5 Most Reliable Small Cars

Giulia Nigrini
Giulia Nigrini
Vehicle Service Contract Specialist, Traveler, Car Enthusiast
July 4, 2023
5
min. read
a dark grey toyota corolla from a front view

For anyone living in a city, a small car is really good enough. Even if you take the occasional road trip. When it comes to daily commuting and the best fuel economy there is just no beating a nifty city car. They do their jobs well and are often the best kind of car for new drivers. However, it can be a little daunting on which one to pick for your first car. So we thought we would put together the 5 most reliable small cars that we believe will be a great fit for most first-time drivers.

Small Car Checklist

If you are looking for a reliable small car there are a few things to keep in mind. Small cars tend to have smaller engines and are sometimes made rather cheaply in comparison to their larger counterparts. Especially if you considering a used vehicle, it is important to check everything you can about it. 

Once you have gotten a feel for all these items it is time to take the car for a test drive. Small cars can be difficult to maneuver. Sometimes there are blind spots that are not noticeable from just sitting in the car. It is always best to take the car for a spin to get an optimal understanding of how the drive might be in that particular car. 

What are the 5 Most Reliable Small Cars?

There are so many car options out there that it was a little difficult to select just the 5 most reliable small cars. Nonetheless, we came to the conclusion of these cars are the best options for the majority of small car drivers. 

Honda Civic

The Honda Civic is a compact front-wheel-drive car that offers 4-5 seats and has been a popular choice for quite a few years. The interior is comfortable and of good quality. While the ride is smooth and makes for easy driving even for novice drivers. The fuel economy is also fantastic, for both city and highway driving. The only real downside is that the base engine is lacking a bit in power output. 

Hyundai Elantra

Hyundai Elantra is a fantastic choice for a small or compact car. The car is a front-wheel-drive car with 5 seats. They have lively engines that offer good fuel economy. The infotainment system is also quite good and fairly intuitive. The drawback for these cars is the somewhat cheaply made cabin.

Kia Forte

For an affordable starter vehicle, the Kia Forte is a great choice. The car is also a front-wheel-drive car with a 5-seat arrangement. The cabin is spacious and has decent-quality materials. This makes the overall feel a bit nicer. The trunk is a good size too. The infotainment system is rather standard but an easy-to-use one. The ride is not as smooth as other small vehicles on this list.

Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla has been a popular choice among Americans for many years. It has always been an affordable and reliable small car. This car is another front-wheel-drive car that offers 5 seats. The safety features are brilliant and the cabin is fairly spacious. Though the trunk is considered a little smaller than the other vehicles on this list. However, the ride is comfortable and easy for all drivers.

Ford Fusion

The Ford Fusion can be bought as an all-wheel-drive or front-wheel-drive version. They are spacious on the inside and have decent space for people and cargo. These cars tend to maintain a good resale value as well. For a comfortable daily driver, the Ford Fusion is a fantastic option. Especially for families. 

Think Ahead with Extended Auto Protection

Extended auto protection is the best way to ensure that your vehicle is covered in the event of a mechanical failure. Chaiz is a comparison marketplace for auto protection plans where you can take your time finding the best plan for you. The plans come in three different tiers which are powertrain, powertrain plus, and most comprehensive.

Most of the plans have a 30-day waiting period at the start of the plan. For this reason, we strongly suggest taking out an extended auto protection plan, or vehicle service contract, at least one month before the end of your factory warranty period. 

Is an Extended Auto Protection Worth It?

Repair bills can range between $300 and $5,000 depending on the repairs needed and the vehicle you are driving. Considering that 1 in 3 Americans are not prepared for bills of $600 or more it is safe to say they extended auto protection is likely to be a good option for many people. A vehicle service contract specifically designed to alleviate the stress of car ownership and cover you for parts and labor. Use the Chaiz search tool to find a vehicle service contract best suited to your car and your driving needs.

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