2012 Honda Fit

It's rare when you find a car that combines driving pleasure, great fuel economy, and utility at a price that makes it seem like an incredible bargain. Granted, the Fit is quite small, but its high roof gives it the look and feel of a small minivan. The rear Magic Seat folds eight ways to Sunday and, combined with that high roof, creates a versatile cargo area that measures 57.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats -- more than in the Crosstour. The Fit's 117-hp, 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine isn't overly powerful, but it is willing to rev and is efficient, returning up to 35 mpg on the highway. It can be paired with either a manual or an automatic transmission, both with five forward speeds. The Sport model has steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters that help you get the most out of the automatic. The suspension provides confidence and fun on twisty back roads, albeit at the expense of some highway ride comfort. The Fit is one of a wave of subcompacts that show that just because a car is practical and inexpensive doesn't mean it can't be fun to drive.