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Top Recommended Sedans
The sedan is the practical choice of millions because it’s a people-pleasing package that delivers a wide range of utility. The four-door configuration affords easy access for all, while there’s a box up front for the power unit and another box in the back for cargo. At the moment, the list of best-selling sedans reflects two different crosscurrents in design. First, there’s the trend away from generic designs toward stylish cars packed with features more appropriate for more expensive segments. Ironically enough, the second trend is toward cheaper, de-contented boxes that attempt to offer extreme efficiency at a stripped-down price. Meanwhile, forthcoming federal regulations for improved fuel economy have already had a large influence on the sedans in every category, as you’ll note some impressive mpg numbers.
Ford Fiesta
The Ford Fiesta is a terrific city vehicle with an interior that offers upscale quality for the segment. The driving experience leans toward sporty including a firmer ride, which separates it from most rivals. The base engine is a reasonably peppy four-cylinder. We’re more intrigued by the punchy and efficient 123-horsepower three-cylinder turbo, though you can only get it with a manual transmission. Whether you opt for the Fiesta sedan or the hatchback, the interior has plenty of small-item storage, visibility is good thanks to slim roof pillars, the options list is bolstered by Ford’s latest Sync 3 infotainment system. In sum, the Fiesta is affordable yet fun transportation.
Honda Fit
The Fit was completely redesigned last year, bolstering what has always been a marvel of space-efficient car design. The Fit’s spacious cargo volume along with its ultra-handy Magic rear seat, it can fold completely flat or the seat cushions can flip up are unmatched by rivals. Rear seat space also can’t be beat by subcompact competitors. Besides its versatility, the Fit boasts excellent fuel economy and surprisingly strong performance from its 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, along with a more refined driving experience than previous Fit models. If you need big car space with a small car footprint, the Fit is the go-to choice.
Hyundai Accent
Although it’s not a standout in any particular category, the Hyundai Accent nevertheless does almost everything you can ask of a small, inexpensive car. Performance is near the top of the class, interior and comfort levels are competitive, value is fantastic and its lengthy warranty can only be matched by its Kia Rio corporate cousin. Plus, both of the Accent’s sedan and hatchback body styles offer a surprising amount of cargo capacity, user-friendly controls and attractive interior styling. If you’re shopping for a subcompact, the Accent is certainly going to be worth a look.
Mini Cooper
The Mini Cooper breathes life into the subcompact class with cheeky style, a sporty driving experience and extensive options. Few cars are more fun to drive or own, and with the new four-door model, you no longer have to pass on that fun just because two doors is too few. Although the latest generation’s looks are a little odd at some angles and the cabin is still far from spacious, the added practicality is nevertheless welcome. And despite a price tag that is considerably north of those other subcompacts here, the Mini Cooper hatchback’s overall quality, superior performance and almost endless customization options mean that it’s clearly worth a higher price than those above.
Kia Forte
The Forte goes well beyond Kia’s typical selling points of a long warranty including 10 years of powertrain coverage and surprisingly generous feature content. Indeed, buy or lease a Forte and you get a car that also delivers strong acceleration from three available engines, sharp styling and a spacious interior that boasts classic design, user-friendly controls and top-notch materials. The four-door body styles of the Forte include a sedan and the hatchback Forte 5.
Mazda 3
The Mazda 3 maintains this model’s long-standing reputation as a driver’s car with rewarding handling, competitive performance and a genuine personality. The current version, however, also offers fantastic fuel economy, a composed ride, generous passenger space, a long list of tech features, user-friendly controls and superior interior quality. Although all these compact cars received A ratings, the Mazda 3 sedan and hatchback would be the most deserving of an A+ if we awarded that grade.
Volkswagen Golf
All our recommended compact cars do a great job of making you feel as if you’ve purchased something fancier than a typical economy car, but the VW Golf goes above and beyond even their efforts. It does so with a comfortable and composed ride, a cabin fitted with near-luxury quality materials and a standard turbocharged engine that delivers class-leading acceleration and strong fuel economy. The Golf is only available in a versatile hatchback body style; the once-related Jetta sedan is now significantly different and not as appealing.
Ford Focus
The Focus may not be the latest or greatest entry in this popular segment, but it remains a recommended choice because of its overall refinement and enjoyable driving experience. Its ride and handling are particularly noteworthy, as Ford has tuned the Focus to provide an appealing balance of comfort and driver engagement. The Focus also offers plenty of high-tech features. It gains Ford’s new Sync 3 infotainment interface, top-notch interior materials and the option of sedan and hatchback body styles. Note that we do not recommend the 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine due to its disappointing real-world fuel economy and performance.
Audi A4
The Audi A4 forms a sweet spot within the comfort-to-sport driving spectrum, plus it offers snazzy styling inside and out. While we also recommend the high-performance Audi S4 with its supercharged V6, the A4 is only available with a turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 220 horsepower. This is a smooth and satisfying engine, though, delivering ample power for most situations along with competitive fuel economy. The A4 comes standard with front-wheel drive and a CVT, but we suggest opting for all-wheel drive, which pairs with either a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic. Interior quality is another hallmark of this model, ranking as exceptional for the segment. An all-new A4 is coming next year, but the current one remains easy to recommend.
