The Honda Fit is the reigning top performer in this class, with excellent handling, good safety, and a responsive, nimble driving feel; the Fiesta rivals it for the latter, and beats it for cohesive style and design, inside and out, but the Fit's trump card is its much more spacious, versatile interior layout.
An all-new 2012 Nissan Versa is a very strong value, and has a lower price if you're willing to have a basic car, but it's more of a traditional economy car.
Another rival is the new 2012 Hyundai Accent, which is much improved in every way--and a new version of the related Kia Rio is on the way later this year.
Finally, the Scion xD feels sporty and offers features galore, but lacks the Fiesta's jaunty styling.
Meanwhile, the aging Chevrolet Aveo has been replaced with an excellent all-new model, the Chevrolet Sonic--one of the best subcompacts for handling, styling, and safety.
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 2012 Ford FiestaBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Chevrolet SonicBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Honda FitBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Hyundai AccentBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Nissan VersaBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Scion xDBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | |||||
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You could do better if you most value space and comfort, but the 2012 Ford Fiesta packs in a lot of style and substance. |
The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is neither subsonic nor supersonic—but it's a good, sound choice and a world better than the Aveo it replaces. |
The 2012 Honda Fit is peppy and fun to drive, and its interior is incredibly space-efficient; but some might be turned off by its rather utilitarian look. |
Do Americans want small cars with more room and great gas mileage? The 2012 Hyundai Accent is betting they do--and so are we. |
The 2012 Nissan Versa is a reasonably comfortable, well-equipped new car for used-car money—but if you're a stickler for the details it can feel as cheap as it is. |
It's not as much fun as its styling suggests, but the 2012 Scion xD has a low base price and offers lots of accessories. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $13,200 | $13,865 | $15,325 | $12,545 | $10,990 | $15,345 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 28 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 25 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy | 27 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy | 28 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy | 24 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 27 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| Subcompact | Compact Cars | Small Station Wagon | Compact Cars | Compact | Subcompact Cars |
| Style Name | |||||
| 4-Door Sedan S | 4-Door Sedan LS 1LS | 5-Door HB Manual | 4-Door Sedan Manual GLS | 4-Door Sedan Manual 1.6 S | 5-Door HB Manual (GS) |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Front-wheel drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||||
| 4 | 4 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | 5 Door Hatchback | 4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Wagon |
| Transmission | |||||
| Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2012 Ford Fiesta vs. 2012 Chevrolet Sonic | 2012 Ford Fiesta vs. 2012 Honda Fit | 2012 Ford Fiesta vs. 2012 Hyundai Accent | 2012 Ford Fiesta vs. 2012 Nissan Versa | 2012 Ford Fiesta vs. 2012 Scion xD | |
