Subcompact Cars to Relieve the Squeeze at the Gas Pump

Rising gas prices are putting the squeeze on household budgets, pushing car buyers toward small, fuel-efficient cars. Here are five affordable subcompact cars that we think make great daily drivers.

As Gas Prices Rise, Car Shoppers are Downsizing

Even if the country isn’t mired in an energy crisis of 1970s proportions, today’s high fuel costs are bringing about a familiar shift toward more fuel-efficient vehicles. But not everyone has a budget for an electric or hybrid sedan or SUV.

Smaller cars hold several advantages over larger vehicles. They’re easy on the wallet in many ways:

• Cheaper to buy
• Cheaper to insure
• Much cheaper to fuel

These five small cars offer a pleasing blend of convenience, comfort, and versatility in addition to being great money-savers.

The Uncompromising Hyundai Elantra

The Hyundai Elantra delivers impressive fuel economy (37 combined MPG). Plus, you get a surprisingly spacious interior and a sleek, modern design. At up to 147 horsepower, it’s one of the more powerful models on our list. And with Hyundai’s 3 years of free maintenance and industry-best warranty, the Elantra is a best buy.

This Pint-Sized Honda is the Perfect Fit

For budget-conscious shoppers, the Honda Fit offers incredible versatility. Plus, it’s small and agile enough to park pretty much anywhere. The Fit has configurable rear Magic Seats that let you shape the interior to accommodate cargo in all shapes and sizes. The Fit’s 128-horsepower four-cylinder engine racks up around 36 combined MPG.

Chevrolet Spark: America’s Most Affordable Car

If your new or used subcompact car budget is small—really small—the Chevrolet Spark should be on your shopping list. Powered by a small inline-four engine with a five-speed manual transmission (a CVT is available), the Spark delivers an impressive 38 highway MPG. Although it’s the “cheapest” car sold in America, you’ll still get plenty of features, including smartphone integration, for under $15k.

Robust and Versatile: Toyota Corolla

Coming in with a 2.0L, 169-horsepower engine, the Toyota Corolla offers the most robust engine in our lineup yet still returns an eyebrow-raising 41 highway MPG. The hatchback model is comfortable and versatile, making it one of our favorite commuter cars. Like the Elantra, a hybrid model is available if you have some extra cash to spend.

Small Engine, Mighty Fuel Economy: Mitsubishi Mirage

The Mitsubishi Mirage is one of the least expensive subcompact cars sold in America, second only to the Chevy Spark. Its wee 1.2L 3-cylinder engine holds just 78 horses. But for commuting around town, this little hatchback will take you 39 miles on a gallon of gas.