10 Small Cars You Can Live With

By Aaron Gold, About.com Guide

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One thing I often hear when talking cars is "I'd love to buy a small fuel-efficient car, but..." There are lots of perceived reasons that people can't live with a small car. In response to ever-increasing gas prices, automakers have turned their attention to designing smaller, fuel-efficient cars that address the needs of all vehicle owners -- those seeking lots of space for cargo or passengers, those who want high-end luxury gizmos, even those who just want to go really, really fast. Here are my ten favorites, presented in alphabetical order.

1. Acura TSX Sport Wagon

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Station wagons are making a comeback! Latest is Honda's TSX Sport Wagon, which is good looking (even more attractive than the TSX sedan, if you ask me), good to drive, and very practical. Not only is its cargo bay roomy (25.8 cubic feet), it's sensibly shaped with minimal fenderwell intrusions and is lined with thick carpets that will stand up to decades of abuse. And the emphasis on length versus height means that the TSX Sport Wagon will do just as good a job hauling bulky cargo an an SUV -- maybe better. If you do lots of heavy hauling or family vacationing, the Acura TSX Sport Wagon is the small car for you.

2. Honda Civic

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If you're shopping for a mid-size family sedan, I strongly urge you to bring your spouse and kids down to your Honda dealership and try a Civic on for size. Thanks to an innovative flat floor, the Civic offers more rear seat space than most compacts, and in terms of fuel economy it's one of the best. I used to prefer mid-size sedans for family duty, but it was the Civic that changed my mind -- the Civic does everything a mid-size car can do, with a lower purchase price and substantially better fuel economy.

3. Honda Fit

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The Honda Fit always reminds me of the tent in that Harry Potter movie. Outside, it looks like any other small car, but inside, it's got an incredible amount of space: Lots of headroom for the driver, lots of legroom for the back seaters, and a cargo bay that measures up to 21.9 cubic feet -- nearly as much as many small wagons and SUVs. All that, plus back seats that flip and fold every way you can imagine to accommodate all sorts of bulky cargo that simply won't fit into larger cars. No question, this is one of the most versatile small cars ever produced.

4. Hyundai Elantra

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There's a lingering perception in this country that small cars are cheap and tinny, and for those who still believe that, I challenge you to check out the new-for-2011 Hyundai Elantra. The Elantra's cabin is fitted out with materials becoming of a luxury car, even in the cheapest GLS models. It's also usefully sized and gets terrific fuel economy. And you can buy it with extras like heated leather seats and navigation. No question, this is a very easy car to live with.

5. Lexus CT 200h

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When I first saw the CT 200h, I thought someone at Lexus had lost their marbles. I really did. But then I learned that the CT was designed for Europe, where they know a thing or two about small cars. Small as it is, the CT 200h provides decent passenger room (though the cargo bay is a bit meager), and its hybrid drivetrain -- same one as the Prius -- delivers phenomenal fuel economy. Lexus luxury in a small package? I'm all over that.

6. Mazda3

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Traditionally, if you want a lot of creature comforts, you have to buy a larger car. Not so with the Mazda3, which offers hedonistic features like heated power-adjustable leather seats, rain-sensing wipers, and a navigation system. If you can get it in a mid-size sedan, chances are you can get it in a Mazda3. All that, plus the Three is roomy and great fun to drive. What's not to like?

7. Nissan Juke

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The Juke toes the line between small car and SUV. Dimensionally, it's a car, but the view from behind the dashboard is similar to what you'll find in a beefy 'ute, as is the foul-weather traction courtesy of the Juke's all-wheel-drive system. I like to think of the Juke as an SUV for two -- with the rear seats folded down, the Juke has all the room needed for two folks and a weekend of heavy-duty antique collecting.

8. Nissan Versa

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The Nissan Versa has made it onto more of our Top Picks lists than I can count. What can I say? The Versa is one of the best sub-compacts on the market, thanks largely to his huge cabin that serves up more interior space than many compacts (and even a few mid-sizers) and optional amenities that belie its super-cheap price. As long as Nissan keeps making the Versa, I will continue to sing its praises.

9. Smart Fortwo

How often do you use your back seat? If the answer is "Not a lot," then you should seriously consider a Smart Fortwo. The Fortwo packs in nearly as much front-seat and trunk room as a typical small car. But with only one row of seats, it's a good 4 to 5 feet shorter than your typical subcompact. That means it'll squeeze into those little half-spaces that even small hatchbacks have to pass up. And with just 1800 lbs to haul around, the Fortwo's fuel economy is 10 to 20% higher than a typical small car. It makes a great commuter vehicle -- when you get to work, there's no need to park it; just toss it into your briefcase with your laptop.

10. Suzuki SX4

Just because a car is small, doesn't mean it's small on the inside -- and the SX4, like the Honda Fit and the Nissan Versa, is a miracle of small packaging. Inside its abbreviated dimensions you'll find a big trunk and a tall back seat which employs a legs-straight-down seating position to find lots of legroom. All this, plus it's cute to look at and great fun to drive.