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Economy Cars
Just when it seemed like Honda couldn't possibly discover another market segment for its vehicles, it introduced the 2007 Fit. A four-door subcompact, the Fit combines a wondrously efficient use of space with snappy versatility and economy.
The Civic is the best-selling compact car in the United States, and Honda didn't arrive at this industry-leading plateau by happenstance. Yet, instead of playing it safe and leaving good enough alone, Honda redesigned the Civic for 2006.
According to the National Automobile Dealers' Association, the average price of a new car in the United States in 2006 is $28,600. That's $1,400 less than what not too long was considered beginning price point for a luxury vehicle.
With its new design for 2006, the Hyundai Accent is a formidable player in the compact class. It's bigger, it has more power and it has additional safety features than its predecessor. Add Hyundai's industry-leading warranty and the new Accent is hard to beat as an entry level vehicle that when equipped with every available option costs less than $15,000.
As the entry level Acura, the RSX is a compact coupe that complements the often highly recommended manufacturer's varied other offerings.
Like Hyundai and Kia, the Korean manufacturer Suzuki has accepted the difficult task of trying to infiltrate the sub-compact market dominated by Honda, Toyota and Ford.
Matched against the best-selling subcompact models offered by Ford, Honda and Toyota, the Jetta is Volkswagen's best-selling car. Combined with the nearly identical Golf, more than 40 models of the vehicle are offered, including several 20th anniversary special editions.
A four-wheel drive sports utility vehicle, with plenty of cargo space and easy access would have been the logical choice. Instead, the three of us, all at least 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, made the drive in a 2003 3-door Hyundai Accent GL.
Copyright 2009 The Weekly Driver. All rights reserved.
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