2009 Subcompact Car Lineup

2009 Chevrolet Aveo
Chevrolet Aveo
Base Price Range: $11,965-$14,100
EPA MPG Range: 25-34
Body Styles: 4-door sedan, 4-door hatchback
The 2009 Chevrolet Aveo lineup gets slightly more power, standard OnStar assistance, and a restyled hatchback model. No Aveo is a quiet vehicle, and our measured fuel economy is unexceptional by class standards. These subcompacts also lack important safety features such as traction control and curtain side airbags. On the plus side, Aveo has a comfortable ride, decent road manners, and an inviting interior. Overall, this is a likable subcompact that compares well with other budget-minded rivals.

2009 Honda Fit
Honda Fit
Base Price Range: $14,750-$18,960
EPA MPG Range: 27-35
Body Style: 4-door hatchback
The 2009 Honda Fit is redesigned, gaining size and power in the process. As before, Fit's strongest selling points are its impressive passenger accommodations and large, versatile cargo space. Sport models add a touch of fun-to-drive appeal. While prices seem steep for a subcompact, this is one in name and exterior size only; it's really a small wagon that challenges some compact SUVs for room while getting significantly better fuel economy. Its redesign didn't result in a quantum leap over its predecessor--in fact, most people would be hard-pressed to tell them apart--but the 2009 Fit offers some useful upgrades that make it a Best Buy in this segment.

2009 Hyundai Accent
Hyundai Accent
Base Price Range: $11,070-$15,870
EPA MPG Range: 26-35
Body Styles: 2-door hatchback, 4-door sedan
The 2009 Hyundai Accent gets a few powertrain tweaks designed to increase fuel economy. Accent one-ups most subcompact rivals by supplying front side airbags and curtain side airbags as standard equipment. These hatchbacks and sedans are hardly quick, but do deliver solid build quality, reasonable interior space, and more equipment than their low prices imply. Hyundai's strong warranty cements Accent as a Recommended choice in this class.
2009 Kia Rio
Kia Rio
Base Price Range: $11,495-$15,125
EPA MPG Range: 25-35
Body Styles: 4-door hatchback, 4-door sedan
The 2009 Kia Rio sedan and Rio5 hatchback are largely unchanged. These smallest Kias are best suited to undemanding, low-speed work. That's not unexpected in the subcompact class. What earns Rio our Recommended nod is that it's a surprisingly well-built low-price car with a strong warranty. It also delivers a lot for the money, notably standard front side airbags and curtain side airbags. The base sedan's only option is a rear spoiler, so you must move up to a costlier LX or SX to get such features as air conditioning, automatic transmission, and ABS.
2009 Pontiac G3
Pontiac G3
Base Price Range: $14,335
EPA MPG Range: 25-34
Body Style: 4-door hatchback
Pontiac's new entry-level vehicle shares its basic design and powertrain with the Chevrolet Aveo. Like the Chevrolet Aveo upon which it is based, G3 is not a quiet car. While we've not measured a G3's fuel economy, our measurements with the similar Aveo indicate that this Pontiac's mileage will be unexceptional by class standards. A lack of available traction control and curtain side airbags further hurts G3's appeal. On the plus side, G3 has a comfortable ride, decent road manners, and an inviting interior.
2009 Scion xD
Scion xD
Base Price Range: $14,650-$15,450
EPA MPG Range: 26-33
Body Style: 4-door hatchback
The 2009 Scion xD is largely unchanged following its introduction for the 2008 model year. The xD is a Recommended subcompact that offers a host of safety features and standard amenities. The xD shares the practical, utilitarian nature of its xA predecessor and xB sibling but with more-conventional styling and layout that give it broader appeal.
2009 Smart ForTwo
Smart ForTwo
Base Price Range: $11,990-$20,990
EPA MPG Range: 33-41
Body Styles: 2-door hatchback, 2-door convertible
The 2009 Smart ForTwo is largely unchanged following its model-year 2008 introduction in the U.S. ForTwo is a radical design statement that favors minuscule exterior dimensions, tight-quarters maneuverability, and fuel efficiency over pleasant road manners and passenger or cargo space. ForTwo offers unparalleled dexterity in congested urban commuting, but its relatively high price and very limited versatility will likely limit its appeal for many shoppers.

2009 Suzuki SX4
Suzuki SX4
Base Price Range: $13,299-$19,639
EPA MPG Range: 21-30
Body Styles: 4-door hatchback, 4-door sedan
The 2009 Suzuki SX4 offers some new features, including a navigation system. SX4 is roomy and solid, has a laudable list of available safety equipment, and offers class-exclusive AWD. All models lag most rivals for fuel economy, but pricing is reasonable, which makes this Suzuki a Best Buy.

2009 Toyota Yaris
Toyota Yaris
Base Price Range: $12,205-$15,880
EPA MPG Range: 29-36
Body Styles: 2-door hatchback, 4-door hatchback, 4-door sedan
The 2009 Toyota Yaris lineup gains a 4-door hatchback body style. Shop elsewhere if you want lively acceleration at highway speeds, but Yaris is a relatively refined subcompact with a driving position high enough that you won't feel dwarfed by surrounding traffic. Base prices are tempting, but add optional amenities and stickers climb to the level of larger, more powerful cars that come with convenience features that cost extra on the Yaris.