Companies have been making great improvements in their compact car departments and have been offering a wider range of vehicles and options in order to better suit their customers. Below, we have compiled a list of the most popular small sedans in the market today; noting both their many strengths and weaknesses. If you are in the market for a new sedan, this is the guide that you will need to get you started in your purchase decision.
Toyota Corolla
The Corolla has always been seen is a reliable car that rarely has problems. The Corolla is a car that can get you from point A to point B with no frills. The new Toyota Corolla has just enough space and power to meet the requirements of many of our readers. With a 132 horsepower engine offered in the base model and a 140 horsepower engine offered in the Eco model the new Toyota Corolla is sure to take you wherever you would like to go.
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is another vehicle on this list that has a strong reputation for its reliability. The new Civic is well put together in almost every department: looks, reliability, performance, and comfort. The two engines that are available with the Honda Civic are a 2.0 liter engine that produces 158 horsepower and a 1.5 liter turbo engine that produces 174 horsepower. The transmission options that are offered for both engines are a six-speed manual transmission and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The gas mileage of the Civic is average, with a rated 28-42 mpg highway and 22-32 city. However, what the Honda Civic may lack in gas mileage it makes of for in space and comfort.
Mazda 3
The Mazda 3 has come a relatively long way over the years of its production. The new Mazda 3 both looks great and drives great. The four cylinder 2.0 liter engine, that is offered on the Mazda 3, packs 155 horsepower and can be mated with a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission. The same options are available for the optional 184 horsepower 2.5 liter engine. The handling of the Mazda 3 is superb, with power being smoothly delivered through the 3’s front wheel drive system. Additionally, the infotainment system that Mazda included in the Mazda 3 is both very user-friendly and useful. Although the Mazda 3 is a great vehicle, it does lack some cargo space in the trunk which can make packing for road trips a hassle.
Subaru Impreza
The new Subaru Impreza is a diversion from a long lineage of rally cars. The Impreza has always been known as a vehicle that is both safe and reliable, utilizing an all-wheel drive system to keep all four wheels planted to the road. Unlike the Impreza WRX STI of the past, the new Impreza lacks power and excitement. With Subaru’s well-known four cylinder Boxer engine design, the 2.0 liter Impreza engine only produces 152 horsepower and 145 foot-pounds of torque. The gas mileage, however, is great with an estimated 38 mpg highway and 28 mpg city. The Impreza is available with two transmission options, a fully synchronized five-speed manual transmission or Subaru’s continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Kia Forte
The 2018 Kia Forte is affordable and good in the looks department. The quality of the interior is excellent at its price point as well; offering spacious rear seats and cargo room. Power is delivered to the Kia Forte in a variety of engines that range from 148 horsepower to 201 horsepower. The transmissions are available in either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission. The Forte lacks exceptional performance in gas mileage, however, with a subpar 29-37 mpg highway and 23-29 mpg city.
Hyundai Elantra
The new Hyundai Elantra comes loaded with a plethora of technology improvements. The Elantra offers amenities such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto connectivity, in addition to options such as Brake Assist and lane-keep assist. In addition to its technology, the Elantra also comes with a high-quality interior that offers a lot of space. With engines ranging from 128 horsepower to 201 horsepower, the Elantra has the ability to be a quick vehicle, although not very comparable to the other vehicles that it competes with in its class. The Elantra does not have very good gas mileage and only offers a mileage range of 29-40 mpg highway and 22-32 mpg city. The Elantra, compared to the other vehicles that we have mentioned, is better than most but not better than all.