Comparison Test: $16K Subcompact Shootout
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 เม.ย. 2012
- MotorWeek, joined by Cars.com and USA TODAY, picks the winner of the $16,000 Subcompact Shootout. The contenders: Honda Fit, Nissan Versa, Ford Fiesta,
Hyundai Accent, Toyota Yaris, Kia Rio & Chevrolet Sonic. - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
I like the fact that the Honda Fit is the oldest design, by far, but its the best! Goes to show that Honda still knows how to build a small, fun, practical, all-around great small car!
Just picked up a new Honda Fit for 15.4K With auto, AC and other nice extras
How did it turn out?
If you want 'pep', go for a manual transmission, not a bigger engine! In small cars like these, the automatic gearbox can't do much except add excess weight, reduce performance, and worsen fuel economy.
And in most cases, worse reliability.
Sooo the best subcompact would be a used Fit.
I have a 2010 Fit and it sits outside and it starts fine everytime for the last 2 1/2 years. It gets pretty cold here (Wisconsin). Always turns over within 2 seconds.
watching this in 2023, looking for a subcompact hatch in the States, where they're all mostly discontinued. Amazing how the used prices for these are almost the same as when new.
Over 5 months of sub-compact car shopping, I researched and test drove almost all of these and bought the 2012 Fit Sport manual. It wasn't the cheapest, or fastest, or had the most bang for your buck. Interior versatility was awesome, handling was fun, average mpgs are much higher than epa, resale value was top notch, and reliability will be bulletproof. (if my 16 YO hard daily driven Prelude is any indication)
more people like the hatchbacks because they are generally more economical, smaller on the outside, easier to drive, have more cargo room (when the seats are folded down), and are better for city driving. I would always buy a hatchback over a sedan.
Not me like the look of a sedan better. Plus, they are quieter inside while driving.
Quoting prices without including Delivery/Destination seems pretty duplicitous. The fee itself is bigger than the difference in price between least and most expensive...
The Nissan Versa out sells ALL subcompacts by a lot. The Versa out sells the Hyundai Accent by double figures & the Toyota Yaris by Quadruple figures.
the nissan versa NOTE is way better than these cars here.
Nope... CVT problems with Nissan. They don't make good transmissions.
@@lattilatti6441 It's a Renault shitter.
Wish they shared thoughts on the other cars tested.
+1. Is it because the testers lumped together the Mazda2 and the Fiesta then decided the latter would represent both? They're a lot different from each other mind you.
Here in 2021 I'm looking roughly for a 2012. 😆 I am looking at the Honda Fit.
Buy a 2013 and upwards model. Mine has has better sound isolation, stabilisator rods in front and back and ESP. At least my 2013 made in the UK has.
I own a 2013 Kia Rio LX+ and love it. It's fun to drive good on gas and very practical for long rides with the family . Motoring 2013 had it in the same position 2 place behind the Honda Fit.....maybe next year the Rio will take top honors.
I am looking at a new LX base model. how has it been?
Where is the Mazda2? It's the most fun-to-drive in this class and arguably the best looking (I think).
I think you're right. Honda and Toyota shoppers tend to have tunnel vision when it comes to their pet brands, and there's still this lingering assumption that those two brands will be just a little bit better in the small-to-medium category. I don't care how fun and roomy a Honda Fit is, I will not own a car that is so noisy on the highway that it gives you tinnitus for an hour afterwards. And the Toyota Yaris? A tarted-up Echo.
I'm glad this test was done with a mixture of hatchbacks and sedans. I am surprised that Honda has not come out with a sedan version of the Fit. The same with the Mazda 2.
Charles allen jr we got the Mazda 2 sedan in Australia for a while but it sold poorly
My ranking of these cars:
#1. Honda Fit
#2. Chevrolet Sonic
#3. Ford Fiesta
#4. Hyundai Accent
#5. Kia Rio
#6. Toyota Yaris
#7. Nissan Versa
Thank you Motorweek, this video have enlighten me to lean more on the KIA Rio Sedan and Hyundai Accent. My final decision between the 2 models will be based on my daily gas expenses, average quarterly maintenance cost, resale value after 5 years, insurance and monthly car payments.
I did not test drive the Honda Fit because of several reasons.
#1 - It is the highest priced of the cars we looked at.
#2 - I don't like the look, it looks like a low slung wagon with oversized windows.
#3 - I had my heart set on the Hyundai Accent but the dealer would not deal off sticker telling me there is only $200 profit in that car so no dealing.
#4 - With 4 full size adults I decided even that little extra room with the Versa was worth it, The FIT is fine but the Versa is big car for low$
i like how it looks compared to the sonic, rio, and fiesta hatchbacks
The Versa was mentioned as being the least expensive car in America, but this video didn't make it out to be a big deal since I assume it had an automatic trans. You can get the manual trans and manual windows with A/C for $11,000. No other car can touch that. And it's rather roomy, too. Yeah, it's a little ugly, though.
Don't forget the warranties on this stuff. Kia and Hyundai have huge warranties compared to Honda and most others.
The dash on that Rio reminds me of a 96-00 or 01-05 Civic. Very simple, looks nice.
Went with what I thought was the CLEAR winner here, the 2013 Accent GS.
Outstanding. Honda's Fit was an 11 year old design competing against these other manufacturers and still won this comparison. This is why I still have my '08 Fit with 213k miles and love it.
I noticed that in the current sub-compact class that the hatchback versions sell more than their sedan counterparts. I'm curious to see what percentage of sales is for the hatchback version and what percentage of sales is from the sedan versions. For some reason I see more of the hatchbacks than I see the sedans on the road.
I think you should also mention that the Toyota Yaris is the newest design.
I did look at the Kia Rio but as you saw from the video the rear seat leg room is a little tight but as a substitute for the Accent, it was very tempting. The Nissan guy really wanted my business though, he took the $16,000 sticker down to $14,600 & then gave me another $1,600 more for my old trade & then threw down a free 7-Year 100,000 mile powertrain warranty free with the deal so with all that it was hard to say no. Bear in mind I was not looking for a sports car & am not an auto enthusiast.
How did the Nissan work out for you?
Well to be honest, the whole comparison was centered around $16k or less. Any new "subcompact" of any shape/configuration could have entered
Whatever car you like you have to admit one thing: the subcompact class is WAY better than what it used to be......Just to add, I bought a Chevy Sonic not too long ago :D
Good to know! Does the long dip down to get in and out a strain on your lower back? I've experienced that getting in/out of Towncar taxis while my Durango was in the shop last october.
I Would choose the Kia Rio
Tom4atkinson, good point! I can fit in most cars once I'm in there, but you know climbing in and out strains the back, which is why I got an SUV
I own a 2012 and whenever people ride in the back they're fine, it has a high roof, the Fit really does has so much room on the inside, especially compared to an accent which is puny on the inside.
You guys should also talk about what made other cars fall behind, like the fiesta with all its hype and everyone saying how great it is, bla bla bla, Im surprised to find for once it didn't make it, but why?
Wanted to hear about the yaris...
I watched a bunch of these comparison videos, where the Honda Fit always won. I bought a Honda Fit and love it! I see why it always won.
I was only interested in buying a small new car for the fuel economy and low price. However, stepping down from a larger car, I wanted something comfortable and roomy too. The Versa fit my wants and needs the best, even if it's the blandest with the cheapest interior. As long as it holds up with time, I'm I'll be pleased.
I think I need to drive a Fit. I'm sorry, but being an outsider looking in on the Fit, I just can't see myself driving one and liking it. I like the looks, but it just looks to me like it would tip over if I drove it "Like I stole it." I think I would buy the Rio as well.
the accent looks swoopy but the yaris looks more sharp, both are nice but i think i prefer the yaris and its sharper front end
But does it's track record indicate it'll still be humming down the road in 20 yrs and 250k miles later? I'm leaning Rio & Accent, BTW.
In retrospective, no lol. In used condition years later, this list would look very different.
the fiesta has way more features than any of those cars. also where was the mazda 2. I also cant believe they put chevy in the 4th spot when they consistently make crap.
Where was the Mazda2? That would definitely made the top 4, probably second only to the Honda.
Id have to agree with you, well if the Sonic has the 1.4t. With the 1.8 Id go up two classes and get a Camry or Malibu.
Did you test drive the Fit against the Versa? If yes, what did you like better about the Fit and what did you like better about the Versa?
I was expecting to see my 2012 Fit in the #1 place there :)
There is something sporty about a Kia Rio! Nice car!
I think for a better comparison test you should cover up the badges for consumer testers.
If this was 2009, the Fit would have definitely won but it's an old platform at the highest end of the price range with pretty dismal fuel economy compared to its competition. Storage capabilities still offer great utility but in that part of the country it's the Honda badge, not the car, that wins with consumers.
Ford fiesta should have been top 3.
Yeah, no... I can't see myself putting the Honda Fit in 1st place let alone in the top 4.
I doubt you can find a Cygnet for under $16K
I would love to see someone over 6 feet tall like myself to try to get in these subcompacts!
I am six one and I fit in the rear seat of my grandsons Chevy Spark just fine. When I got in behind him, he said wait pap I can move the seat forward, and I told him no need I am fine. And I was. very roomy and rides just fine. My wife and I were really surprised we like it so much.
@@scrambler69-xk3kv cool 😎 👌
The Kia Rio is my favorite!
I have a Sonic Hatchback
I like it so far
I would choose the Honda Fit.
Has anyone test-driven a Kia Rio vs. a Honda Fit as I will be buying a used car for under 10k in the near future, and I think these are the two at the top of my list with Hyundai Accent a distant 3rd?
BTW, cheaper does not mean better. 3 different guys I know had breakdowns with the versa, from water pump to engine failure. You get what you paid as the old saying goes. If these comments help, just stay away from the versa!!!!!
The way these cars look, I'd rather get something used, with close to the same mpg, that I like.
Dont buy the Fit if youre looking for a car that will be good and reliable in cold-ish weather. My grandmas always comes home with a full battery and in the morning starts with a full battery but it cranks to slow and too long even in -10c weather. My moms Jetta diesel starts up like summer in -20!
no mazda 2?
Absolutely. The American brands were not going to fair well with a southern cal couple. As soon as they see the badge they think of the crap Ford and Chevy used to put out 15 years ago.
If the Yaris wasn't complete garbage it would have made the top 5 with these people no doubt.
I wonder how the Mitzu Mirage would've fair against the pack
Let me ask you this: Would you apply that same thing to the current compact car class? (The ones that have both a hatchback version and sedan version.) example: Hyundai Elantra, Ford Focus, Kia Forte, Mazda3, Volkswagen Jetta/Golf.
I bought a 2014 Elantra new and Hyundai replaced the engine under warranty at 50,000 miles. You would never know there was a problem were it not for the check engine light. Scanned and it said misfire cylinder four. turns out it had lost just enough compression to trigger the light. Had to pay a 400.00- dollar copay I'm assuming that was for labor.
i think the yaris is the best actually
Wheres the Aston Martin Cygnet ?
Yay Honda.
I’ve always wonder… do the family or the couples that participates in all of these keep the winning car?
But will it last? That and the Accent are what I'm leaning to, but I'm a bit afraid of their lack of a track record.
Yes im replying to your 8 year old comment lol. I'm already seeing those Korean cars in the junkyards. The yaris, which didnt even make the top 4 in this video, sells used today for only a couple grand less than they were new
@@GlacialLake Same with the Honda Fits too. 10 year old low mile examples are trading hands for only a couple grand less than original MSRP. That fact alone tells you what kind of cars they are vs the others.
@@yahmutha Yeah I know. I hear such great things about the fits. I'm almosted tempted to buy one if I see it come up at a fair price.
I like my hyundai. It's a 2014 accent hatch. Alot of room and it runs really good for me beating the shit out of it. Wasn't expensive (to me) 17,918 out the door only put 1400 down and has a bad ass warranty. Not much more u can ask for. Oh and I've got it to 138 mph and dragged it at Irwindale at a time of 10.8 1/8 mile. My buddy has a sonic and I feel my car has alot of room camped to his and it's a little quicker.
+joseph pinela I hope it had every option and you added a turbo. We bought a brand new Subaru for a grand more than that.
+djkenny no. no turbo and no sunroof. what state? I'm in California
Buying econo style, I would stick with base model that might have AC. We bought a brand new Forester in CA, San Jose of all places, for 20k. It just seems too close in cost to a much higher level vehicle. Not saying Hyundai is bad. They are very good cars. But I could negotiate a base model Hyundai Elantra for about 16 grand after some hammering with the dealer. It takes effort, and prep, and sticking to your guns.. but over 15k for an Accent that might be worth 8 grand in a year?
Rio ftw.
my choice:
1.chevrolet sonic
2.honda fit
3.toyota yaris
4.ford fiesta
5.nissan versa
6.hyundai accent/kia rio
the sonic, rio, fiesta come in a hatch you should be testing all hatches or all sedans be hatches and sedans are extremely different it terms of weight, cargo, visability etc its like apples and oranges.... bad test
Suzuki should bring the Swift!!!
Aren't they making that one in Mexico?
3:10
Echotec.
Tehehe.
Spend a little more on the sonic and you've got a lot nicer of a car. Mine had a sticker price of 18,900 and it has tons of cool features including chevys mylink system.
how're those recalls treating you
robert hoffman Sonics currently don't have any recalls because they are designed by GMs Korea division and they have they're shit together.
Josh Stafford that was regarding the fellow's comment on his corvette...
Josh Stafford They did have recalls.
Luis Torres I'm a service writer at a Chevy dealership. Chevrolet Sonics currently do not have any recalls.
Why not offer some opinions on the other three, simply excluding them tells me nothing about them. Give me some reasons why you didn't like them.
Hmm, No Mazda2. Funnest in class!
Honda Fit ❤
you can get a new sonic for 14-15,000. But it does have an original price tag of a lot more. Not sure but I think it's around 18,000. I paid 20,000 for my sonic because if I'm going to buy a cheap shitty car I'm buying the most expensive one that they make. lol.
What happened to the Versa and Yaris? 🙄
Exactly what I was thinking. 😝
the price is rising by the minute I notice..
if honda could make the fit as great but also good looking, it would be an unstoppable success, i think the only reason the fit is not at the top of every buyers list is because it looks SO bad.. which makes you wonder why would honda not make it attractive and have the ultimate subcompact?
i like the aveo better then the sonic
Thanks buddy! I guess my 6'4 ass will stick with my 13MPG '04 Hemi V8 Dodge Durango
I looked at the Sonic. I thought the styling was ugly and gaudy. I loved the Accent, but too expensive. Rio had really hard, flat seat. Fiesta was too cramped and too expensive. Fit was too expensive and looks like a baby's shoe. Ended up with the doughy looking, but very affordable and economical Versa. Cavernous interior. Comfortable seat. Low engine noise. I was sold.
If I had to choose I'd pick the Versa for the reason you said but would then decide against it since it scores poorly on the IIHS crash test.
TheCobruhAlienat0r It got top safety ratings for all categories except small front overlap test. Some subcompacts did better. Others did worse. It's still a good choice with everything considered. So far reliability with mine has been good now at 46k miles too.
palebeachbum
Well the hatchback only has an acceptable rating for two of the most important test. I'd rather go with a Honda Civic since its IIHS top safety pick.
We must be looking at different sources because it received a "good", the top rating, in all categories except small overlap test from IIHS. Civic is a larger and more expensive car (compact), while the cars in this review are subcompacts. So yes, Civic is safer.
That's because Hyundai owns Kia
Too bad because the Fit will still be driving in 15 years and the rest won't. Versa is a good 2nd choice though.
No thank you. I dont want a car with a CVT, ugly styling, a noisy engine, and I dont want a Nissan.
its not economical and cost saving if its not reliable and need alot of fixing erhh hem versa erhem American car
Did anyone else notice the terrible paint job on the Fit? 5:53
Can I have the Rio, the fit is hideous and yaris is well yawn!
The Ford Fiesta is too ahead of its time for this test It’s not wonder it didn’t make it into this couple top 4, which btw is really stupid that don’t even mention the vehicles.
With that being said if these people are really on a budget they should really go for the Versa, it’s the only car here that makes financial sense. For 16k you minus well spend a tiny bit more and get a compact.
Didnt
ANYONE who pays, or PAID that much for these cars.. #1 they over optioned (keep a cheap car, CHEAP)#2 they did not know you can pay less than MSRP. In 2016 model related #'s...Fit? 15k (avoid navigation and all that crap, there is Garmin), Versa?, 12k.. (go base.. or don't buy.. or just barely 1 model higher, with AC... and keep it no more than 13k), Fiesta? I would not buy a Ford if you care about longevity, Accent? 12 grand should be a ice middle of the road one.. not 16k. Yaris? Base model, PERIOD. No more than 12 and a half grand. Rio? PASS. Sonic? Again, if you care about long term longevity.. stay away.
I do pay attn, they are not nearly as common or trustworthy than a Toyota, Subaru, Honda, etc.
The Rio, I change my statement.. it would be the best deal of the Lot
agree to disagree
Another $16k test but none of these cost $16k. You may be able to have a dealer find a stripped out version but it still costs more than $16k. Sonic is ok fiesta is a step below. All sonics ive seen cost $19k and thats with roll up windows. Drives good but they need to fix the tail lights. Peppy and ok to drive. When buying subcompact buy japanese or korean. Americans still sell style over substance and they are lower quality and americans still dont give a shit about small cars. Ok job but.....
You need to learn to Bargain. I got a Rio, new, for 11 grand OTD.
I came here to learn something about the Versa, but I guess I’m out of luck. Why even include cars that you’re not going to mention? Waste of time.
Not sustainable politically?
that WILL be the record-shattering cold day in Hell when a member of either major party (or anyone else on the planet, for that matter) can successfully dictate to me which mode of transportation I desire to own/drive, so long as it is legal and I can afford it.
Didn't say shit about the fiesta.
Its simply amazing how 🤔 much of a selection of cars we could choose from back then. All of them are gone. The Fit lived on in platform under the last Generation HRV and i liked the Yaris for its simplicity of maintenance. I will not miss the Versa and Fiesta for example because of their bad cvt and automatic transmissions.