Photos
    • Image Credit: Ford

    EEmploying all kinds of new technology, materials, designs and testing, small cars are now safer, more fuel efficient, more versatile and more fun than ever before. And with fuel prices getting higher all the time, filling up a big SUV or sedan is becoming a very tough pill to swallow.

    It's easy to see why smaller vehicles are rising in popularity and why automakers are spending more time on them, making their offerings feel premium and sporty all while having a low cost of ownership.

    We're taking a look at what we think are the best small cars on the market right now. These are all great packages that can be had often for less than $20,000. Click through and see what we like right now.

  • 9. Scion iQ
    • Image Credit: Toyota

    9. Scion iQ

    MSRP: $15,495
    Invoice: $14,720
    Fuel Economy: 36 mpg city, 37 mpg highway

    The Scion iQ is a more stylish and, frankly, better alternative to the smart fortwo. This car is especially adept at city driving, as it can zip through traffic and make parking a breeze. The only problem is that, even though Scion says you can do it, there's no way this is a 4-person vehicle.

    Research the Scion iQ
    Scion iQ Photos & Information
    Scion iQ Specs
    Scion iQ Local Dealer Price Quote

  • 8. Fiat 500
    • Image Credit: Chrysler

    8. Fiat 500

    MSRP: $16,000 - $22,000
    Invoice: $15,565 - $21,145
    Fuel Economy: 31 mpg city, 40 mpg highway

    The Italian-designed Fiat 500 is one of the more stylish small cars available right now, both inside and out. It also gets great fuel economy and is surprisingly roomy. Make sure to check out the 500 Abarth, which is Fiat's performance line, as it is an absolute riot to drive.

    Research the Fiat 500
    Fiat 500 Photos & Information
    Fiat 500 Best Deals
    Fiat 500 Local Dealer Price Quote

  • 7. Hyundai Veloster
    • Image Credit: Hyundai

    7. Hyundai Veloster

    MSRP: $17,600 - $22,100
    Invoice: $16,983 - $21,038
    Fuel Economy: 27 mpg city, 37 mpg highway

    The Hyundai Veloster is an interesting vehicle, namely because of its strange look and name and the fact that it comes with three doors -- 1 on the driver's side and 2 on the passenger. This is a great car to drive and it comes with tons of standard features. If you're feeling sporty, you should check out the Veloster Turbo which adds some more horsepower to the equation.

    Research the Hyundai Veloster
    Hyundai Veloster Photos & Information
    Hyundai Veloster Best Deals
    Hyundai Veloster Local Dealer Price Quote

  • 6. Mazda2
    • Image Credit: Mazda

    6. Mazda2

    MSRP: $14,720 - $16,210
    Invoice: $14,525 - $15,995
    Fuel Economy: 29 mpg city, 35 mpg highway

    A car with just 100 horsepower has no business being this fun. Somehow, the Mazda2 is one of the most engaging small cars on the road in spite of its very low horsepower and torque numbers. Its lightweight body and great handling make for a very entertaining ride.

    Research the Mazda2
    Mazda2 Photos & Information
    Mazda2 Best Deals
    Mazda2 Local Dealer Price Quote

  • 5. Volkswagen Golf
    • Image Credit: VW

    5. Volkswagen Golf

    MSRP: $18,095 - $25,200
    Invoice: $17,371 - $24,192
    Fuel Economy: 23 mpg city, 33 mpg highway

    Unfortunately, we Americans still have to wait a while for the redesigned VW Golf to come to our shores. The current generation is still a great car, though. We highly recommend going diesel with this hatch, given the great fuel economy (30 mpg city, 42 mpg highway) and quick acceleration.

    Research the Volkswagen Golf
    Volkswagen Golf Photos & Information
    Volkswagen Golf Best Deals
    Volkswagen Golf Local Dealer Price Quote

  • 4. Ford Fiesta
    • Image Credit: Ford

    4. Ford Fiesta

    MSRP: $14,000 - $21,400
    Invoice: $13,475 - $20,598
    Fuel Economy: 29 mpg city, 39 mpg highway

    Redesigned for the 2014 model year, the Ford Fiesta echoes the great new design of the Ford Fusion. We really enjoy the Fiesta for its fuel economy, driving dynamics and interior features. If you're feeling fiesty, try the Fiesta ST, which uses a great little turbocharged 1.6L engine.

    Research the Ford Fiesta
    Ford Fiesta Photos & Information
    Ford Fiesta Best Deals
    Ford Fiesta Local Dealer Price Quote

  • 3. MINI Cooper
    • Image Credit: MINI

    3. MINI Cooper

    MSRP: $19,500 - $24,950
    Invoice: $17,550 - $22,455
    Fuel Economy: 29 mpg city, 37 mpg highway

    With great exterior styling and awesome driving dynamics, the MINI Cooper is a favorite of many auto enthusiasts. It also comes with a premium interior and great fuel economy. All in all, it's a fantastic package.

    Research the MINI Cooper
    MINI Cooper Photos & Information
    MINI Cooper Specs
    MINI Cooper Local Dealer Price Quote

  • 2. Chevrolet Sonic
    • Image Credit: GM

    2. Chevrolet Sonic

    MSRP: $14,185 - $21,470
    Invoice: $13,830 - $20,396
    Fuel Economy: 26 mpg city, 35 mpg highway

    Chevrolet did a great job with the Sonic in making it a much more premium car than you would expect given its price. Inside, the Sonic has great tech features, lots of room and is remarkably quiet. We recommend the RS trim, which is especially good.

    Research the Chevrolet Sonic
    Chevrolet Sonic Photos & Information
    Chevrolet Sonic Best Deals
    Chevrolet Sonic Local Dealer Price Quote

  • 1. Honda Fit
    • Image Credit: Honda

    1. Honda Fit

    MSRP: $15,425 - $17,160
    Invoice: $15,023 - $16,704
    Fuel Economy: 27 mpg city, 33 mpg highway

    The Honda Fit is a favorite vehicle of car shoppers and critics alike. Although it's small, the interior is remarkably roomy and the cargo space gives it a surprising amount of versatility. A family of four can easily be comfortable in the Fit.

    Research the Honda Fit
    Honda Fit Photos & Information
    Honda Fit Best Deals
    Honda Fit Local Dealer Price Quote

  List
Share This Photo X