7 of the Best AWD Cars Under $40,000

  • Jason Unrau

When the snow and ice start hitting the roads, you can't hibernate with your family for the rest of the winter. You have to find a way to get around despite the awful road conditions. If you don't want an SUV, or to break the bank, you might consider one of these best AWD cars under $40,000.

True, a new AWD car is more expensive than your beater Honda Civic or trashed 2002 Chevy Malibu. But when you think about what you’re saving – your insurance deductible, potential injuries, collision repairs, and an “I told you so” from your mother – springing for a new all-wheel drive sedan doesn’t seem that bad after all.

While not as common as SUVs, AWD cars are around. It narrows your shopping scope, yet you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it earlier. Here are our top eight choices for best AWD cars under $40,000.

2018 Subaru WRX STi

Leading the pack in notoriety is the 2018 Subaru WRX STi. It’s a dominating rally-racetrack monster, destroying the competition regularly. That speaks to its incredible traction capabilities, almost solely based on the Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) AWD system. It’s standard equipment on every Subaru WRX STi. And for just over $35,000, you can have it for yourself.

We’re talking a 305-horsepower turbocharged BOXER 2.5-liter. A close-ratio six-speed manual transmission makes it even more fun to drive, while Active Torque Vectoring and Vehicle Dynamics Control keep the 2018 STi moving in the direction you point it. The one thing that might not be your cup of tea is the sport-centric interior, including tightly-bolstered Recaro seats.

2018 Dodge Charger GT AWD

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If you want more space than a compact sedan offers, the 2018 Dodge Charger is a nice option. There’s plenty of space for five people comfortably inside, and there’s decent trunk space also. But amenities are secondary to function when you’re looking for the best AWD cars, so let’s switch gears to performance.

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The 2018 Dodge Charger GT AWD is one of the best AWD cars you should highly consider. Its 300-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 can be a bit much to control in the winter as a rear-wheel drive. Adding AWD to the Charger is a $2,000 option, but it’s a good investment. You’re not going to be rally racing with the Charger SXT but it will be a safe, secure AWD sedan year-round for $31,995.

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Points: 22.0000 Recency: -3.0 -1.0%Chrysler 300: Check Out the Big, American Sedan
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The Best Sports Cars Under $100K

  • Jason Unrau

High-performance cars are getting pricey, but the average enthusiast would be more interested in the fastest sports cars under 100k.

The cost of a sports car has increased substantially over the past few decades. For example, a 1970 Dodge Charger RT with the Hemi 426 was originally $4,359. You simply can’t get in the game for anywhere close to that kind of money.

For a powerful, popular sports car these days, you’re lucky to get a standout for under $100,000. It's not going to get you the fastest car in the world, but you can get a great affordable sports car for that amount of money.

Here are the best sports cars under 100K out this year.

Porsche 911 Carrera 4

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There’s something just simply magical about a Porsche. It doesn’t have to be full of convenience and comfort. It doesn’t have to pack the meanest punch under the hood. A Porsche is one of the most well-rounded sports cars because it is the whole package, and the Porsche 911 Carrera 4 is just that. It has a rear-engine V-6 design with 350 horsepower, mated to a 7-speed manual transmission and an all-wheel-drive system that sticks to the road like Velcro.

You aren’t breaking land speed records with the Carrera 4, but you’re going to enjoy the drive immensely. You’ll nimbly hold tight in every turn, accelerate with gusto, brake, steer, and shift with the finest of controls, and be hugged in a well-appointed interior. Best of all, you’ll be in a Porsche for under $100,000.

Dodge Viper SRT Coupe

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If you tried to draw an equivalent of the 1970 Dodge Charger to a modern vehicle, this would be it. The Dodge Viper is a high-horsepower engine in an aggressive-looking body designed strictly for one purpose: go fast.

The Dodge Viper SRT Coupe has an 8.4-liter V-10 engine pushing 645 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque. It’s capable of straight-line acceleration from 0-60 miles per hour in the low 3-seconda range and has a monstrous top speed of 206 miles per hour. While the exterior is getting a little aged, still embodying the bulbous look from its early years in the mid-nineties, it still looks sexy enough to want one. If you want one of the fastest sports cars under 100k, the Viper SRT is a top choice.

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Make no mistake – the Dodge Viper SRT Coupe isn’t your luxury coupe with a base price of $87,895. It has the power features you need but that’s about it. It’s all about what it can do on the road and track.

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Efficient and Stylish: These Are the 10 Best Compact Cars

  • Robbie Clark

The best compact cars have a lot going on. They are fuel efficient, and they are easier to navigate in the city. They are also very affordable compared to their midsize sedan siblings. And as far as style goes, they are looking pretty sharp.

There are a ton of choices right now in the compact car market. We’ve taken it upon ourselves to give you some help in choosing the best compact car. But keep in mind, what works best for you might not be the top overall car – you’ll have to put your butt in some driver’s seats to make your own decision. Here's our list of the best compact cars out there right now.

10. 2018 Volkswagen Jetta

Rated at 40 miles per gallon on the highway and 28 mpg in the city, the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta continues a legacy of incredibly fuel mileage. And just to clarify – there are no Dieselgate scandal ratings used here. You might not find the Jetta all that exciting to drive with its 150-horsepower 1.4-liter four-cylinder, though. If you don’t mind sacrificing a bit of efficiency, the 210-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo engine, 6-speed DSG auto trans, and independent front and rear suspensions could be what you want.

The Jetta isn’t the best-looking car of the bunch, but it’s not the worst either. It’s a subdued sedan that could work for either family or business, but probably not much for pleasure.

9. 2018 Kia Forte

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One of the more stylish entries for best compact car is the 2018 Kia Forte sedan. There’s nothing really dramatic about it but it all comes together quite handsomely. The Kia grille is attractive, the silhouette is proportional, and it rides on nice wheels. All things that matter.

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The Forte doesn’t blow the doors off with fuel efficiency, although it’s not horrible either. Automatic trans is better than manual, getting 37mpg highway and 29mpg city. Base horsepower is just 147 horsepower from its Atkinson-cycle 2.0-liter four-cylinder. It improves slightly with the EX trim to 164, but it’s still not uber-exciting.

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Corolla: 10
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Elantra: 10
Mazda 3: 10
Bolt: 10
Focus: 10
Jetta: 10
Commuter: 5
Forte: 10
Impreza: 10

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The Best Winter Sports Cars Are Fun In The Snow

  • Jason Unrau

It seems a shame to park your sports car for the winter. A summer sports car sits in your garage untouched, unused, unwashed, and – worst of all – undriven for five or six months of the year. Wouldn’t it be so much more fun to own and drive a sports car all year round? So what's the best winter sports car?

There are a whole bunch of sports cars that can take on harsh winters head-on. Some are quite reasonably priced, while others demand a substantial ransom to own. From good ground clearance and decent tires to all-wheel drive and year-round performance, these are the best winter sports cars for 2018.

2018 Dodge Challenger GT AWD

Undoubtedly one of the most intimidating sports cars on the market today is the Dodge Challenger, and that’s compounded when you see it romping in the snow. It’s like Dodge built the 2018 Challenger GT AWD specifically to handle wintry conditions. That’s a novel idea for all the other carmakers.

It rides on 19-inch all-season tires on hyper-black rims, and that’s not too bad. The engine is Dodge’s 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with 305 horsepower, and that seems to do the trick quite well also. It comes strictly with a TorqueFlite 8-speed auto transmission, giving smooth shifts for snowy roads or crisp gear changes when the conditions permit. An active transfer case keeps all four tires grabbing at the icy road to gain traction. You’ll want to spring for the block heater in cold climates too, it’s an extra $95 though.

Keeping you comfortable on chilly days, the 2018 Dodge Challenger GT AWD is hot stuff – literally. Heated (and ventilated) seats are standard, as are heated mirrors, a heated steering wheel and dual-zone automatic climate control. And when the spring melt happens, the Challenger GT AWD has no problem fitting in with summer sports cars either.

2018 BMW 440i xDrive Coupe

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The Bavarian brand has always been a top performer in all-year operation. The 2018 BMW 440i is no exception, with some of the best pieces you want and need to tame Old Man Winter. The two-door coupe has a short overhang in the front which looks sporty but also prevents hang-ups in the snow. All-season run-flat tires are standard equipment on 18-inch rims that look good but can handle ice and snow fairly well.

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The 2018 BMW 440i xDrive also uses Driving Dynamics Control with ECO PRO, COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT+ settings, so you can adapt to the current road conditions at the flick of a switch. That’s assuming you’ll modify the way you drive the 320-horsepower 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo V6 to also suit the conditions. The xDrive AWD is absolutely the best thing about winter driving in the 440i, sticking like glue to dicey roads with ease.

Of course, heated seats, heated power mirrors, and rain (or snow) sensing wipers make the winter easier to bear. While it's easily in the running for best winter sports car, the 2018 BMW 440i xDrive Coupe is also pretty decent in the summer.

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Miata: 5
Dodge: 10
BMW: 10
Audi: 10
GT: 5
911: 5
Challenger: 5
GT-R: 5
Jaguar: 10
TTS: 5
Infiniti: 10
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Q60: 5
Performance: 6
Impreza: 5
Winter: 8

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13 New Pickup Trucks for 2018 to Get Excited About

  • Jason Unrau

Do you get bored of the same ol’ trucks, year after year? Yeah, it can get pretty dull. It’s normally a mix of the Ford F-150, Ram 1500, and Chevy Silverado, with a smattering from Nissan, Toyota and Honda. But this year is a little different… or a lot different. We have some new trucks for 2018, and it could present some stiff competition for the stalwarts on the block.

2018 Ram 1500 Limited Tungsten

Formerly from the Dodge brand, the Ram 1500 gets a facelift for the 2018 model year. The 2018 Ram 1500 is more aggressive and ruggedly handsome than ever before, unless you consider the Ram Power Wagon. And for the new year, it’s available in a Limited Tungsten edition.

For those who aren’t sure what that means, Ram is defining it as "ultra-luxurious." Stepping up a notch on the bling, the Tungsten edition pickup has what they’re calling all tungsten chrome pieces. It also receives light-colored suede for its headliner and ooh-la-la light leather seating. Real wood adorns the interior that is fully stocked with all Ram’s goodies.

Uconnect 4C, push button start, in-box storage, and the choice of a 3.0-liter V6 EcoDiesel or 5.7-liter HEMI engine might make this extremely plush truck a looker. The price tag, however, puts it out of reach for many.

2018 Hyundai Santa Cruz

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We saw the concept vehicle in 2015 from Hyundai. At the time, there was no commitment to build the Hyundai Santa Cruz. Since then, production has been confirmed and it looks like it’s sooner than later. Expect it later in the 2018 model year.

The Hyundai Santa Cruz is being called an urban truck. That means it’s essentially an SUV with open cargo-carrying abilities…right? Like the Hyundai Santa Fe, it should be available in several trims, from basic to well-equipped. And like the Santa Fe, its engine choices will be four-cylinder mainly with an optional V6.

The Hyundai Santa Cruz has drawn a lot of attention, and 2018 would be an incredible time to release the truck. Sales are slacking because of slow sedan sales, and a compact pickup truck is the hottest commodity on the market right now.

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Toyota: 8
Ram: 15
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Titan: 15
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X-Class: 15

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Gallery: Gordon Murray Designed the McLaren F1, and These Cars

  • Robbie Clark

It can be argued that the McLaren F1 has made more impact on the supercar and racing world than any other model. And while that might be up for debate in some circles, one detail is concrete: the man behind the McLaren F1 road car’s design is Gordon Murray.

There aren’t many visionaries in the automotive design realm that can lay claim to such an impressive car, or even a small part in the design. And yet, the McLaren F1 is just one of many car designs Gordon Murray has been a part of.

Recently, Murray unveiled the iStream Superlight, a car production system that incorporates extreme rigidity, maximum safety and reduced weight. And at an event called One Formula, showcasing all his past work, he made another announcement.

Gordon Murray’s company, Gordon Murray Automotive, will produce limited-run cars on the iStream production system to demonstrate its capabilities. We don’t know the details exactly. What we do know is what Murray has told us it will be: a "return to the design and engineering principles that have made the McLaren F1 such an icon." AKA, a new supercar.

That’s pretty awesome. But until we know more about the supercar to come, let’s look back at some of the cars he’s had a hand in designing so far.

McLaren F1

Obviously, it’s the most famous and well-known name in his profile. Once holding the title of as the fastest production car in the world, the McLaren F1 has a top speed of 240.1 miles per hour.

The unique design of the car itself positions the driver in the center of the monocoque and allows a passenger on either side. It uses extremely valuable materials to keep it light, including carbon fiber, titanium, gold, magnesium and kevlar.

At its time, it was lighter weight and more streamlined than its other supercar competitors. It’s been called "the greatest automobile ever created," "the finest driving machine yet built for the public road," and "the greatest automotive achievement of all time."

Funny enough, at the time Gordon Murray had to convince McLaren’s founder to take a chance on his design. Since then, very few would have the nerve to question his designs.

TVR Griffith

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A brand new TVR Griffith is being launched and should be on the road in 2019. It’s the first production car to implement Murray’s iStream production system. On that lightweight system, the car will weigh in around 1,250 kilograms, or around 2,800 pounds.

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The car has a Cosworth-tuned Ford Coyote 5.0-liter V8 with 500 horsepower and a six-speed manual gearbox. Capable of reaching 200 mph and accelerating to 100 miles per hour in six seconds, it’s going to be a beast.

If you want one, a TVR Griffith will start at around $130,000 US. But act fast, as 500 launch models are being pre-sold. Who knows what will come available after that?

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The Best Dual Sport Motorcycles Offer the Best of Both Worlds

  • Jason Unrau

The best dual sport motorcycles have a great balance between handling, power, and ruggedness. They can handle the terrain on pavement or dirt, so you get the best of both worlds.

These 10 bikes are the best dual sport motorcycles you'll find kicking around here.

2018 Suzuki DR-Z400S

The 2018 Suzuki DR-Z400S might find its way into your garage. It’s an awesome smaller dual sport motorcycle that is a dream to ride. Its four-stroke 398cc single cylinder engine makes just 32 horsepower, but if you aren’t riding hard all the time, it’s more than enough. And with a wet weight of just 317 pounds, it still moves you well.

More than 11 inches of suspension travel and over 11 inches of ground clearance are great features for the 2018 Suzuki DR-Z400S. Shorter riders might have an issue, though, as the seat height is extremely tall at 36.8 inches.

2017 Honda CRF250L

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The 2017 Honda CRF250L embodies exactly what the best dual sport motorcycles are all about. It’s a dirtbike with mirrors, signals and lighting that make it street legal. It has an upright seating position that makes it steady and comfortable for the trail or the highway. It has a single-cylinder 250cc four-stroke engine with 24.4 horsepower. That might seem underpowered at first, but the low and mid-range RPM torque has some serious pull.

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With nearly 10 inches of front suspension travel and 9.4 inches in the rear, the Honda CRF250L can really go anywhere. You’ll have a bunch of road noise from the knobby tires and your hands will go numb from vibration, but that’s what the segment is all about.

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Reliability and Luxury: The Best Used BMWs You Can Buy

  • Jason Unrau

The price tag associated with new BMWs is pretty steep for most people. However, you can save yourself thousands of dollars if you can find a good used BMW.

Of course, buying a used car opens yourself up to the potential for unexpected problems and expensive repairs. If you're looking for a used BMW that won't break the bank or always break down, here are eight reliable models to consider.

2005 BMW 325i

In 2005, the BMW 325i finally had all its bugs worked out. Previous years had power steering pump and engine issues, but the 2005 model year seemed to be at the height of its quality. It’s an affordable model, classically stylish and well-equipped for its time frame. You’ll be wrapped in soft leather, nicely bolstered seats, and the drive is extremely quiet too.

But avoid the following year. In 2006, the final year of its generation, electronic steering column issues were a big deal, and an expensive repair.

2016 BMW M4

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A used BMW many of us would love to own and drive is the 2016 BMW M4. You’ll find it in a gorgeous coupe or convertible. It’s a car that looks ravishing and much sportier than its BMW 4-series fellows. That goes for the interior and the exterior alike, and you’ll find the precursor M badging all over it.

Under the hood is a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 with 425 horsepower spinning its rear wheels. You can get it in either a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission or a crisp 6-speed manual. Unlike many early BMW high-performance models, the BMW M4 is a good used BMW because of its reliability. There are extremely few complaints about it.

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4 Yamaha Car Concepts We Wish Were a Reality

  • Steven Symes

If you're like most people, when you hear the name Yamaha, you think of ATVs or motorcycles. Maybe pianos. However, there are also some pretty interesting concept Yamaha cars out there.

Above all else, Yamaha cars are unique, putting an original spin on tired designs other automakers have beat to death. For that reason alone, you should revel in the Yamaha creations.

Here's a list of some of our favorite concept Yamaha cars.

Cross Hub

At the Tokyo Motor Show this year, Yamaha revealed this amazing little Cross Hub truck. Sure, it's a concept, but hopefully in the near future it'll be a reality. At least, it would be a reality for consumers in Japan, which is better than nothing.

The truck is about the same size as a Honda CR-V. That means it's not tiny, but it's not large, and it sits in a market segment largely untapped. You get useful space, so the Cross Hub can haul your motorcycle or a fair amount of construction supplies or whatever.

Overall, the design is pretty brash, but in the ways you'd expect from a concept vehicle. There is no angry front fascia giving you the sensation of a snarling face. Instead, you get a funky tailgate and a payload floor made of wood. Everything seems to flow incredibly well, making for a strong presentation.

Perhaps the funkiest thing about the Cross Hub is the interior layout. Somewhat like a McLaren F1, the driver sits in the center, with two passenger seats to the sides and back slightly further. A fourth seat takes up a position directly behind the driver. Does this make for more room? If the configuration is just to be funky, mission accomplished.

MWC-4

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Spanning the gap between cars and motorcycles, the Yamaha MWC-4 generated a ton of interest in Tokyo Motor Show this year. The concept features four wheels, even though the rear looks like it only uses one. The primary rider sits in a cockpit that's open on the sides, but has a canopy plus a small footwell. Just like with a motorcycle, the rider grips handlebars and uses hand brakes. A second person can sit behind the primary seat, although that area looks far less comfortable.

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A large gauge sits behind the windshield, displaying speed and what gear the automatic transmission is in. Yes, that's right, an automatic transmission. Riders enjoy the convenience of a push-button ignition. Two electric motors provide propulsion. A gasoline engine acts as a range extender.

The most motorcycle-like detail about the MWC-4 is how it maneuvers. The vehicle leans when going through turns. That's possible through a highly flexible suspension. Since the vehicle is only 2.9 feet wide and 8.7 feet long, it would be the perfect city runabout, if Yamaha decides to make it for the market.

Sports Ride

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The Yamaha Sports Ride concept debuted in Tokyo in 2015 and wowed everyone. It looks like a mini McLaren, with a smooth and muscular presentation. Of course, Gordon Murray Design in Surrey, England injected plenty of British panache, which certainly helped.

Unlike the supercars it looks like, the Sports Ride concept has the engine up front. Yamaha won't disclose exactly what engine powers the concept, but it has plenty of good ones to select.

The car features rear-wheel drive, while the chassis is made of carbon fiber. In size, it matches the Mazda Miata quite closely, plus features two seats.

MOTIV.e

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Not nearly as attractive as the Sports Ride, and instead borrowing looks from the Smart Fortwo, the Yamaha MOTIV.e concept was supposed to be a solution to urban overcrowding.

It promises a more engaging and entertaining experience than a Fortwo. Considering Yamaha's chops as a motorcycle manufacturer, and how boring any Smart can be, that's probably the case.

To keep the little car lightweight, Yamaha turned to Gordon Murray Design. Both companies leveraged their Formula One experience to use quality materials that shed weight, while still providing safety for the driver and passenger.

That means a steel frame, plus bonded composite monocoque panels. It combines with an electric powertrain for zero emissions, plus plenty of low-end torque, making the MOTIV.e perfect for city runs.

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When SUVs and Minivans Won’t Do, You Need the Best Family Cars

  • Evan Williams

When it comes to family trucksters, SUVs are the go-to choice. New SUVs of various sizes are stealing sales from cars and minivans. And sure they offer lots of space for people and cargo, as well as lots of new amenities. But no matter how "car-like" they get, they still aren't cars. They're heavier, less efficient and less fun to drive. If you want something with better fuel economy, that's easier to park and fun to drive, you want a car. So here are nine of the best family cars around.

Volkswagen Golf SportWagen/Alltrack

The Volkswagen Golf SportWagen and Alltrack have up to 66.5 cubic feet of cargo area. And the 60/40 split folding rear seat means you can still take one or two rear passengers with some longer cargo.

The Golf is available in two- or all-wheel drive. The Alltrack is also lifted up to make it easier to get to the cottage or beach. What's better, you get some residual GTI performance. Just because you need more family room doesn't mean that you want a bland drive.

Honda Fit

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The Honda Fit, along with its fold-flat rear Magic Seats, offers a shocking amount of room with a surprisingly small footprint. And if you're talking about the best family cars, you've got to have room. You get 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat. That's more than many mid-size sedans can manage to cram back there. Fold the seat down and the Fit offers 52.7 cubic feet.

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It's a small car that's not small on the inside. And while the Fit seems tiny compared with modern trucks and SUVs, it sips fuel and costs a fraction of the cost.

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Volvo: 10
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