If we’re being honest, the best vehicle in this smallest, cheapest class of cars is the Honda Fit.
Although the Fit is more expensive than the rest and it’s only available as a hatchback, it feels sporty and substantial on the road.
With its good safety, responsive performance, and an excellent Magic Seat arrangement in back that trumps ordinary fold-forward arrangements, the Fit has impressed many a reviewer with its total package.
The Chevrolet Aveo is the other pick of the bunch for ride quality, but the Aveo has unimpressive fuel economy and safety.
Toyota’s Yaris has the best fuel economy, at up to 36 mpg highway, but it doesn’t feel as roomy or refined as other offerings.
Meanwhile, Kia's Rio and Rio5 hatchback feel sportier than the rest of the crowd, as does the xD.
The Versa’s roominess is a plus, however, and with more standard safety features for 2010, it’s still a good option.
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 2010 Nissan VersaBrowse Used Listings |  2009 Chevrolet AveoBrowse Used Listings |  2008 Honda FitBrowse Used Listings |  2008 Toyota YarisBrowse Used Listings |  2008 Scion xDBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | ||||
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The 2010 Nissan Versa is one of the best-value cars available on the market. Just remember that at its cheapest, you won’t be getting too much in the way of features. |
If most of your driving is around town with little interstate travel, the 2009 Chevrolet Aveo and Aveo5 are worth a look, especially if you want a bow tie out front. |
The 2008 Honda Fit is one of the smallest cars on the road, but it’s fun to drive, huge inside, and a tremendous value. |
The 2008 Toyota Yaris is one of the cheapest, and cheapest to run, of all new vehicles. |
At a bargain price that’s not much more than stripper econoboxes, the 2008 Scion xD is a pretty hot little hatch. |
| MSRP From | ||||
| $9,990 | $11,965 | $13,950 | $11,550 | $14,550 |
| Gas Mileage | ||||
| 24 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | 27 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | 27 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | 29 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | 26 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | ||||
| Gas 4-cyl | Gas 4-Cylinder | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 |
| EPA Class | ||||
| Compact | Compact | Small Station Wagon | Subcompact | Subcompact |
| Style Name | ||||
| 4-Door Sedan I4 Manual 1.6 Base | 4-Door Sedan LS | 5-Door HB Manual | 3-Door HB Manual (GS) | 5-Door HB Manual (GS) |
| Drivetrain | ||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front wheel drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | ||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | ||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | ||||
| 4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | 5-Door Hatchback | 3 Door Hatchback | 4 Door Wagon |
| Transmission | ||||
| Manual | Manual w/OD | Manual | Manual | Manual w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
| 2010 Nissan Versa vs. 2009 Chevrolet Aveo | 2010 Nissan Versa vs. 2008 Honda Fit | 2010 Nissan Versa vs. 2008 Toyota Yaris | 2010 Nissan Versa vs. 2008 Scion xD | |
