News of the Audi Q9, the biggest Audi SUV ever, just dropped, and the three-row is massive. If you’ve noticed a trend toward larger vehicles, you’re not wrong. Small cars continue to drop by the wayside, with the Kia Soul marking another casualty at the end of this year.
Kia
The small-car era is far from dead in enthusiasts’ hearts, even if the market has mostly moved on to crossovers and SUVs. Some of the best compact cars ever sold combined affordability, clever packaging, and real driving joy in a way that’s genuinely rare today. Here are four small cars no longer made today that we wish brands would reinterpret for a market that desperately needs more than just another SUV.
Honda Fit
Honda
The Honda Fit was one of the most brilliant everyday cars ever sold in the U.S. Its upright shape, compact footprint, and “Magic Seat” layout made it absurdly useful for its size, while its light controls and nimble chassis made it genuinely enjoyable to drive. It was the rare car that could handle commuting, errands, and weekend hauling without losing its driving verve. In a market obsessed with bigger vehicles, the Fit is exactly the kind of practical small car people still miss.
Honda
The third and final generation (2015–2020) was the most powerful version with 130 hp and a 6-speed manual transmission or 128 hp with the CVT (continuously variable automatic) transmission. It would be great for the brand to bring it back along with the beloved magic seat for maximum practicality and appeal.
Ford Focus ST
The Ford Focus ST brought real heat to the affordable performance hatch segment. With turbocharged power, a manual transmission, and a chassis tuned for enthusiastic driving, it delivered the sort of energy that made even routine trips feel special. It wasn’t perfect, and that was part of its charm; the car had a raw edge that gave it personality. Today, its absence leaves a noticeable gap for drivers who want speed without stepping into premium pricing.
Ford
The Focus ST may have left our shores, but it’s still hanging on overseas. The Focus ST is at the end of its run in the UK market, and what a great car it (still) is. It’s powered by a 2.3-liter turbocharged engine developing 276 bhp and 306 lb-ft, which is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic. Ford doesn’t have a single hot hatch in its lineup, much less any compact sedan or hatchback. A new Focus ST could show enthusiasts that it still cares about more than just EVs, trucks, and muscle cars.
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Honda CRX
The Honda CRX is one of those cars that still inspires loyalty decades later. It was lightweight, efficient, and sharp-handling, with a simplicity that made it feel honest and mechanical in the best way. The best versions, especially the Si, balanced economy and fun so well that they became benchmark cars for a generation of enthusiasts. A modern CRX revival could resonate today as a lightweight, efficient coupe with real character.
Honda
Honda attempted to bring back the spirit of the CR-X with the hybrid CR-Z. The CR-Z was a quirky and ambitious attempt to blend hybrid efficiency with a sporty driving feel. It used a 1.5-liter inline-four hybrid setup, with combined output ranging from 122 to 130 horsepower depending on model year and transmission. It never really took off, despite the fact that its design was a direct nod to the smaller and more fun CR-X.
Fiat 500 Abarth
Abarth
The Fiat 500 Abarth was the nuttiest version of the sensible Fiat 500. The pocket rocket was all about attitude, sound, and a sense of mischief that made it unforgettable. The 160-horsepower output wasn’t insane, but its ability to be tossed hard and fast was notorious. Sure, there was turbo lag and a lack of linear power delivery, but it was still a hoot. The compact size, stiff suspension, and rowdy exhaust note gave it an outsized personality that larger, quieter cars simply can’t replicate. For buyers who wanted a tiny car with big charisma, few modern machines delivered as much entertainment per mile.
The likelihood that the brand would bring back this tiny beast is pretty much zilch, since the brand only sells its electric 500e and soon the tiny electric Topolino in very limited quantities. It sold the Nuova Abarth 500e in Europe, but it never intended to bring the EV hot hatch to the states. It’s clear that Fiat has lost its foothold here, and the short life of the 500 Abarth was the best the brand had to offer.
Final Thoughts
These four cars stood out because they each had a clear identity. The Fit was clever, the Focus ST was energetic, the CRX was light and efficient, and the 500 Abarth was full of character. That kind of intentional design is harder to find in today’s market, where regulations, packaging demands, and consumer preference have pushed many small cars out of the spotlight.
What makes them worthy of a comeback is not just for the sake of nostalgia. Their small size, lower weight, and stronger connection between driver and machine made them appealing. In a world of ever-larger vehicles, these are the cars that remind us how much fun less can be, and what a world it would be if they returned in fresh form.
About the author
Amos Kwon
Contributing Writer, Autoblog