Small cars


Small cars

Small car buying guide

Last updated: September 2015

Getting started

For tasks such as commuting, running errands, and zipping around town, a small car is often the most practical choice. Automakers are constantly lavishing more attention on packaging to maximize interior space. As a result, the latest batch of compact cars today have the rear-seat room you might expect in a midsized car of only a few years ago, while some smaller subcompacts still have reasonable space for two in back.




Key things to consider



What you'll spend

Prices for small cars vary widely, from about $13,000 for basic transportation in a subcompact to $35,000 for a high-performance model. Figure on spending about $18,000 for one of our Recommended models with popular features. We've found plenty of fine small cars priced under $22,000.



Small sedans and hatchbacks

The small car category is home to rudimentary economy models and premium compact cars. Thrifty models tend to get good fuel economy, but many also have elevated noise levels and limited space for rear-seat passengers and cargo. Many small cars come as either sedans or hatchbacks; the latter body style adds cargo-carrying versatility similar to an SUV. Powerplants are usually four (and sometimes three) cylinder engines ranging from 1.2 liters to 2.0 liters in size. Fuel economy averages from the mid-20s to mid-30s mpg overall. Some higher-end models have turbochargers that boost power.

Sporty cars





Engines and fuel economy

The four-cylinder engines offered in most small cars are practical choices. Some small sporty models offer a turbocharged four-cylinder. A few even offer three-cylinder engines to maximize fuel savings. Manual transmissions can be thriftier than automatics, though the difference is narrowing, and in some models the automatic transmission is the more economical choice. Modern automatics with five, six, or more speeds can help fuel economy by letting a car cruise at lower revs and also contribute to good performance. Continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) also aim to save fuel while wringing as much acceleration as possible out of very small engines. Some small cars use a dual-clutch, a type of automatic transmission primarily developed for performance cars. These transmissions do deliver good fuel economy, but they often shift harshly and can feel "grabby" during low-speed maneuvers such as parallel parking. Some inexpensive cars use four-speed transmissions as a cost-saving measure. These old-tech transmissions generally don't offer the performance or fuel economy of a car equipped with a newer six-speed automatic or CVT.


Even among cars with small engines, there is a significant range of fuel economy, and the smallest cars aren't necessarily the most fuel-efficient, as a shorter body leaves less room for optimized aerodynamics. Be sure to check our test-based fuel-economy Ratings.

Drive wheels






Safety features





Advanced safety technologies


Entertainment and convenience

The latest mobile electronics enable cars to deliver the fidelity of home theater, along with Bluetooth smart-phone connectivity and navigation guidance. Factory-supplied systems usually offer voice-activated controls for audio, phone, and navigation with various levels of sophistication. You'll frequently find redundant audio controls on the steering wheel.

Audio system

The standard car-audio package is a stereo radio tuner and in-dash CD player with speakers left and right and fore and aft, though some automakers are now abandoning the CD player in favor of an auxiliary input jack. An upgraded system typically has a more-powerful amplifier (so you can play music loud with minimum distortion), along with more and better-quality speakers to enhance clarity and sound separation. Top-level systems add digital sound fields, noise canceling, surround sound, and DVD-Audio playback.

Cars at every price level have a USB port for connecting a smartphone or iPod and for charging mobile devices, though some high-end European models have proprietary adaptors that require a dealer-supplied plug to connect your device.

Satellite and HD radio

Subscription-based satellite radio (SiriusXM) offers a broad selection of channels with catering to a variety of musical and information interests, with uninterrupted service from coast to coast. Subscription packages range from $6 to $20 per month, and you can add service for your smartphone, computer, and home satellite radio for an additional fee.


Navigation systems and connectivity


Bluetooth connectivity is now ubiquitous, enabling devices such as smartphones to wirelessly communicate with the car's audio system. This allows convenient hands-free phone operation as well as playback of music stored on the phone. Many infotainment systems can stream internet-sourced audio to the car using apps, such as Pandora and Aha.

Telematics systems, popularized by GM's OnStar, use a combination of cellular telephone and Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to connect drivers with a call center staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at the touch of a button. For a monthly or annual fee, such concierge services can provide directions and other travel aids. They also have an SOS feature that automatically calls to check on the car after an accident. If need be, these systems can summon emergency services, using the car's built-in GPS receiver to give first responders your car's location.


New vs. Used

When in the market for a small car, the first consideration is whether to buy new or used. New cars have the very latest safety gear and engineering improvements, not to mention a bumper-to-bumper factory warranty. With a new car, you know what you're getting; you don't have to worry about potential service problems or concealed collision damage. Further, you can have your choice of color, trim line, and option level. And financing rates are typically lower than for a used vehicle.

The crucial drawback with buying a new car is rapid depreciation. A new car can shed a third of its value in its first two or three years on the road. If you finance the new car with a low down payment, you can easily find yourself "upside down" on the loan, where you owe more than the car is worth.

Used cars can be a welcome alternative. The used-car market is about three times the size of the new-car market, so there are certainly plenty of choices. One of the best strategies is to find a car you like that's only two to three years old. Such a car has already taken its biggest depreciation hit and should have the majority of its useful life ahead of it. Modern cars, if soundly maintained, can stay on the road for 200,000 miles or longer. Rust isn't nearly as big a problem as it was years ago, and solid-state electronics have eliminated the need for frequent tune-ups.





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