2009 Pontiac G3
The 2009 Pontiac G3 is a new-for-2009 addition to the subcompact class.

Subcompact cars have enjoyed a popularity surge over the past few years, thanks in part to volatile fuel prices and heightening environmental concerns. By virtue of their diminutive size and modest engine power, subcompacts are some of the most fuel-efficient cars on the market. Subcompacts are also economical in terms of initial purchase price: The $11,070 Hyundai Accent GS with manual transmission is the most inexpensive new car on the market. The most expensive subcompact, the top-trim-level Honda Fit with navigation system, has a still-modest base price of $18,760.

The subcompact class is comprised of entry-level vehicles that usually attract budget-conscious shoppers and young, first-time new car buyers. These customers are looking for an affordable vehicle for daily commuting and don't need a lot of cargo or passenger space. Also, a subcompact car's tidy exterior dimensions make it a sensible choice for buyers who drive and park in congested urban areas.

The subcompact class roster sees a few changes for 2009. The Honda Fit is redesigned, gaining size and power in the process. Fit remains Honda's smallest car, despite adding 2 inches in wheelbase and 4 inches in overall length vs. the 2007-08 Fit. Pontiac enters the subcompact fray with the G3 4-door hatchback, which is essentially a restyled version of the Chevrolet Aveo. Chevy's subcompact also makes news for 2009. Aveo gets slightly more power, standard OnStar assistance, and a restyled hatchback model. Toyota's Yaris gets a 4-door hatchback body style that joins the existing 2-door hatchback and 4-door sedan. The remainder of the subcompact class sees minor updates or no significant changes this year.

What to Look for in a Subcompact Car

Today's subcompacts have come a long way from the tinny econoboxes of the 1970s and '80s. Auto manufacturers have made great strides in making their smallest offerings reasonably comfortable, livable vehicles with decent interior materials and solid assembly. Don't expect luxurious accommodations, however. Subcompact option lists are limited compared with other vehicles, and many upscale features simply aren't available.

Don't expect blistering acceleration either. All subcompacts are powered by frugal engines that favor economy over power. These cars are not at all speedy, but with their small size and light weight, they can be competent handlers that are relatively fun to drive. However, no subcompact is a serene highway cruiser. Expect a noisy, semi-fidgety ride that can grow tiresome on long highway trips.

Despite their compact exterior dimensions, most subcompacts offer adequate front seat passenger space, even for tall occupants. Rear seat space is usually more cramped, but is still livable for average-sized adults. Today's subcompacts also offer a surprising level of cargo versatility, often matching or exceeding the overall maximum cargo volume of larger vehicles. All subcompacts offer a hatchback body style with split-folding rear seatbacks (excluding the two-seat Smart ForTwo), a configuration that maximizes cargo volume. Most are available in a four-door sedan body style as well, with a traditional enclosed trunk. The unique ForTwo offers a class-exclusive convertible body style.

The Safety Question

Since these cars are the smallest automobiles on the market, safety equipment and performance in crash tests are often high priorities for shoppers. Safety features are mentioned in the Highlights and Prices & Equipment pages of our reviews, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Five-Star crash-test ratings (if the car has been tested) can be found in the Specs & Safety section of each vehicle's report.

All subcompact cars come with dual front airbags (mandated by law), and offer antilock brakes (ABS) as either standard or optional equipment. Most are also available with front side and/or curtain side airbags. The Honda Fit, Scion xD, Smart ForTwo, and Suzuki SX4 offer an antiskid system, and SX4 offers class-exclusive all-wheel drive.

Consumer Guide's stance on optional safety equipment is that it's almost always worth the relatively modest extra cost. While all-wheel drive may mostly benefit those in snowy climates, front side and curtain side airbags are offered on so many models that we'd be disinclined to recommend one without them. These are potentially life-saving features and are well worth the money, even if the only benefit you get from them is peace of mind. Note also that many optional safety features may lower insurance premiums and increase resale value at trade-in time.

Shopping Tips

Save for the unique Smart ForTwo, the subcompact class is a fairly homogenous group of vehicles, with all the manufacturers offering similar levels of performance, space, and accommodations. At present, there are no hybrid or diesel-powered subcompacts available. Most of these cars are already very fuel-efficient, and the extra cost of the hybrid or diesel hardware can put sticker prices out of reach for entry-level shoppers.  

Our subcompact Best Buy picks are the Honda Fit and Suzuki SX4. Fit prices are steep for the class, but Honda's smallest car is surprisingly fun to drive and boasts impressive-for-the-class refinement and amazing cargo volume. Likewise, the SX4's class-exclusive all-wheel drive, solid construction, and attractive pricing make it a compelling choice. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, and Scion xD. The Accent and Rio's outstanding features-per-dollar ratio and generous warranty coverage combine to make either car an impressive value for the money. The xD offers a host of safety features and standard amenities in a practical, versatile package. An overview of the 2009 subcompact car lineup is on the next page.