both were empty, so I got the same result
^
Originally Posted by BackOfTheBus
there is no "economy" row, hence you get to pick from the compact cars. Also, some of the supposedly 'midsize' cars can be found in the compact row, so feel free to book economy if you don't need a really large car.
ECON- Chevy Aveo (saw 1 in "compact" row)
COMPACT- Chevy Cobalt (multiple in "compact" row) and Saturn Ion (none to be seen)
I was lucky enough to score the Ion both times in Denver. Really nice small car & got great gas mileage (35+ MPG!!)