
Our favorite vehicle in this class remains the Honda Fit, for many reasons.
The Fit’s a little more fun to drive, handles better, and feels more substantial on the road.
And it has the best layout of all the subcompacts, with a trick Magic Seat arrangement that allows a minivan-like cargo area when needed—and enough space for adults in the back seat.
The Chevrolet Aveo is the other pick of the bunch for ride quality, but the Aveo is in its last year and is thoroughly unimpressive in every other way.
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.
The xD is a little sportier, but it’s an odd package and comes up lacking in interior space, while the new Fiesta feels sporty but isn’t all that roomy, especially compared to the Versa.
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Quick Specs | |||||
For those focused on getting the most comfort and practicality for the least money, the 2011 Nissan Versa is a market standout. |
The 2011 Chevrolet Aveo is vastly improved from first glance; we'll reserve final judgement until road-test cars are made available. |
If you're set on stylish and small, the 2011 Ford Fiesta might be your only choice, though you might miss the solid, roomy feel of a Fit. |
The 2011 Honda Fit is like a mini-minivan in some respects, with an incredibly space-efficient design; yet it's peppy, frugal, and fun to drive. |
The 2011 Toyota Yaris is a great city car for cost-conscious commuters, though those who expect a top-notch list of connectivity features will be disappointed. |
The 2011 Scion xD offers an impressive list of features and sporty accessories, but it's not as much fun to drive as its image suggests. |
MSRP From | |||||
$9,990 | $11,965 | $13,200 | $15,100 | $13,155 | $15,110 |
Gas Mileage | |||||
24 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | 27 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy | 28 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy | 27 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy | 29 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | 27 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy |
Engine | |||||
Gas I4 | Gas 4-Cylinder | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 |
EPA Class | |||||
Compact | Compact | Subcompact | Small Station Wagon | Subcompact | Subcompact Cars |
Style Name | |||||
4-Door Sedan I4 Manual 1.6 Base | 4-Door Sedan LS | 4-Door Sedan S | 5-Door HB Manual | 3-Door Liftback Manual (GS) | 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 | |||||
N/A | N/A | 4 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | |||||
4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | 4-Door Sedan | 5 Door Hatchback | 3 Door Hatchback | 4 Door Wagon |
Transmission | |||||
Manual | Manual w/OD | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
2011 Nissan Versa vs. 2011 Chevrolet Aveo | 2011 Nissan Versa vs. 2011 Ford Fiesta | 2011 Nissan Versa vs. 2011 Honda Fit | 2011 Nissan Versa vs. 2011 Toyota Yaris | 2011 Nissan Versa vs. 2011 Scion xD |