Compact Hatchbacks

Honda Fit and Mini Cooper are tops

More reviewers give the Honda Fit (*Est. $14,750 to $16,260) a higher rating than any other small car. Extensively redesigned for 2009, the second-generation Fit is longer and wider than the previous version, which was also highly recommended. Honda's Fit lands on all kinds of best-car lists, including Car and Driver's 10Best list, Automobile magazine's 2009 All-Stars, and Motor Trend's Car of the Year finalists. Editors at each of these magazines are impressed with the high level of fit and finish on this affordably-priced, fun-to-drive subcompact hatchback. The 2009 Fit, which is 4.2 inches longer than the previous model, also offers impressive interior volume for its exterior size, say reviewers, who point out that the Fit's comfortable, nicely-finished cabin belies its economical price tag as well. That fact, in combination with agile handling and a highly-configurable cargo space, makes the Honda Fit as enjoyable as it is practical, in their estimation.

ConsumerGuide.com, Cars.com, Edmunds.com, and Kelley Blue Book also laud the Fit. In a press release, Consumer Reports reveals that the Fit tops its ratings of subcompact cars, beating five other cars in a test. David Champion of Consumer Reports says, "The Fit seems roomier on the inside than you might expect, with an interior that is unusually versatile and flexible -- and cargo capacity rivaling that of a small SUV."

The Honda Fit's real-world fuel economy is spectacular, comparable to that of some higher-priced hybrid cars. ConsumerGuide.com tested the Honda Fit's fuel efficiency, noting an average of about 34 mpg in mixed driving -- on target with EPA estimates of 28 mpg city and 35 mpg highway.

For those who want to blend even more fun with frugality, many reviewers consider the Mini Cooper (*Est. $18,550 to $23,900) akin to a budget sports car, particularly the more expensive, high-performance Cooper S. The Mini is praised almost universally for its taut, athletic handling prowess, iconic retro styling and responsive, efficient four-cylinder engine. Standard Coopers receive a 118-horsepower conventional engine, while a turbocharged 172-horsepower motor propels the faster Cooper S. A distinct, fun-to-drive nature is mentioned in virtually every review, but the basic Mini Cooper still manages exemplary fuel economy of 28 mpg city and 37 mpg highway with the standard 118-horsepower engine and six-speed manual gearbox. The Mini Cooper is a three-door hatchback, classified by the EPA as a mini-compact. The slightly larger Cooper Clubman (*Est. $20,200 to $23,700) subcompact, introduced in 2008, offers almost 10 inches of additional length, more easily accessed via an additional rear-hinged door on the passenger side and a pair of cargo doors at the rear. The Clubman's engine and transmission options are the same as found on the regular Cooper and Cooper S, and its fuel economy numbers are also impressive.

The Volkswagen Rabbit (*Est. $16,300 to $19,340) shares its platform with the Jetta sedan, but its three- or five-door hatchback design gives the Rabbit an edge in versatility. The Rabbit earns praise for its solid feel, athletic handling and standard equipment. Many reviewers feel that the trade-off for the Rabbit's lively 170-horsepower five-cylinder engine is lower-than-average fuel economy for the class, which helps keep it a rung under the best-reviewed Honda Fit and Mini Cooper.

The Scion xD (*Est. $14,650 to $15,450) five-door hatchback is based on the same subcompact chassis as the five-door hatchback version of the Toyota Yaris (*Est. $12,205 to $15,880), but offers a more powerful standard engine. Styling is more aggressive (some might call it ugly) than the Yaris, and a vast list of options and accessories is designed to encourage customization. The Scion xD's generous standard-equipment list is admirable too, reviewers say. Still, it doesn't compete on the same level as the top cars in the class.

There's no shortage of other hatchbacks (many of which have sedan counterparts) adding variety to the segment. The Hyundai Accent (*Est. $9,970 to $15,870) base three-door hatchback is the cheapest new car in America. The Accent shares its basic underlying architecture with its sedan cousin, the Kia Rio (*Est. $11,495 to $15,125). General Motors has a pair of fresh entrants in the redesigned 2009 Chevrolet Aveo5 (*Est. $11,965 to $15,365) and its re-badged corporate sibling, the new Pontiac G3 (*Est. $14,335). The Suzuki SX4 (*Est. $13,299 - $19,639) can be ordered in a five-door configuration with all-wheel drive -- an uncommon feature at this price point. Note that any reviewer praise for these models is generally tempered by other shortcomings that prevent them from being elevated to the same levels as the consensus class leaders.