March 2007
What to look for in a small car
The small-car category includes many different types of cars, including sedans, hatchbacks, and sporty cars. Models range
from the fuel-efficient Toyota Prius gas/electric hybrid and sporty Mini Cooper roadster to the versatile Chrysler PT Cruiser
and Pontiac Vibe. (See our complete test results and Ratings for reliability, owner satisfaction, safety, and more, available to subscribers.)
Why buy a small car? As a group, small cars are generally inexpensive, fuel efficient, and easy to park. They are popular with younger buyers, those on a budget, and those who live in a city. On the other hand, passenger and cargo space is limited.
Engines and transmissions. Most small cars come with a four-cylinder engine, which typically provides the best fuel economy. For more power, a few cars offer an optional V6 or turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Most small cars have a manual transmission in their base version, with an automatic optional. Manuals usually provide better performance and fuel economy than automatics, and many drivers find them more fun to drive. A continuously variable transmission, an automatic that’s designed to maximize fuel economy, is also available on some models.
Front-, rear-, or all-wheel drive? Most small cars use front-wheel drive, which usually provides better traction than rear-wheel drive in slippery conditions. All-wheel drive (AWD), which is becoming available in more models, provides significantly better traction in slippery conditions. Traction control, available in a few models, also helps provide extra traction in slippery conditions, but it isn’t as effective as all-wheel drive. For more information about drive systems, see our traction-debate report.
Fuel economy. Even within the same categories, the fuel-economy of different models can vary significantly. (See our comparison of real-world fuel-economy results for all tested models, available to subscribers.)
Access. When comparing small cars, try entering and exiting from all doors. Although these models have limited interior space and smaller doors, look for one that is easy to get in and out of.
Seating. Most models provide seating for five people, two in front and three in the rear. However, the rear seat is typically cramped for three, and the middle rear position is often uncomfortable. Sit in each seat to gauge its comfort. Look for a center rear seat with a three-point safety belt rather than a lap belt. If your primary rear-seat passengers are children, rear leg room may not be a priority. If you intend to seat adults in back, however, you should check the rear leg room by adjusting the driver’s seat so that’s its comfortable for you, then sit in the seat behind it
Cargo space. If cargo space is even moderately high on your list of automotive priorities, this may be the wrong class to be looking in. When comparing trunks or rear cargo areas, don’t just look at the overall size--also check the dimensions, the method of trunk release (if appropriate), and how high you have to lift objects to place them in the trunk. If you have any large items like golf clubs or luggage that you’ll often need to carry, you may want to bring them with you when you shop. Many cars are available with a lockable fold-down rear seatback that can expand the trunk or rear cargo area. A split-back design is the most versatile because one side can be folded down while a person occupies the other rear seat.
Towing. As a group, small cars are not made for towing. There are only a few cars in this class that offer any towing capabilities and their maximum tow ratings are usually only 1,000 pounds.
Safety features. All new vehicles have standard dual front air bags, three-point safety belts in the outboard seating positions, and top-tether and LATCH child-seat attachments in the rear seats. Some models offer side air bags and head-protection bags, typically a side-curtain design. Antilock brakes are standard or optional on most models.
Other safety features to look for include electronic stability control (ESC), traction control, tire pressure monitors, safety-belt pretensioners, occupant-sensing air-bag systems, and daytime running lights. See our Guide to safety features.
Why buy a small car? As a group, small cars are generally inexpensive, fuel efficient, and easy to park. They are popular with younger buyers, those on a budget, and those who live in a city. On the other hand, passenger and cargo space is limited.
Engines and transmissions. Most small cars come with a four-cylinder engine, which typically provides the best fuel economy. For more power, a few cars offer an optional V6 or turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Most small cars have a manual transmission in their base version, with an automatic optional. Manuals usually provide better performance and fuel economy than automatics, and many drivers find them more fun to drive. A continuously variable transmission, an automatic that’s designed to maximize fuel economy, is also available on some models.
Front-, rear-, or all-wheel drive? Most small cars use front-wheel drive, which usually provides better traction than rear-wheel drive in slippery conditions. All-wheel drive (AWD), which is becoming available in more models, provides significantly better traction in slippery conditions. Traction control, available in a few models, also helps provide extra traction in slippery conditions, but it isn’t as effective as all-wheel drive. For more information about drive systems, see our traction-debate report.
Fuel economy. Even within the same categories, the fuel-economy of different models can vary significantly. (See our comparison of real-world fuel-economy results for all tested models, available to subscribers.)
Access. When comparing small cars, try entering and exiting from all doors. Although these models have limited interior space and smaller doors, look for one that is easy to get in and out of.
Seating. Most models provide seating for five people, two in front and three in the rear. However, the rear seat is typically cramped for three, and the middle rear position is often uncomfortable. Sit in each seat to gauge its comfort. Look for a center rear seat with a three-point safety belt rather than a lap belt. If your primary rear-seat passengers are children, rear leg room may not be a priority. If you intend to seat adults in back, however, you should check the rear leg room by adjusting the driver’s seat so that’s its comfortable for you, then sit in the seat behind it
Cargo space. If cargo space is even moderately high on your list of automotive priorities, this may be the wrong class to be looking in. When comparing trunks or rear cargo areas, don’t just look at the overall size--also check the dimensions, the method of trunk release (if appropriate), and how high you have to lift objects to place them in the trunk. If you have any large items like golf clubs or luggage that you’ll often need to carry, you may want to bring them with you when you shop. Many cars are available with a lockable fold-down rear seatback that can expand the trunk or rear cargo area. A split-back design is the most versatile because one side can be folded down while a person occupies the other rear seat.
Towing. As a group, small cars are not made for towing. There are only a few cars in this class that offer any towing capabilities and their maximum tow ratings are usually only 1,000 pounds.
Safety features. All new vehicles have standard dual front air bags, three-point safety belts in the outboard seating positions, and top-tether and LATCH child-seat attachments in the rear seats. Some models offer side air bags and head-protection bags, typically a side-curtain design. Antilock brakes are standard or optional on most models.
Other safety features to look for include electronic stability control (ESC), traction control, tire pressure monitors, safety-belt pretensioners, occupant-sensing air-bag systems, and daytime running lights. See our Guide to safety features.
