With fuel prices steadily increasing, more people are looking for alternative ways to save on gas without sacrificing their need for speed. One of the most popular car alternatives today is the compact car – they offer great value, come with various useful features, and provide exceptional fuel efficiency that makes them perfect for everyday use. Let’s learn more about the history of compact cars together with GoodCar and find out the best compact cars of 2024!
What is Considered a Compact Car?
To start off, what is a compact car, and what does compact car mean? The compact car meaning is a car that is smaller than your usual automobile but also more fuel efficient and, traditionally, less expensive. A compact car typically has an overall length ranging from about 161 inches to 187 inches. The width of a compact car generally ranges from about 65 inches to 71 inches. These dimensions can vary slightly depending on the specific make and model of the vehicle. It’s a great option for those looking for a smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicle. While compact cars have been around for decades, they have gained popularity recently as gas prices have risen.
There are many types of compact cars on the market, so it is important to do your research to find the right one. Here are some things to consider when shopping for an economy or a compact car:
- Fuel economy: One of the main reasons people choose compact cars is that they are more fuel-efficient than larger ones. When comparing fuel economy, be sure to look at both city and highway mileage.
- Size: Compact cars are, well, compact! This means they may not have as much interior space as a larger car. If you plan on carrying passengers or cargo frequently, ensure the compact car you’re considering has enough room to meet your needs. There are small compact cars and larger ones, but none are quite as large as an SUV or minivan.
- Price: Compact cars tend to be less expensive than larger vehicles, which makes them a great option for budget-minded shoppers. However, keep in mind that price shouldn’t be the only factor you consider when making your decision – be sure to also look at things like fuel economy and size to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.
History of the Compact Car
The modern compact car is a product of twentieth-century engineering, and its history is a story of the response to evolving consumer needs. The first generation of compact cars was introduced in the early 1920s in response to the growing demand for more fuel-efficient vehicles. These early models were smaller than their predecessors but retained many features that made them popular among consumers.
Compact cars became increasingly popular in the years following World War II, as they offered consumers a more affordable alternative to larger vehicles. This popularity continued into the 1950s and 1960s, as Americans began to prefer smaller, more fuel-efficient cars. By the 1970s, however, larger cars had regained favor among many Americans, and compact car sales began to decline.
It wasn't until the late 1990s that compact cars once again became popular among American consumers. In response to rising fuel prices and concerns about environmental sustainability, many drivers began to look for more fuel-efficient vehicles. Today, compact cars are one of the most popular choices among new car buyers, and their popularity is expected to grow in the coming years.
What Is The Best Compact Car?
The current compact car landscape is filled with a bevy of great choices. In terms of some of the top examples available for 2024, the Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Volkswagen GTI, Hyundai Veloster N, and Toyota Corolla all have something to say.
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is one of the best 2024 compact cars, continuing its legacy as a favorite among small-car shoppers. For 2024, the Civic gets an updated look inside and out, along with a few new features. Under the hood is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 180 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque.
Front-wheel drive is standard, and while all-wheel drive is not available, the Civic offers impressive handling and performance. The SE, EX, and Touring trims are all available with the six-speed manual transmission, while the CVT is optional on those models and standard on the Sport trim. The 2024 Civic combines style, performance, and versatility, solidifying its position as one of the best compact cars in the market.
Along with its sleek new styling, the 2024 Civic comes packed with standard safety features like adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, lane departure warning, and more. Prices start at $22,000 for the base model LX sedan and go up to $29,000 for the fully loaded Touring trim.
Mazda 3
The Mazda 3 was completely redesigned in 2020 and continues to impress among 2024 compact cars. It's available in both sedan and hatchback body styles (the latter being our personal favorite), and power comes from a 186-horsepower 2.5 -liter four-cylinder engine backed by either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic.
The Mazda 3 comes standard with many creature comforts like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. The base model starts at $22,000 and tops out at just under $31.000 for the fully loaded Premium Plus hatchback.
Volkswagen GTI
The Volkswagen GTI stands out as one of the best compact cars, combining the thrill of the pocket rocket with practical seating for 5 and an array of useful fetures. Power comes from a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque when paired with its seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Available as either a three- or five-door hatchback, the GTI is surprisingly fun to drive and packs plenty of tech features to boot, such as wireless charging and VW's excellent Digital Cockpit display. Pricing starts at $27,995 for the base S trim and maxes out at $40,495 for the Autobahn model.
Hyundai Veloster N
For something a bit different, check out the 2024 Hyundai Veloster N which continues to impress with its feisty turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine delivers an impressive 275 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, which you can send to the front or all four wheels with the help of an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The Veloster also comes with various upgraded tech features like adaptive suspension, launch control, torque vectoring, and more. Prices start at $31,095 for the base model and climb to nearly $34K for the fully loaded variant. While there was no 2023 model, the 2024 Veloster N makes a strong return, solidifying its place among the best compact cars by offering great value and performance for compact car enthusiasts.
Toyota Corolla
Lastly, there's the Toyota Corolla which has long been known as one of the best compact cars for reliability. The 2024 model continues this tradition, with its standard 1.8 - liter four-cylinder engine that makes 139 horsepower and 126 lbs/ft of torque when paired to a CVT transmission.
As a bonus, buyers who opt for higher trim levels can get Toyota's Safety Sense 2.0 suite of active safety systems as standard equipment. The Corolla starts at just $22,050 and goes up to $26,750 for the top-tier XSE trim level before factoring in options like all-wheel drive or package upgrades.
Small Body With A Big Voice
When it comes to the best compact cars, there’s no shortage of options. With advances in technology and engineering coming at a rapid pace, the 2024 year will be no exception! We have highlighted some shining examples of the best 2024 compact cars, that deserve a spot on any potential new cars for this upcoming model year.
These vehicles come with fuel-efficient engines and advanced safety features, giving drivers all the necessary performance without sacrificing convenience or comfort. Now that you know the compact car definition and have some compact car examples, you can judge if these cars are right for you.
If you are in the market for a new ride in 2024, GoodCar encourages you to look into these five gems from today's leading brands. Make sure to use our loan calculator tool before heading to the dealership!
