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If you’re on the hunt for a small car and aren’t sure which ones to check out, the folks at iSeeCars put together a list of the best models for 2023. Among the 26 models ranked, there were many popular models like the Subaru WRX, Toyota Corolla, and Volkswagen Golf. However, the top three cars on the list were Hondas. That’s probably too surprising, considering Honda is known for building reliable and quality cars. Let’s check out which ones they were.

1. Honda Civic Coupe

A blue 2016 Honda Civic Coupe
2016 Honda Civic Coupe | Getty Images

The list on iSeeCars doesn’t include which model years of the Honda Civic Coupe you should focus on, but we recommend checking out the 2015 model year and above. The Honda Civic is a staple in the small car category because of its stellar fuel efficiency, strong reliability, and overall practicality.

According to iSeeCars’ scoring model, the Honda Civic Coupe scored 9.4 out of 10. Broken down into different categories, the Civic received a 9.1 for reliability, 9.1 for value retention, and a 10 for safety. So it’s easy to understand why it’s so highly regarded. Additionally, the car research site noted that the Civic should be able to last an average of 205,355 miles during its potential lifetime.

2. Honda Civic Sedan

2016 Honda Civic Sedan
2016 Honda Civic | Getty Images

The Honda Civic Sedan is a great choice if you need more practicality than what the Civic coupe can provide. It has the same type of reliability and fuel efficiency. Additionally, just like the Civic coupe, we recommend checking out the 2015 model year and newer. The price range for these model years is $18,986 to $31,495, so nearly anyone can afford one.

Interestingly, iSeeCars rated the Civic sedan slightly lower than the coupe version. The Civic sedan received an overall score of 9.2 out of 10. But broken down into different categories, the Civic sedan scored 8.6 out of 10 for reliability, 9.1 for value retention, and a 10 for safety. Also, just like the coupe, you can expect to go the distance – over 200,000 miles – in a Civic Sedan.

3. Honda Fit

2009 Honda Fit
2009 Honda Fit | Getty Images

Lastly, the Honda Fit took the third spot on the list. It’s not surprising, considering the Honda Fit is one of the most versatile and reliable small cars you can buy in the used market. The Fit has plenty of interior volume and an interesting cargo configuration that includes a “magic seat,” which flips and folds for different storage solutions.

ISeeCars gave the Honda Fit an overall score of 9.2 out of 10. For the different categories, the Fit received an 8.4 for reliability, 9.2 for value retention, and a 10 out 10 for safety. Additionally, if you’re searching for a Fit, you can rest assured that high-mileage examples are nothing to worry about. According to iSeeCars, you should be able to get an average of 207,231 miles out of a Fit.

The top-rated small cars, according to iSeeCars

Although there are many great small cars to choose from – like the Kia Rio or Hyundai Accent – iSeeCars voted these three Hondas to be the cream of the crop. That’s no surprise, considering they all received high scores when it came to reliability, value retention, and safety.