Test Fest : Best New Small car under $18,000

All the cars I tested were similarly equipped : power doors and windows, CD player, MP3 compatibility, etc. The prices ranged from $17,398 to $17,675. My pick for the best new small car under $18,000 is the Honda Fit LX. The Versa with automatic gearbox is a close second, but the Fit is superior because of its agility and the reliability reputation of Honda.

Honda Fit LX
5-door hatchback
Base price : $14,980
As-tested price : $17,450
1.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine
109 hp
5-speed manual transmission
ABS

Hyundai Accent GS Premium
3-door hatchback
Base price : $16,695
As-tested price : $17,645
1.6-liter, 4-cylinder engine
106 hp
4-speed automatic transmission
ABS

Nissan Versa
5-door hatchback
Base price : $14,498
As-tested price : $17,398
1.8-liter, 4-cylinder engine
122 hp
4-speed automatic transmission
ABS

Pontiac Wave
4-door sedan
Base price : $15,595
As-tested price : $17,675
1.6-liter, 4-cylinder engine
103 hp
5-speed manual transmission
ABS non

Toyota Yaris
4-door sedan
Base price : $14,605
As-tested price : $17,625
1.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine
109 hp
4-speed automatic transmission
ABS