Best small car?

[kdkm]

I am thinking about upgrading from my 99 Escort to something new at the end of the year. I definitely want something small (when I drive my dad's Camry, it feels like tank!). I also want something that has minimal road noise and lots of visibility. I don't have kids and don't need a lot of trunk space. Most of my driving will be city with the occasional highway trip thrown in. Gas mileage doesn't matter. The cheaper, the better price wise. Safety is obviously a concern of mine and I want something that will last 10+ years.

The two I am considering so far are the Chevy Spark and Ford Fiesta. Any input on these two or other suggestions?

 

[SafeDad]

If safety is a big concern, I'd definitely consider moving up to a compact car. Honda Civic, Ford Focus and Chevrolet Cruze all do well in crash test safety with the added benefit of a little more mass than sub compacts.

 

[Patriot201]

I drive a Honda Civic (I'm on my second one and will likey get a third when it is time to get a new car) and have been very happy with the visibility and safety of the car.

 

[kdkm]

Thank you for the suggestions. I was just thinking about a Civic today. I will probably have to go test drive a few to see what I like. I will check out the Cruze and Focus too!

 

[cake...]

I really love my Nissan Sentra. The Nissan Versa is also really nice. My dh works for a car rental agency and gets to drive pretty much every car out there, and the Versa is his favorite compact.

 

[sm1982]

I have a Versa and I love it. It's a hatchback so the inside feels really roomy compared to the size of the car. I don't think I'll ever go back to a 4-door sedan, I love the open cabin and larger windows you get with a hatch.

 

[katymyers]

I drove a Civic in high school which I loved, I would still drive one if I had half as many kids lol. My niece drives a Honda Fit which is also pretty nice, I really liked it. And something else to consider is maybe a Mazda3, DH is pining after one so we've kinda been looking at them and I'm really impressed, they're nice little cars.

 

[hertweck]

I have a Mazda3 and love it. I went with it because I could get it in a manual transmission.

 

[Kibou]

I also drive a nissan versa..sedan... the cheapest car on the market... we payed 13500 out of the door new nearly a year ago...

I really like it and hate that it is not wide enough for three carseats so we need to replace it before #3 arrives at new year..

I mostly drive in our small town....between grocery store and school and back and still keep mpg around 30 in average...

 

[2BunniesMommy]

I know you said you weren't real concerned about gas mileage but I have to say that I love my 2010 Honda Insight.

 

[rosey2007]

Check out a Hyundai Elantra. I've owned 2 of them and really liked them.