Best Small Car?

[ManBearPig]

Just curious, what's the best small car to get right now? As in Civic or (preferably) smaller, like a Yaris.

 

[xanis]

Civics are cheap, reliable, and easy to get. The Yaris is small but I'm not sure if they're still hard to get a hold of.

 

[BrokenVisage]

I like my Civic.

 

[PeeluckyDuckee]

In terms of physical size I think the Yaris/Echo and Smart are pretty small. In terms of internal usable cabin space I think my Prelude ranks in there with many other dysfunctional 2+2 setups. Hell, I bet the Echo has more cabin space than my car.

 

[redgtxdi]

Define "best"

 

[overst33r]

Civic, corolla, yaris, fit, mazda 3

 

[greys2k]

drove the prius the other day

i avg 50mpg not bad

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Versa, hands down the best small car. The Yaris & fit did pretty horrible in the crash test ratings. The Versa did best.

Roomiest and only 6spd manual in its class. Plus 122hp is not too bad either.

 

[yhelothar]

Mazda MX-5
If you want a fun to drive roadster, go for the MX5. I'd personally go for the Mazdaspeed 2004 version, with the turbo.
170hp, 2300lbs, independent sport suspension, bilstein shocks, torsen limited slip differential, RWD, 6 speed short shift gearbox, lightweight racing hart rims, Z rated tires.

If you want a cheap econobox that'll get you good gas mileage that'll get you from point A to B cheaply, then get the yaris/fit. *yawn*

 

[apex32]

Originally posted by: astroidea
Mazda MX-5
If you want a fun to drive roadster, go for the MX5. I'd personally go for the Mazdaspeed 2004 version, with the turbo.
170hp, 2300lbs, independent sport suspension, bilstein shocks, torsen limited slip differential, RWD, lightweight racing hart rims, Z rated tires.

If you want a cheap econobox that'll get you good gas mileage that'll get you from point A to B cheaply, then get the yaris/fit. *yawn*

I've been ine one, driven one. Wasn't a big fan.. It feels sporty, has an nice tuned suspension, and can be fun to drive with a stick.
However, i feel really confined and cramped inside. However, I suppose if you are a shorter guy then it would be decent, lets say under 6'?
However it is a pretty cheap sportscar. The mazda 3 is a good little car, not a bad choice. My aunt has one, i drove it for a weekend,
its not slow by any means for its size, can be fun to drive, good smaller car. However if you did come across the 2004 Mazaspeed car,
thats a great little, relatively cheap in comparison to some sportscars.

 

[brownboi512]

a civic is like a tampon, every pussy has one...

VW Golf and Fit get a thumbs up from me

 

[wetcat007]

How are Mini Coopers, just curious because I don't see them get brought up very often..

 

[yhelothar]

Originally posted by: apex32

Originally posted by: astroidea
Mazda MX-5

I've been ine one, driven one. Wasn't a big fan.. It feels sporty, has an ice tuned suspension, and can be fun to drive with a stick. However, i feel really confined and cramped inside. However, I suppose if you are a shorter guy then it would be decent, lets say under 6'? However it is a pretty cheap sportscar. The mazda 3 is a good little car, not a bad choice. My aunt has one, i drove it for a weekend, its not slow by any means for its size, can be fun to drive, good smaller car.

Well I'm short(5'6), so it's perfect for me. My 6' friend looked really cramped in it. So that definitely plays a role. Sport tuned suspension and a ragtop doesn't make good ride comfort either. But for someone who finds passion in driving, feeling every bump of the road and connecting with it is ride bliss.
It just depends on how much you love driving.
Mazda3 is a good middle ground between fun and ride comfort though.

 

[suicidalpigeon]

Originally posted by: brownboi512
a civic is like a tampon, every pussy has one...

VW Golf and Fit get a thumbs up from me

 

[apex32]

Originally posted by: astroidea

Originally posted by: apex32

Originally posted by: astroidea
Mazda MX-5

I've been ine one, driven one. Wasn't a big fan.. It feels sporty, has an ice tuned suspension, and can be fun to drive with a stick. However, i feel really confined and cramped inside. However, I suppose if you are a shorter guy then it would be decent, lets say under 6'? However it is a pretty cheap sportscar. The mazda 3 is a good little car, not a bad choice. My aunt has one, i drove it for a weekend, its not slow by any means for its size, can be fun to drive, good smaller car.

Well I'm short(5'6), so it's perfect for me. My 6' friend looked really cramped in it. So that definitely plays a role. Sport tuned suspension and a ragtop doesn't make good ride comfort either. But for someone who finds passion in driving, feeling every bump of the road and connecting with it is ride bliss.
It just depends on how much you love driving.
Mazda3 is a good middle ground between fun and ride comfort though.

I agree, i felt very connected with the road, my surroundings and what was going on. Definitely a fun to drive car. However I'm a bit taller so it is my only complaint. I am also a bit spoiled as my father Owns a Cobra and I'm absolutely in love with that car. I have yet to drive a sportscar i liked better. However i do like the WRX STI and C6 ZO6. Still waiting to try out the new GT500.

 

[apex32]

Originally posted by: wetcat007
How are Mini Coopers, just curious because I don't see them get brought up very often..

I think they are overpriced. They aren't slow, but I really don't like them. I did happen to ride in a 2004 Cooper S though, it wasnt impressive. I think people assume they must be pretty good cars just because of the badging they carry, however i did not feel this was the case.

 

[state 08]

Chevy Suburban

 

[apex32]

bah. not sure how this came to be. doublepost? but not really? idk.

 

[apex32]

Originally posted by: state 08
Chevy Suburban

I'm sure that is right down his alley. hehe.

 

[BarneyFife]

Aren't you worried about driving a Yaris with all the F-150's, Tahoes, Explorers out there? After I got into my accident a couple years back, I would never ever consider a hatchback.

 

[jammur21]

honda fit

 

[ManBearPig]

Originally posted by: jammur21
honda fit

It looks like a van though. at least the toyota yaris and the nissan versa are cars lol. unless i saw a wrong pic?

 

[Strk]

Originally posted by: Fmr12B
Versa, hands down the best small car. The Yaris & fit did pretty horrible in the crash test ratings. The Versa did best.

Roomiest and only 6spd manual in its class. Plus 122hp is not too bad either.

Actually, with the side airbags, the Yaris does just as well as the other two. However, the Fit and Versa both come with six airbags standard.

Personally, I think the Versa looks the best, both interior and exterior. The Yaris has a decent exterior, but the interior is crap and the Fit is basically the opposite (ugly exterior, good looking interior). As far as quality is concerned though, I don't consider Nissan to be in the same league as Toyota or Honda.

When you say small car though, it really helps if you give a little guidelines (I.e. cost)

I like the Mazda 3, but it can get up there in price. The Ford Focus is also nice, especially when you consider how cheaply you can buy one.

 

[vi edit]

Mazda3 for fun, Civic for economy.

 

[ElFenix]

A3, CooperS, Mazda3, and then it gets craptastic from there.