Yes, it is time to talk about the little gems that speed in and out of traffic with ease, use very little gas, and are the most sensible vehicle for loads of people. I asked Jody Victor to give us some details about some of the smallest cars around.
Jody Victor: Even with gas prices relenting, few people have extra cash to swipe away at the pump, so here are 5 beauties that will treat you right.
Chevy Aveo - The Aveo is a pint-sized compact that will leave plenty of room in both the garage and the checking account. The 2009 Aveo carries a 1.6-liter Gen 3 Ecotec transmission it earns an environmental Protection Agency fuel-economy estimat of 27/34 mpg. Available as a sedan or 5-door hatchback, the Aveo carries standard front and seat-mounted side-impact airbags. Wearing a Pontiac nameplate, the Aveo is known as the G3.
Ford Focus Coupe - With considerably ore panache than the four-door model, the Focus coupe has been redesigned for 2009, though most of its new traits are cosmetic. A sport-tuned exhaust system delivers more horsepower and a "throatier" sound. It comes with either a Duratec inline 4-cylinder engine or a "super-clean" duratec 20E that qualifies the coupe as a Partial Zero emissions Vehicle (PZEV). Options include such perks as a Microsoft Sync system, electronic stability control and chromed aluminum wheels.Seats in the Focus are molded from nonpetroleum vegetable foam.
Honda Fit - With a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder VTEC engine, the Fit deserves its fair share of axccolades for balancing efficiency with peppy performance. A center-mounted fuel tank opens up interior space, and optional voice recognitio, 16-inch alloy wheels and iPod integration are among the generous list of features that make the Fit much more than simply good enough. The Fit also frequently tops Internet lists of the cheapest cars to own because of its sticker price, resale value and admirable fuel economy.
Hyundai Accent - In its third generation, the accent remains a solid, if not exhilarating, member of the subcompact club. A 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine gets 26/35 mpg with its optional automatic transmission. The Accent isn't likely to disappoint in reliability either.
MINI Cooper - Perhaps the most performance-minded micro on American roads is the MINI. Drawing on decades of road rallying (not to mention tight European parking), BMW has taken the MINI brand and imbued it with a host of features such as a 1.6-liter 16-valve aluminum engine (offering 118 horsepower), an on/off ignition button, traction control and six airbags. With a squat "bulldog" stance, the standard MINI Cooper, Cooper S and convertible make the most of their small footprint, translating it into tight turning, responsive acceleration and respectable fuel economy: 25/34 with automatic transmission. An all-electric MINI is now being leased to a limited number of Californians.
Thanks, Jody! Quite a list!