The 30 best small car brands
Jada Toys, Ferrari and Signature Models lead our ranking of 30 small car brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Small Car brands, ranked
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1
Jada Toys
Jada Toys makes licensed die-cast model cars, including small street cars, sold in 1:24 and 1:32 scales.
Website: jadatoysinc.com |Brands like Jada Toys
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Ferrari
Ferrari licenses official 1:43 and 1:18 scale model cars of its road models, sold through partners and its official store.
Website: ferrariformal.com.au |Brands like Ferrari
Popularity 8.2/10
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3
Signature Models
Signature Models makes resin and die-cast 1:18 and 1:43 scale replicas of classic and modern production cars.
Website: sig-models.com |Brands like Signature Models
Popularity 7.3/10
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4
American Diorama
American Diorama is an established brand that specializes in making miniature figures of popular vehicles that are realistic and lifelike and are regarded and respected as collector's items. They develop and create the most unique designs and craft the figures with meticulous care, using the finest tools to ensure perfection. At reasonable prices, their collection features figures of army jeep vehicles in two attractive colors and several popular Ferrari racing car models.
Website: americandiorama.com |Brands like American Diorama
Popularity 6.6/10
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5
NOREV
NOREV makes 1:43 scale die-cast model cars, including many small European and French city cars.
Website: norev.com |Brands like NOREV
Popularity 5.8/10
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6
Nissan
Nissan makes small cars and sells official Nissan model cars through licensed partners, plus parts through its Nismo site.
Website: nismoparts.nissanusa.com |Brands like Nissan
Popularity 5.2/10
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7
Auto World
Auto World makes HO slot cars and 1:64 scale model cars, including small compact vehicles in its lines.
Website: autoworldstore.com |Brands like Auto World
Popularity 4.3/10
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8
Mattel
Mattel makes Hot Wheels die-cast toy cars, including many small compact models in 1:64 scale.
Website: shop.mattel.com |Brands like Mattel
Popularity 4.2/10
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9
Porsche
Porsche makes sports cars and sells official licensed Porsche model cars, mostly in 1:18 and 1:43 scales.
Website: porsche.com |Brands like Porsche
Popularity 3.2/10
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10
Funrise
Funrise makes Tonka and other die-cast toy vehicles, including small pull-back and friction cars for kids.
Website: funrise.com |Brands like Funrise
Popularity 3.2/10
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11
Solido
Solido makes 1:43 and 1:18 scale die-cast model cars, including many small French and European city cars.
Website: solido.com |Brands like Solido
Popularity 3.2/10
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12
Brumm
Brumm makes 1:43 scale die-cast model cars, many of them small Italian and European cars from past decades.
Website: brumm.it |Brands like Brumm
Popularity 3.2/10
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13
Maisto
Maisto makes die-cast model cars in several scales, including small compact cars in its toy and collector lines.
Website: maisto.com |Brands like Maisto
Popularity 3.1/10
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14
First Gear
The best supplier of motorcycle clothing and accessories is Firstgear. The business's most satisfactory standards are used in producing its premium collection of coats, pants, gloves, and boots. They merge their love of motorcycles with a dedication to excellence, innovation,...
Website: firstgear-usa.com |Brands like First Gear
Popularity 2.5/10
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15
Action
Action makes 1:24 and 1:64 scale die-cast model vehicles, mostly racing cars and farm and construction equipment.
Website: action.com |Brands like Action
Popularity 2.5/10
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16
WELLY
WELLY makes die-cast model cars and vans in 1:24, 1:34 and 1:18 scales, including small passenger cars.
Website: wellydiecast.com |Brands like WELLY
Popularity 2.5/10
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17
Majorette
Majorette makes small 1:64 scale die-cast toy cars, many of them compact and city vehicles for children.
Website: majorette.com |Brands like Majorette
Popularity 1.8/10
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18
Hachette
Hachette publishes build-up collections of model cars, including small cars, sold as magazine partworks.
Website: hachette.com.au |Brands like Hachette
Popularity 1.8/10
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19
Kyosho
Kyosho makes 1:18 and 1:43 scale die-cast model cars, including small road cars and licensed replicas.
Website: rc.kyosho.com |Brands like Kyosho
Popularity 1.7/10
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20
IXO
IXO makes 1:43 and 1:18 scale die-cast model cars, including many small European and classic road cars.
Website: ixomodels.com |Brands like IXO
Popularity 1.5/10
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21
Bburago
Bburago makes die-cast model cars in several scales, including small city cars sold as toys and collectibles.
Website: bburago.com |Brands like Bburago
Popularity 1.5/10
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22
SIKU
SIKU makes small die-cast toy vehicles for children, including compact passenger cars in 1:50 and 1:55 scales.
Website: siku.de |Brands like SIKU
Popularity 1.5/10
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23
AUTOart
AUTOart makes highly detailed 1:18 and 1:43 scale resin and die-cast model cars, including small road cars.
Website: autoartmodels.com |Brands like AUTOart
Popularity 1.5/10
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24
Kinsmart
Kinsmart makes die-cast pull-back model cars at low prices, including many small passenger cars for kids.
Website: kinsmart.com |Brands like Kinsmart
Popularity 1.5/10
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25
New-Ray
New-Ray makes die-cast model cars and trucks in several scales, including small compact cars in toy lines.
Website: newrayusa.com |Brands like New-Ray
Popularity 1.3/10
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26
Corgi Toys
Corgi makes die-cast model cars in several scales, including small classic and modern road cars.
Website: corgi-toys.net |Brands like Corgi Toys
Popularity 1.3/10
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27
Herpa
Herpa makes 1:87 scale HO model vehicles, including many small European passenger cars for model railways.
Website: herpa.de |Brands like Herpa
Popularity 1.3/10
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28
RealToy
Real Toys is a toy shop owned by a local Ashburton family. Earlier it was just a toy shop purchasing and selling toys of different brands, but later, they opened up a party hall on the first floor to have...
Website: realtoys.com.au |Brands like RealToy
Popularity 1.3/10
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29
Winner's Circle
Winner's Circle makes 1:24 and 1:64 scale die-cast NASCAR and racing model cars, mostly stock car replicas.
Website: wcircle.com |Brands like Winner's Circle
Popularity 1.1/10
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30
M2 Machines
M2 Machines makes die-cast 1:64 scale model cars, including many small and modified street and custom cars.
Website: m2machines.com |Brands like M2 Machines
Popularity 1.1/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jada Toys | jadatoysinc.com | /JadaToys | jadatoys | @jadaclub | jadatoys2day |
| Ferrari | ferrariformal.com.au | /ferrariformal | ferrari_formalwear_and_bridal | – | – |
| Signature Models | sig-models.com | – | – | – | – |
| American Diorama | americandiorama.com | – | – | – | – |
| NOREV | norev.com | /norev.official | norevofficial | – | NOREV Official |
| Nissan | nismoparts.nissanusa.com | /Nissan | NissanUSA | @NissanUSA | – |
| Auto World | autoworldstore.com | /AutoWorldStore | – | – | Round2foryou |
| Mattel | shop.mattel.com | – | – | – | – |
| Porsche | porsche.com | – | – | – | – |
| Funrise | funrise.com | /FunriseToys | funrisetoys | @funrise_toys | FunriseToys |
Small Car Buying Guide
Small cars are becoming more and more popular these days, not only for their affordability but also for their fuel efficiency and compact size. However, with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right small car for you. This guide will walk you through the most important factors to consider when purchasing a small car, as well as provide some recommendations based on our research.
1. Safety
Your safety is the most important factor in any car purchase, and this is no different for small cars. While they may be smaller in size than other types of cars, it is still important that they are built with a strong frame and equipped with safety features. Look for small cars that are rated highly by independent safety organizations, such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Some common safety features to look for include:
- Antilock brakes (ABS): Helps prevent the wheels from locking up during sudden stops.
- Electronic stability control (ESC): Helps prevent the car from skidding or sliding during turns or slippery road conditions.
- Front and side airbags: Provides protection in the event of a collision.
- Blind-spot monitoring: Alerts the driver when another car is in their blind spot.
- Rearview camera: Provides visibility while backing up.
2. Fuel Efficiency
One of the main advantages of small cars is their fuel efficiency. They require less gas to travel the same distance as larger cars, which can save you money in the long run. Look for small cars with high miles-per-gallon (MPG) ratings, which can vary depending on the type of driving (city vs. highway) and the type of fuel (regular gasoline vs. hybrid/electric). Some of the most fuel-efficient small cars on the market include:
- Toyota Prius: Hybrid, 54 MPG
- Honda Fit: Gasoline, 36 MPG
- Hyundai Ioniq: Hybrid, 58 MPG
- Chevrolet Spark: Gasoline, 38 MPG
3. Comfort and Features
Just because small cars are compact doesn't mean they have to be uncomfortable. Look for small cars with comfortable seats, a spacious interior, and a smooth ride. Also, consider what features are important to you, such as:
- Technology: Does the car have Bluetooth connectivity, a touchscreen display, or a premium sound system?
- Safety features: Does the car have blind-spot monitoring, a rearview camera, or adaptive cruise control?
- Convenience features: Does the car have keyless entry, push-button start, or a sunroof?
- Cargo space: How much room is available in the trunk for your belongings?
4. Price
Small cars are often more affordable than larger cars, but the price can still vary depending on the brand, model, and features. Determine your budget before going car shopping and stick to it. Consider the long-term costs of owning a car, such as maintenance, insurance, and gas. Look for deals or discounts, such as end-of-year sales, to save money on your purchase.
5. Brand and Model
There are many brands and models of small cars on the market, each with their own pros and cons. Research the reputation and reliability of the brand and model before making a purchase. Also, consider your specific needs and preferences, such as whether you need a car for commuting or family use. Here are some of the most popular small cars on the market:
- Honda Fit
- Toyota Corolla
- Mazda3
- Nissan Versa
- Kia Rio
- Chevrolet Sonic
- Ford Fiesta
- Hyundai Accent
Our Recommendations
Based on our research and analysis, here are our top picks for small cars:
1. Honda Fit
The Honda Fit is one of the most popular small cars on the market, and for good reason. It has a spacious interior, with seating for up to five passengers and plenty of cargo space. It also has great fuel economy, with a rating of 36 MPG for city and highway driving. The Fit comes with a variety of safety features, including a rearview camera and Honda Sensing technology, which includes features like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. The starting price for the Honda Fit is around $17,000, making it an affordable option for many buyers.
2. Mazda3
The Mazda3 is a stylish and sporty small car that offers great performance and handling. It has a fuel economy of 28 MPG for city driving and 36 MPG for highway driving. The Mazda3 comes with many features, including a touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. It also has a reputation for being reliable and safe, earning high ratings from safety organizations. The starting price for the Mazda3 is around $21,000, making it a slightly more expensive option than some of its competitors.
3. Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is one of the best-selling small cars of all time, and for good reason. It is a reliable and affordable option, with a starting price of around $20,000. The Corolla has a fuel economy of 31 MPG for city driving and 40 MPG for highway driving. It comes with many features, including a touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. The Corolla also has a reputation for being safe and dependable, earning high ratings from safety organizations. If you're looking for a tried-and-true small car, the Toyota Corolla is a great option.
