Need Recommendations For Small Car

I second the Nissan Versa idea -- that's what I drive.

I prefer small, fuel-efficient cars. I test drove the Honda Fit and Nissan Versa (plus the regular and hybrid Honda Civics and the Toyota Yaris, though I wanted a hatchback and the Yaris only had a 2 door hatchback so it wasn't really an option) and I brought my Britax Wizard with me on test drives. IMHO, the Britax Wizard was easier to install and fit more tightly more readily in the Nissan Versa. Since it was also a bigger backseat and I hoped to do 3 across to carpool, that's what I bought.

I also understand that the Versa has the best crash test ratings overall for cars of its size. I've heard rather negative things about the Aveo for crash results and re-sale value, but I wasn't seriously considering that car, so don't quote me on it.

Just yesterday, I succeeded in getting 3 seats across in my Versa: FF Safeguard GO on the passenger side (LATCH); FF Britax Wizard center (seatbelt); FF Radian 80 on the driver side (LATCH).

I can also easily fit the Radian 80 RF on the passenger side of the Versa. The backseat is SO LARGE compared to my old Ford Escort wagon. Adult passengers can easily and comfortably fit in the rear seat of this car. They accomplished this by making the cargo area much smaller, so be aware. I can fit my umbrella stroller or my Phil & Ted's double back there, but some strollers definitely wouldn't fit. (I load my groceries ON TOP OF and around my umbrella stroller, which just lives in the car. Actually, it holds bags in place quite well. )

I hope that helps. I'd at least look at the Versa if I were you.

--willo

We're looking at Pontiac Grand Am, Chevy Impala or Chevy Malibu. 1999-2003 range of years. Any immediate shout outs of these cars being bad for car seats?

We've got a Marathon now, but I expect we'll get a EFTA soon as well. Do any of these work well with the EFTA rear-facing?

Are you getting a used car? They updated the Aveo, but the old one was pretty crappy. It was just a Daewoo that they slapped a Chevy badge on, and it wasn't even a good Daewoo (is there a good Daewoo?). After I got one as a loaner, my opinion of it is even lower than car mags and online reviews. Never checked out the current Aveo.

Honda Fit is awesome. Only problem is it's kinda pricey. SHould be able to get a better deal on it now though, since the 09 is a totally new design (and even better). For a while, you could get a Civic for cheaper than a Fit cuz the Fit was in such high demand. Cobalt is a relatively nice driver, but the interior is still cheap rental car.

The Versa is a great alternative to teh Fit. I prefer the Fit, but that's more of a personal preference thing. Especially in the looks department. I've always leaned more towards Hondas over the other Japanese companies (even tho lately, Hondas and Acuras have been beat with the ugly stick at various levels). But I'd take a Versa over a Cobalt.