Sub-compact - Compact - Midsize - Full Size - Hybrid Cars - Entry Level Luxury - Midsize Luxury - Full Size Luxury
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Sub Compact
| Make | Model | Description | Highs | Lows | Must Haves | Styling | Value | Fun Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet | Aveo | A rebadged Daewoo's entry level car. GM needed a small car to compete with the Yaris and the Fit, and they gave us the Aveo. It is just another bland, 'me too' entry in the small car segment. | Strong warranty, discounted pricing | Awkward styling, low grade interior, tepid acceleration. | A pacemaker to jumpstart your heart from the boredom. | 1.5 | 2.5 | 1 |
| Honda | Fit | The Honda's interpretation of a commuter that doesn't induce comas. The Fit has a slight case of schitzophrenia - it wants to be a efficient commuter, yet sporty. But it works, in a strange way. | Accurate steering, friendly gearbox, aggressive styling. | Needs another 30HP to compliment the chassis, not as fuel efficient as expected. | Sport Package | 3.5 | 3 | 3 |
| Hyundai | Accent | Attractively priced car for someone who needs basic transportation. A great choice for someone whose looking for a 'no non-sense', quality commuter. Sadly, that's about it. | Fantastic warranty, low purchase price, competent commuter. | Just another 'face-in-the-crowd' looks, offers nothing more than basic transportation. | Option Group 2 | 1.5 | 3.5 | 1.5 |
| Kia | Rio | About as bargain basement as you can get while still putting a smile on your face. The Kia Rio is a funner version of the Hyundai Accent - a platform-mate. | Get one for a song, suprisingly comfortable for an econobox. | Engine sounds like it's eating glass, transmission shifts like a bucket of marbles. | LX Package | 2 | 3.5 | 2 |
| Mini | Cooper | Austin Powers' 'shag-mobile'. The cute and fun way to turn your commute into a race track. When you drive it, you just wanna say, "Yeah, baby, yeah!!!" | Attractive lines, handles like a weasel in a downspout. | Base Cooper could use more power, gets expensive quick. | Union Jack flag proudly displayed on the roof. | 3.5 | 2.5 | 3.5 |
| Nissan | Versa | The consumate all around commuter. Excels at nothing, and has very few flaws. It is one of the most technology laden vehicle with the right option package. | Deceptively large inside, higher quality interior than many competitors. | Engine should have more grunt for the mileage. | 1.8S for the engine and options. | 2.5 | 3 | 2 |
| Pontiac | G3 | Chevrolet Aveo's twin - see Chevrolet Aveo. | see Chevrolet Aveo. | see Chevrolet Aveo. | see Chevrolet Aveo. | 1.5 | 2.5 | 1 |
| Toyota | Yaris | A good looking basic, cheap no-frills car. The Yaris is Toyota's most inexpensive entry in the market. | Smart styling, fuel efficient. | Noisy, choppy ride, can get expensive with options. | Convenience Package | 3 | 2.5 | 1.5 |
| Smart | ForTwo | Park it where you want, because it's the size of a pack of gum. The jury is still out on if the Smart car is another passing fad or cement itself to be a mainstay. | Small size makes it great in urban environments, large cabin. | Clunky transmission, don't crash one past 40 mph. | Passion option group. | 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 |
| Scion | xD | Whether you dress it up with TRD (or other aftermarket) parts or just leave it bare, the xD makes a great city car for young adults. Unlike other Scions, the xD has one factory option (Vehicle Stability Control). | Polarizing styling, peppy engine, full of standard features including iPod integration. | Polarizing styling, not as fuel efficient. | TRD performance part catalog. | 2.5 | 3 | 2.5 |