Subcompact cars have recently enjoyed a popularity surge, thanks in no small part to rising fuel prices. 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 $9430 base model Chevrolet Aveo is the most inexpensive new car on the market, and the most expensive subcompact, the AWD Suzuki Aerio sedan, has a still-modest base price of $16,199.

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 makes it a sensible choice for buyers who drive and park in congested urban areas.

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 quite limited compared to other vehicles, and many upscale features, such as leather upholstery or heated seats, 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 split-folding rear seatbacks and a hatchback bodystyle, a body configuration that maximizes cargo volume. Most are available in a four-door sedan bodystyle as well, with a traditional enclosed trunk.

The Safety Question
Since these cars are the smallest automobiles on the market, safety equipment and performance in crash tests are often high priorities. 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 cars are available with front side and/or curtain side airbags. The Suzuki Aerio and SX4 offer all-wheel drive, and the SX4 offers an antiskid system.

Consumer Guide's(r) stance on 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.

Shopping Tips
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 alternative fuel subcompacts available. Most of these cars are already very fuel-efficient, and the extra cost of the hybrid or alternative fuel hardware can put sticker prices out of reach for entry-level shoppers.

Our Subcompact Best Buy picks are the Hyundai Accent and Kia Rio. Their outstanding features-per-dollar ratio and generous warranty coverage combine to make either car an impressive value for the money. Our Recommended picks are the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris. Neither offers the bargain pricing of the Accent or Rio, but both have exemplary engineering refinement and the sterling reputations of their makers. Here's an overview of the 2007 subcompact car lineup.