Toyota renovates entry-level cars when they introduced their Scion subsidiary in 2003. Scion's two hatchbacks, the xA and xB, bore ultra-hip styling and utility to boot, a major departure from the segment's legacy of cramped, unrefined cars available on the market. With new small cars from competing companies such as Honda, Nissan and General Motors, analysts agree: Economy cars are making a fashionably late comeback.

Compact (Small) cars have been around for decades target to the young, retirees, small families and the small car enthusiasts. With the common cry of rising gas prices and traffic bogged down streets the need arose for these cars. They are now very popular world wide. Guaranteeing efficient gas consumption, designed with modern styling and a wide range of options they are very tempting.

These cars have now spawned a new trend in the customizing arena. Power versus weight is better in these cars so they make great project cars to produce good horse power and fast times on the track/strip. I have heard of Honda Fits engine swaps with the Honda K20 engine producing upwards of 450Hrs. The Vitz Rs is Toyota’s version of the small car with performance outside of the Glanza.

The compact car segment includes cars at the bottom of an automaker's lineup whose prices rank among the industry's lowest. Nine 2007 models fit the bill, with prices ranging from $10,000 to $14,000, not including destination charges.

For the buyers with modifications and performance in mind a small car has benefits such as great performance for less money. Toyota has been marketing the Scion with great after market customizing packages available. The Honda Fit also provides a great platform for modifications. So we at Automods had to show you what the possibilities are...

This Skunk2 Fit

Here is a break down of the Stock specs from the most popular small cars.

2007 Honda Fit
$13,850 – $15,170
EPA Fuel Economy:
City: 31 – 33   Highway: 37 – 38 Available Engines:
109-hp, 1.5-liter I-4
Available Transmissions: 5-speed automatic w/OD
5-speed automatic w/OD and auto-manual
5-speed manual w/OD

2007 Toyota Yaris
$11,150 – $13,525
EPA Fuel Economy:
City: 34   Highway: 39 – 40 Available Engines:
106-hp, 1.5-liter I-4
Available Transmissions: 4-speed automatic w/OD
5-speed manual w/OD

2006 Scion xB
EPA Fuel Economy:
City: 30   Highway: 33 – 34 Available Engines:
103-hp, 1.5-liter I-4
Available Transmissions: 4-speed automatic w/OD
5-speed manual w/OD

2006 Suzuki Reno
EPA Fuel Economy:
City: 22 – 23   Highway: 30 – 31 Available Engines:
126-hp, 2.0-liter I-4
Available Transmissions: 4-speed automatic w/OD
5-speed manual w/OD

2007 Nissan Versa
$12,550 – $14,550
EPA Fuel Economy:
City: 28 – 30   Highway: 34 – 36 Available Engines:
122-hp, 1.8-liter I-4
Available Transmissions: 2-speed CVT w/OD
4-speed automatic w/OD
6-speed manual w/OD

2006 Kia Rio5
$11,500 – $11,700
PA Fuel Economy:
City: 29 – 32   Highway: 35 – 38 Available Engines:
110-hp, 1.6-liter I-4
Available Transmissions: 4-speed automatic w/OD
5-speed manual w/OD