6. Toyota Yaris
2009 Toyota Yaris Liftback S 5-Door AT
The Yaris is Toyota's smallest offering and was introduced to the American market for the 2007 model year. With fuel economy topping many car buyers' lists, it's no wonder that the fuel-efficient Yaris has seen a 2008 sales increase of more than 30 percent over the same period last year. On sale in Europe since 1998, the Yaris is offered in the U.S. as either a 3- or 5-door hatchback or as a sedan, and is designed to offer a level of style and sportiness not often found in the subcompact class. With a tiny 1.5-liter engine, the Yaris rates 36 mpg on the highway.
7. smart fortwo
2008 Smart fortwo
The tiny smart car might not have succeeded in the U.S. market had it been introduced when fuel was inexpensive, but the diminutive coupe is in high demand as fuel prices climb beyond $4.00 per gallon. On sale in Europe for years, the fortwo is new to America for 2008. The smart fortwo is offered in three versions for the U.S. market: pure coupe, passion coupe and passion cabriolet. All are two-seaters and powered by a 71-horsepower 1.0-liter 3-cylinder engine teamed with an automated 5-speed manual transmission. With a length slightly under nine feet, the smart is the smallest production car on American roads — a full three-feet shorter than the MINI Cooper.
View Pictures: MSN Autos' 10 Most Popular Passenger Cars
8. Ford Focus
2009 Ford Focus SES Coupe
The Focus is Ford's compact car that was redesigned for 2008 and is available as a 2-door coupe and a 4-door sedan. First introduced in Europe in 1998, the Focus became available in the U.S. for the 2000 model year. With a rating as high as 35 mpg on the highway, the Focus is the most fuel-efficient vehicle produced by Ford for the stateside market. In addition to its impressive fuel economy, the Focus has risen in popularity due to its Sync communications and entertainment system. Powered by Microsoft (MSN Autos is owned by Microsoft), the Sync system fully integrates Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and digital media players into the entertainment system, providing easy access via voice activation.
9. Honda Fit
2009 Honda Fit Sport 5-Spd AT
The Fit is a versatile 4-door hatchback that fills the entry-level position in the Honda lineup. Introduced for the 2007 model year, the Fit has seen great success with its interior functionality, sporty driving characteristics and a high level of standard safety equipment. With EPA ratings of 28 mpg in the city and 34 on the highway, it’s no wonder that sales of the Fit are up almost 70 percent over last year. While the Fit is relatively new to the U.S. market, look for a freshened 2009 model to arrive this fall.
10. Toyota Prius
2008 Toyota Prius
The darling of the green movement, the Prius has become a household name. Thanks to its standing as the most fuel-efficient car in America, the increasing price of fuel should only help the Prius keep its title as the best-selling hybrid in the world. Considered a full hybrid, the midsize hatchback can be powered solely by the gas engine, the electric motor, or both at the same time. The larger, second-generation Prius was introduced in 2003 with a spacious cabin and room for five adults, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat for lengthy cargo.
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