2011 Subcompact Car Buying Guide

Our 2011 subcompact car buying guide looks at the latest and best choices in budget-minded transportation.

The 14 cars in our 2011 subcompact car buying guide include such perennial favorites as the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris, recent additions like the boxy Kia Soul and Nissan Cube, and just-debuting entries like the European-flavored Ford Fiesta, Mazda 2, and the smartly styled Scion IQ.

Subcompact cars are big business in Europe and Asia, where high fuel costs, stiff taxes based on vehicle size, and highly congested urban areas make them a necessity. Subcompacts faded in popularity in the U.S. as cheap gas propelled sales of SUVs and pickups. But more American car buyers are taking notice of the smallest rides on the road these days. And with federal regulations mandating a 40 percent boost in fuel economy by 2016, expect to see this segment grow exponentially in the coming years.

Cost-cutters and the environmentally conscious can both feel good about owning a subcompact car. They’re among the most fuel-efficient cars and come by that honestly, without need for expensive hybrid gas/electric powertrains.

For example, with a rating of 28/35 mpg (city/highway), a typical subcompact will cost its owner an annual average $1,386 in fuel costs and add 6.0 tons of greenhouse gas emissions to the environment each year, according to the federal Environmental Protection Agency. By comparison, the owner of a midsize crossover SUV rated at 16/21 mpg will pay $2,385 a year to keep it fueled and be responsible for 10.4 tons of carbon emissions. Over a five-year cycle the subcompact driver will save around $5,000 (more if gas prices increase over time) and spare the air 22 tons of greenhouse gases.

A subcompact car’s exceptional fuel economy comes largely from its inherently lightweight design and a small four-cylinder engine that typically produces a modest 100-125 horsepower. Few models in this class can be considered “sporty” (the playful—yet costly--Mini Cooper being the most-noteworthy exception). Most subcompacts can get to highway speeds adequately, especially when fitted with a manual transmission. Four- or five-speed automatic transmissions are available for the clutch-averse. And front-wheel-drive is the norm.

Appealing to budget-minded buyers of all stripes is the happy fact that subcompacts are among the least-expensive new cars, generally starting under $16,000. Be aware, however, that the lowest-priced subcompacts are usually barren base models with crank-up windows and devoid of even the most-basic features, such as an AM-FM radio. Shoppers seeking added features -- even an automatic transmission in some cases -- usually must move up from the base model to a costlier trim level. Even at that, you’ll rarely find a bare-bones base model on a showroom floor; dealers loathe to stock such low-profit cars that, in reality, will find few takers.

For those looking to downsize their rides without giving up gadgetry there are subcompacts that do offer a full range of features, from premium audio to navigation systems. Top trim levels will also usually come with a plusher interior as well as larger wheels and tires and perhaps even a more powerful engine. Unfortunately, a heavy hand on the options list can boost a subcompact’s sticker price significantly, to what could buy a larger class of car. And many buyers cross-shop subcompacts against larger and/or better equipped used models.

Subcompacts are offered as two-door coupes, four-door sedans, or four-door hatchbacks. Some subcompact lines, like the Toyota Yaris, offer all body styles, while others, like the Honda Fit hatchback, come in one configuration. Sometimes a two-door model carries more expressive styling to set it apart from the rest of the line as a “sportier” offering for younger buyers.

On the downside, subcompacts generally have cramped interiors that can be inhospitable to the tall or corpulent. Back-seat room is typically best suited for the kids or adults willing to suffer through shorter trips. Trunks are tiny, too, on subcompact sedans and coupes. Hatchbacks provide an extra measure of practicality via fold-down rear seats that maximize cargo-carrying abilities.

Most subcompacts come standard with or can be optionally fitted with a full array of safety features. These include side-impact airbags mounted in the front seats and/ head-curtain airbags to protect both rows of seats, and stability control to help keep the vehicle on track during emergency handling maneuvers. However, depending on the subcompact, such features may be available only on higher trim levels.

Most cars in this class perform acceptably in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s annual crash tests. On the five-star scale, most receive four or five stars for occupant protection in frontal collisions and three-to-five stars for side-impact protection. It’s important to note that these crash-test results are valid only when comparing occupant protection within a particular class of vehicles – a subcompact car colliding with another subcompact car, for example. Even with a five-star rating, a 2,200-pound subcompact isn’t likely to protect occupants as well in a collision with an SUV nearly twice its size and weight. All else being equal, the laws of physics dictate that a larger and heavier vehicle will better protect its occupants from crash forces in a collision with than would a smaller and lighter model.

Here’s our 2011 subcompact car buying guide:

2011 Chevrolet Aveo
Efficient though nondescript sedans and hatchbacks that won’t see a makeover until 2012.

2011 Fiat 500
Popular in Europe, this cute-as-a-bug coupe will be sold via Chrysler dealers.

2011 Ford Fiesta
High style and high mileage combine in this European-designed sedan and hatchback.

2011 Honda Fit
Affordable and fuel-efficient, yet fun-to-drive, the versatile Fit is no mere “econobox.”

2011 Hyundai Accent
An otherwise amenable small car aching for a long-overdue redesign.

2011 Kia Rio
Low-priced sedan and hatchback that fill a niche for basic transportation.

2011 Kia Soul
Funky urban styling belies a capable and practical small wagon with wide appeal.

2011 Mazda 2
This new-to-America hatchback features “smiley face” styling and lively handling.

2011 Mini Cooper
Stylish, sporty, and relatively pricey, Mini debuts a Countryman crossover model for 2011.

2011 Nissan Cube
Its oddball styling is an acquired taste, but this boxy wagon is efficient and practical.

2011 Scion xD
Lively and distinctively styled, the xD can be customized with assorted accessories.

2011 Scion IQ
A new “premium micro-subcompact” car with 10 airbags and room for three adults.

2011 Smart ForTwo
Fuel economy is the most noteworthy attribute of this micro-sized two-seater.

2011 Toyota Yaris
Basic transportation done well in two-door hatchback and four-door sedan form.