Ford Fiesta

The 2013 Ford Fiesta ranks 1 out of 41 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 31 published reviews and test drives of the Ford Fiesta, and our analysis of reliability and safety data. If you want good driving dynamics, high-tech interior features and good gas mileage, there are few small cars that top the 2013 Ford Fiesta. According to car reviewers, the 2013 Ford Fiesta offers nearly everything a subcompact car shopper could want. It has great fuel economy ratings, a smooth manual transmission that spices up performance, comfortable front seats and a voice-activated infotainment system called Ford Sync. The 2013 Fiesta does have faults, but they’re the same issues test drivers have with most cars in this class. Some reviewers wish the Fiesta had more passing power, more rear-seat space and a larger cargo area in the hatchback. Despite these demerits, reviewers remain fond of the 2013 Ford Fiesta because it’s one of the most well-rounded small cars on the market. Test drivers say the 2013 Ford Fiesta is pretty impressive on the road. Its smooth manual transmission and good engine power give it engaging performance for an affordable small car, and it is also practical thanks to its high fuel economy rating. For the most part, reviewers think the 2013 Ford Fiesta is an attractive small car, and of its two body styles, they prefer the Fiesta hatchback’s European root. There isn’t much reviewers dislike about the 2013 Ford Fiesta’s interior. They say it’s made with quality materials, offers the Ford Sync infotainment system and has comfortable front seats. But like many small cars, the 2013 Fiesta doesn’t have an abundance of rear-seat room or cargo space. Only the federal government has tested the 2013 Ford Fiesta so far, which does well in its safety tests. The 2013 Ford Fiesta has a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, which is normal for the class.

HONDA FIT

The Fit is Honda's entry-level model (and lowest-priced model) in the U.S., and it perhaps comes closest to emulating what the Civic used to be: well-configured, affordable transportation with a fun-to-drive edge. While the Civic has become somewhat larger, softer, and more anonymous in look and feel over the years, the smaller Fit manages to feel nearly as roomy thanks to its tall, upright body style and still-best-in-class 'Magic Seat' seat-folding arrangement. Depending on how you see the 2012 Honda Fit—and how you value a voluptuous exterior—you might be turned off somewhat by its obvious preference of function over form. It's difficult to make a super-practical, small, tall hatchback like the Fit look even vaguely sexy, and the tall proportions arguably make it look like a scaled-down minivan in some respects. Inside, the Fit has an airier feel than in some other small cars, with a relatively low (by today's standards) beltline and a vast expanse of dashboard ahead, due to the rakish windshield. You won't find impressive performance from the 1.5-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder engine in the 2012 Honda Fit, but provided you don't have a stopwatch in your hand you'll find it quite fun-to-drive with the manual gearbox. A five-speed automatic is also offered and comes with paddle-shifters in Fit Sport trims. And though sheer velocity might not come easy in the Fit, its handling and maneuverability are stellar, with this small hatchback possessing a responsive, tossable feel around town or in tight corners. The Fit feels just fine at 80 mph, and settled enough for longer-distance highway cruising. Honda claims to have made the Fit even quieter for 2012 with more insulation from road noise. If you're cross-shopping a lot of small cars, you'll notice that while appointments are simple and sturdy in the Fit, something is very different—in a good way—about its interior packaging. The Fit makes the most out of a small space, for both passengers and cargo--and it feels like Honda has applied some minivan ideas here. There's enough headroom and legroom for two adults—or three kids—in back, and the so-called Magic Seat folds flat by lifting a single lever and pushing the seatback forward, with no need to remove rear headrests in the process. In front the driving position is upright but comfortable, with a good view forward. The cargo floor is especially low for easy loading, amassing an impressive 20.6 cubic feet of EPA cargo room. In addition, there are two glove compartments (upper and lower), plenty of cup holders (redesigned in the center console for 2012), and many useful storage compartments and cubbies in the center console, dash, and doors—as well as under the back seat. The Honda Fit has earned respectable safety ratings from the IIHS, although it roof strength score was just 'acceptable.' That said, the 2012 Honda Fit offers an especially strong body structure, along with a long list of safety features including front seat side airbags, full-length side-curtain bags, electronic stability control, and anti-lock brakes. The 2012 Honda Fit includes plenty of features and option possibilities and manages to buck the stripped-down small-car stereotype in this respect. Both the Fit and Fit Sport models include a pretty generous list of features, and for 2012, equipment on the Fit Sport has been bolstered, with additional dash trim, steering-wheel audio controls, and upgraded seat fabric. Air conditioning; power windows, locks, and mirrors; cruise control; keyless entry; a USB input; and an MP3-compatible CD sound system are included with the base Fit. The Fit Sport gets larger 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, keyless entry, a security system, and USB connectivity for the sound system, along with sporty cues throughout. Offered only on Fit Sport models is a package adding the navigation system. The navigation system now includes Bluetooth hands-free connectivity and streaming audio, but that's unfortunately the only way to get it. The 2012 Honda Fit ranks 1 out of 41 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 37 published reviews and test drives of the Honda Fit, and our analysis of reliability and safety data. The automotive press says the 2012 Honda Fit is a great choice because with its ample and flexible interior space, it can tackle nearly anything your family throws at it. Families may skip small cars, thinking that going for a small car means compromising on space. That’s not the case with the 2012 Honda Fit. The Fit has a Magic Seat that lets you haul anything from a bike to a tall plant in the back seat, and that’s in addition to the space in the rear cargo area. Even with the rear seats up, reviewers say they’re amazed that the Honda Fit has so much cargo space. Though the backseat isn't huge, it has space for three passengers or two car seats. All that utility and passenger space, as well as the Fit's outstanding safety scores has earned it our Best Hatchback and Subcompact Car for Families Awards. The 2012 Honda Fit does have some flaws. Test drivers are disappointed that the front seats aren’t height-adjustable, and find that taller passengers will need more leg space. And while many reviewers think the base engine will be plenty powerful for most drivers, some say the Honda Fit struggles uphill and needs an extra boost on the highway. But overall, test drivers think these quirks will be minor details for shoppers in this class because they’re looking for something affordable and fuel-efficient that can carry people comfortably, haul sports equipment or move their child into their college dorm.

2012 Honda Insight

The 2012 Honda Insight ranks 19 out of 41 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 32 published reviews and test drives of the Honda Insight, and our analysis of reliability and safety data. The automotive press says the 2012 Honda Insight is designed for shoppers who want a hybrid without an ultra-high price tag. The 2012 Honda Insight is one of the most fuel-efficient affordable small cars on the market, but its high EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings come with a few drawbacks, including an underpowered engine, budget interior and a cramped second row. These traits, however, are characteristic of hybrids and small cars, so as a whole, the automotive press isn’t shocked that the Insight has these issues. The 2012 Honda Insight is available in three trims: base, LX and EX. This year, Honda updated the Insight’s exterior, improved rear-passenger leg- and headroom, tweaked the exterior to improve rear visibility and made some aesthetic adjustments to the center controls. Finally, Honda also fitted LX models with better seat fabric and added more cabin insulation to all models to make the cabin quieter. Honda Insight Performance The Insight has a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine and a 10-kilowatt electric motor that is paired with a continuously variable transmission. CVTs are designed to improve fuel economy. This powertrain makes only 98 horsepower, so it’s not surprising that many test drivers call the Insight underpowered. All models come with Eco Assist, which helps save even more gas when selected. Drivers say disabling Eco Assist doesn’t help performance. The Insight gets fuel averages of 41/44 mpg city/highway, according to the EPA. Handling and Braking Some test drivers say the 2012 Insight handles like most cars in its class and appreciate that there isn’t much body lean, but one thinks the Insight is a bit sloppy when roads aren’t smooth because the ride is choppy. The Insight has regenerative brakes, which capture the energy produced during braking to recharge the battery. Reviewers don’t mention if this system feels too unnatural compared with traditional brakes, but one does say the brakes are spongy. Honda Insight Interior One of the best aspects of the 2012 Honda Insight’s interior is its Eco Assist system, which tells drivers how fuel-efficient their driving is. Other than that, the interior resembles other hybrid models: It’s good-looking, but has a budget feel, and there isn’t enough passenger space. Honda Insight Safety The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the 2012 Insight the highest score of “Good” in front, side and rear crash tests and a lower score of “Acceptable” in roof strength tests. These scores make the Insight an IIHS Top Safety Pick. The Honda Insight comes with anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, traction control, dual-stage front airbags, front side airbags and side-curtain airbags. All of these safety features are normal for the class. Honda Insight Reliability The 2012 Honda Insight has a three-year/36,000-mile new vehicle warranty, a powertrain warranty that's good for five years or 60,000 miles and a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty for rust damage. All of these warranties are normal for the class. Honda also covers the battery pack with a warranty, but the length of coverage varies.