Honda Civic or Accord (depending on how small you want)
or Toyota Corolla.
I don't know if it's typical or something the OP would be concerned about, but I rented a 2010 Corolla this summer for two weeks. The driver's seat was very cramped and illfitting. Taking it down to the lowest setting, I still sat up too high in it, imo. Felt like I was going to smack the visor. I had it pushed back and as low as it could go too.
(read the instructions to ensure this) Didn't help when my back started to spasm the last 4-5 days I drove the thing.
Back seat was awesome for booster use in a small car and I could see 3 kids fitting back there. Peppy, lots of get up and go... but it didn't make up for radiating pain from driving. Longest time I drove at a pop was only 45 minutes. That was bad enough. Driving longer would have been impossible.
I also could never figure out where the darned thing ended in the front for parking. Visibility was troublesome, especially out the sides & rear. I was very unimpressed with the entire experience and the driver's seat was miserable.
My mom liked the front passenger's seat. :shrug-shoulders:
A few years back, I rented a
Mazda 3 for 2 weeks in 2009. Now that was an awesome small car. :thumbsup: Tall Adults fit in the back seat on each side of dd's booster. Driver's position had lots of adjustments & was very comfortable. Lots of get up and go on hills at interstate speeds -- wonderful economy of gas. I'd look into one of those again in a heartbeat.