11 New Cars that are Small, Cheap and Safe

2011 looks to be a year of sea change in the automotive industry, with more buyers selecting smaller cars over the traditional favorite of mid-sided automobiles thanks to high fuel prices.

But just because you select a smaller car doesn’t mean you have to buy one that isn’t safe. Forbes recently compiled list of small, cheap and safe vehicles, using the results of crash testing conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

All of the cars scored high ratings in crash testing, which translates to lower car insurance premiums, and none of them cost more than $20,000.

Here are 11 new cars that are small, fuel-efficient, safe and reasonably priced:

Chevrolet Cruze

2012 Chevrolet Cruze (General Motors)

We said earlier this year that the Cruze represented General Motors finally getting the small car formula figured out. It’s a high-quality small car on par with the competition offered by the Japanese, light-years beyond the Chevrolet Cobalt it replaced.

It also features fantastic fuel-economy, with the Cruze Eco boasting an EPA estimated 42 mpg in highway driving. Pricing starts at a reasonable $16,720.

Chevrolet Sonic

2012 Chevrolet Sonic (General Motors)

Just as the Cruze represented a tremendous step forward over the model it replaced, the Sonic does as well – it replaced the lackluster Chevrolet Aveo. Make no mistake, Chevrolet has a real competitor here to choices like the Honda Fit.

Available in both hatchback and sedan configurations, the Sonic offers class-leading horsepower and still returns respectable fuel economy. It was also named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. Pricing starts at just $13,735.

Fiat 500

2012 Fiat 500. (fiatusa.com)

When Fiat took control of Chrysler, the natural next step was to reintroduce the Fiat brand back in the market here in the United States. The Fiat 500 is the first of the Italian automaker’s offerings to debut in the U.S.

Even smaller than the Mini Cooper, the Fiat 500 still received the IIHS designation as a top safety pick. And it offers a grand Italian style on the small car segment that sets it apart from all others. MSRP for the Fiat 500 starts at $15,500.

Ford Fiesta

2012 Ford Fiesta (Ford)

After going missing for many years from the U.S. market, Ford has reintroduced the Fiesta, and its European origins remain intact. Crisp handling and a peppy powerplant are combined with a high-quality build, making this small car an excellent choice.

And it’s also a car that offers a ton of “fun to drive” quotient, too. Available as both a sedan and a hatchback, the Ford Fiesta starts at a modest $13,200.

Ford Focus

2012 Ford Focus (Ford)

Make no mistake, we were highly disappointed when Ford took the step to diverge the American version of the Focus from the one offered in Europe. It just wasn’t anywhere near the same car. Those days are over, and once again, American consumers can buy one of the best small cars on the market – a true “world-class” performer.

We’re still waiting for the introduction of the go-fast ST model, which offers performance unlike any competitor in this class, but buyers will find a large selection of trims available, as well as both sedan and hatchback versions. Ford is even introducing a plug-in electric model later this year, and the Super Fuel Economy (SFE) model offers 40 mpg in highway driving. Pricing on the 2012 Ford Focus starts at $16,500.

Honda Civic

2012 Honda Civic (Honda)

The 2012 Honda Civic met with a bit of a mixed reaction from much of the automotive press. Consumer Reports went as far as saying that it simply wasn’t as good as the outgoing version it replaced.

But there’s still a lot to like about the Civic, even if American competitors offer higher fuel economy and better creature comforts at a lower price. Buyers will find a wide range of configurations and trim levels, including a hybrid model. MSRP on the 2012 Honda  Civic starts at $16,605.

Honda Fit

2012 Honda Fit (Honda)

Unlike the Civic, it’s hard to find fault with the 2012 Honda Fit. There’s still no competitor that matches the sheer wealth of interior space and utility, even if there are faster ones that match or exceed the sheer fun to drive element and offer better fuel-economy.

Offered in multiple trim levels in a single body style, Honda has plans to introduce an electric version with the 2013 model year. MSRP on the 2012 Honda Fit starts at $15,175.

Honda Insight

2012 Honda Insight (Honda)

The Honda Insight is the cheapest hybrid available in the United States. However, buyers shouldn’t expect it to return Toyota Prius levels of fuel economy, with EPA estimated fuel economy of 41 mpg in city driving, 44 mpg on the highway. But it is substantially cheaper than the Prius.

And it isn’t just fuel-economy that sees the Insight trailing the Prius – the ride and handling aren’t quite to the same level of refinement, either. But buyers can take solace in an MSRP that starts at an unheard of $18,350, which makes it a bargain compared to the Toyota offering.

Kia Forte

2012 Kia Forte (Kia.com)

When Korean automaker Kia arrived on the scene in the United States, it was synonymous with cheap, low-quality cars. Those days are long gone, and the Korean automaker now offers high-quality automobiles, and the prices are still quite reasonable.

The Forte represents just how far Kia has come, and it’s offered in sedan, coupe and hatchback forms with multiple trim levels. It’s still not quite to the level of refinement of Japanese and domestic offerings, but there aren’t a lot of complaints to be made. MSRP of the Kia Forte starts at $15,200.

Kia Soul

2012 Kia Soul (kia.com)

In terms of quirky appeal, the Kia Soul punches all the right buttons, as it looks like nothing else on the road. And it comes with one of the longest warranties in the business, so buyers can be assured that any issues will be addressed.

Offered in multiple trim levels and just the wagon configuration, if fun to drive and quirky looks appeal to you, the Soul may find a place in your driveway. It’s also a relative bargain, with MSRP starting at just $13,900.

Mazda 3

2012 Mazda 3 (mazdausa.com)

Buyers will find the Mazda 3 offered as both a hatchback and a sedan, but we’re bigger fans of both the look and utility of the hatchback version. But either way, Mazda has built a car that’s a mix of good looks, high-utility and impressive fuel-economy.

The ride is a bit harsh compared to some of the competition, but that’s a trade off for being so tossable and responsive on the road. The car is equipped with a long list of creature comforts, and typical Mazda quality is present, as always. MSRP of the 2012 Mazda 3 starts at $15,200 for the sedan.

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