Compact cars have continued to increase in popularity as people look for comfort, quality, and gas-efficient automobiles. Compact cars are most commonly seen in sedan variations, but can also come as hatchbacks. The compact car segment sits just below the mid-size sedan and is very popular with families and rental car companies that need a reliable vehicle that can fit a wide range of needs:

1. Toyota Corolla
The Corolla is another stalwart in the compact car category. Toyota introduced the Corolla in 1966 and it has remained one of the company’s best sellers ever since. The base Toyota model sticks with a 1.8 liter, 4 cylinder engine, delivering a combined 33 mpg for various driving situations. The vehicle can seat four people and is available as a sedan in nine different trim levels, including a hybrid. The Corolla as well as its parent company are well known for reliability and simplicity that will last for years to come.

2. Honda Civic
This next car doesn’t require any introduction as it is one of the most ubiquitous cars on the road, the Honda Civic. These sedans have been around since 1972 and taken on various design changes over the years. The base Civic is powered by a 2.0 liter 4 cylinder engine that offers 158 horsepower of output. This iconic sedan is also well known for its longevity and almost bulletproof design.

3. Kia Forte
The Forte comes from South Korean automaker, Kia, and gives consumers another option in the compact car market. The four-door sedan gives buyers seating for four and a 147hp 4 cylinder engine. The Forte comes in six different variations, including a GT version that offers a robust 201 hp engine. The Forte has come a long way since its introduction in 2008 as a replacement for the lackluster Kia Spectra.

4. Volkswagen Golf
A shining example of the compact car class is the VW Golf. The Golf has been around since 1974, often appearing as the Rabbit for those who remember the early days of the car. The current Golf retains the hatchback styling and comes with an inline four-cylinder that delivers a comfortable 29mpg in the city and 33mpg on the highway. Despite its smaller size the Golf still earns a 5-star crash test rating.

Compact cars offer consumers a smart and tight design that won’t be heavy on their pocketbooks. The cars on this list start as low as $18,000 USD and can go up from there depending on the features and designs chosen. But in today’s car market anything under $30,000 is truly a bargain. Although trucks and SUVs continue to dominate the auto industry there will always be room for compact sedans because of their flexibility and affordability. Any of the sedans on this list will make a great family, commuter, or business car and has the benefit of providing miles and miles of service at little expense.