In the market for a compact hatchback

[dja4260]

I considering compact hatchback. I'm looking for base model, manual trans, etc. It must be a 5 dr. I'm looking for good gas mileage and a reliable power train. I will be keeping this car for the next 10 years.

I have no personal experience with these models but I plan on driving them all within the next week of two.

Honda FIT
Toyota YARIS
Chevy SONIC
Mazda 2
Hyundai Accent
Nissan Versa

The ford Fiesta isn't an option. I was very unimpressed when I drove one.

Thoughts, opinions, first hand experience?

 

[expat]

I have friends that have Yaris's and Fit's both like them very much.
No problems with either to date.

The Yaris's has quite a few miles on it by now.
I found it had lots of legroom for a small car, I 6'2" but fit in the back quite comfortably.

 

[NHGUY]

Its just me,but would look for a 1988-1990 Dodge Omni 2.2 TBI/manual.If it lasted 22 years,it should last another 10.And cost a tenth of what a new car costs.Upright seating,the "hip" VW Rabbit/Golf styling,fold down seat,hatch,and the torquey 2.2 thats a dream to service.That would be my idea of a commuter car.

 

[sciphi]

We have a 2009 Fit with the automatic transmission. It's a very versatile car. Honda has the best interior flexibility hands-down.

The good points are that the interior is versatile as heck, and while it's decidedly a Tupperware party on the inside, at least it's durable. The seats and other often-used interior bits show very little wear in the 3 years and 57k miles we've had ours. No mechanical problems, either. We're still on the original brakes, and second set of tires.

The bad points are that it's not the quickest out there, and the gas mileage, while decent, isn't stellar. We've averaged right around 30-31 mpg with ours with a very heavy-footed driver who is either on the gas or on the brakes. With a lighter-footed driver, we've seen 40 mpg highway consistently while doing the 65 mph speed limits.

If you look at the Sonic, I'd only look at the 1.4T/6MT powertrain. The fuel economy and drivability for the 1.8/6MT is worse. I have the 1.4T/6MT in my Cruze, and it motivates a 3000 lb Cruze very spiritedly while getting me 43 mpg since new (mostly highway driving).

 

[daves87rs]

Sonic.

 

[azjake]

Kia Rio hatchback. You get a 10yr/100,000 mile powertrain warranty.

 

[dja4260]

Originally Posted By: daves87rs
Sonic.


WHY?

 

[dja4260]

Originally Posted By: azjake
Kia Rio hatchback. You get a 10yr/100,000 mile powertrain warranty.


Same as the Hyundai and same warranty underwriters. I'm not interested in the Kia.

 

[ronbo]

Surprised not to see the VW Golf on the list.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: ronbo
Surprised not to see the VW Golf on the list.

If he's only looking at good gas mileage and reliability, then I sort of understand why Golf isn't on the list. Golf is not horrible in those categories, but other cars on his list are probably better.

Personally, I would consider the Golf.

 

[dishdude]

I don't think you could go wrong with any car on that list, more personal preference than anything else. Personally I like the Fit, Sonic and Accent the best. Read this...

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/hatc...on/viewall.html

 

[dja4260]

I'm not interested in a VW. At the car show I sat in all and liked the Yaris the best. I just need to go drive my options.

 

[Smokescreen]

Hyundai Veloster...turbo.

 

[expat]

Are you looking for 5 speed or Automatic?

 

[artificialist]

I would choose the Honda Fit. I find that long term, Honda compact cars last the longest with the least amount of work. The only weak part of current Hondas are the sway bar links, but 2 MOOG or Raybestos link (About $80) and 45 minutes of work will make the car go for many years.

 

[Spazdog]

Difficult to beat the Honda Fit for versatility.

Mazda2 isn't particularly quick in a straight line, but it thinks it is an MX-5 Miata in a corner.

Accent/Rio have the powertrain warranty.

The Sonic has a 5yr-100,000mi powertrain warranty too. Look better in person than they do in print.

I haven't actually checked out the newest Yaris. The old ones were just kinda'

meh...I really preferred the 1.5 xB. The current model does look better. The Yaris to me was a slightly less interesting version of the Echo which itself was a slightly less interesting version of the Tercel.

But there's also the Kia Seoul. (intentionally misspelled) They have fairly large cargo areas, Kia 100,000 mile warranty, and a lot of owners have reported favorable ownership experiences.

If you are willing to wait, Dodge should be getting a variant of the Fiat Punto

 

[jigen]

I personally would go for the Mazda 2 since it fits your needs and is supposed to be a fun little ride, especially for the MT. To me a car you enjoy driving everyday is just as important as reliability and fuel economy.

 

[Scum_Frog]

Originally Posted By: ronbo
Surprised not to see the VW Golf on the list.


+2

 

[jigen]

One issue is you can't get a base Golf in a 5-door with the MT.

 

[TylerL]

I was going to suggest a base Mazdaspeed 3 but then I saw that good gas mileage is a requirement.