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{{short description|Cars that are larger than a subcompact car but smaller than a mid-size car}} |
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{{More footnotes|date=March 2010}} |
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{{Globalize|1=article|2=US|3=Japan|date=October 2020}} |
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A '''compact car''' (North America), or '''small family car''' in British acceptation, is a [[car classification|classification]] of [[automobile|cars]] that are larger than a [[subcompact]] car but smaller than a [[mid-size car]], roughly equivalent to the [[C-segment]] in Europe.<ref>{{cite web|title=Regulation (EEC) No 4064/89 - Merger Procedure |publisher=Office for Official Publications of the European Communities L-2985 Luxembourg |url= http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/decisions/m1406_en.pdf |date=17 March 1999 |accessdate=7 February 2016}}</ref> |
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{{multiple image |
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| image1 = 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid (E210) hatchback IMG 9884.jpg |
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| caption1 = [[Toyota Corolla]] <br/> (1966–present) |
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| image2 = 2020 Nissan Sentra SV, front 10.22.20.jpg |
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| caption2 = [[Nissan Sentra]] <br/> (1990–present) |
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| image3 = 2020 Volkswagen Golf Style 1.5 Front.jpg |
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| caption3 = [[Volkswagen Golf]] <br/> (1974–present) |
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'''Compact car''' is a [[vehicle size class]]—predominantly used in North America—that sits between [[subcompact car]]s and [[mid-size car]]s. "Small family car" is a British term and a part of the [[C-segment]] in the European car classification. However, before the downsizing of the United States car industry in the 1970s and 1980s, larger vehicles with wheelbases up to {{convert|110|in|m|sigfig=3|abbr=on}} were considered "compact cars" in the United States. |
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==Definitions== |
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Current compact car size, as defined by the [[United States Environmental Protection Agency]] (EPA), for the US and for international models respectively, is approximately between: |
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* {{convert|4100|mm|0|abbr=on}} and {{convert|4450|mm|0|abbr=on}} long for [[hatchback]]s; |
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* {{convert|4400|mm|0|abbr=on}} and {{convert|4750|mm|0|abbr=on}} long for [[Convertible (car)|convertible]]s, [[Sedan (automobile)|sedans (saloon)]] or [[Station wagon|station wagons (estate cars)]]; |
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* {{convert|4200|mm|0|abbr=on}} and {{convert|4500|mm|0|abbr=on}} long in the US, and {{convert|4400|mm|0|abbr=on}} and {{convert|4700|mm|0|abbr=on}} long in international-based models for [[multi-purpose vehicle]]s and [[sport utility vehicle]]s based on small family cars (often called [[compact MPV]]s and [[compact SUV]]s) that have similar sizes.{{citation needed|date=May 2017}} |
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In Japan, '''small size passenger vehicle''' is a registration category that sits between [[kei car]]s and regular cars, based on overall size and engine displacement limits. |
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In Japan, any vehicle that is over {{convert|3400|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} long, {{convert|1480|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} wide, {{convert|2000|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} high and with an engine over {{convert|660|cc|abbr=on}} but is under {{convert|4700|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} long, {{convert|1700|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} wide, {{convert|2000|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} high and with engines at or under {{convert|2000|cc|abbr=on}} is considered a compact vehicle. The [[Vehicle size class#Japan|dimension standards]] are absolute, meaning special consideration is not made for SUVs, CUVs, minivans, station wagons or hatchbacks. |
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== |
== United States == |
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=== Current definition === |
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[[File:Dodge Dart 2.0 Rallye 2014 (14217526095).jpg|thumb|right|[[Dodge Dart (PF)|Dodge Dart]].]] |
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The [[United States Environmental Protection Agency]] (EPA) ''Fuel Economy Regulations for 1977 and Later Model Year'' (dated July 1996) includes definitions for classes of automobiles.<ref>{{cite web|title=Code of Federal Regulations Sec. 600.315 - 82 Classes of comparable automobiles|url= http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/granule/CFR-1996-title40-vol16/CFR-1996-title40-vol16-sec600-315 |publisher=U.S. Government Publishing Office |date=1 July 1996 |access-date=7 February 2016 |page= 733}}</ref> Based on the combined passenger and [[cargo]] volume, compact cars are defined as having an ''interior volume index'' of {{convert|100|-|109|cuft|m3|1|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/info.shtml#sizeclasses |title=FAQ - How are vehicle size classes defined? |website=fueleconomy.gov |access-date=5 January 2019 }}</ref> |
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[[File:2011 Chevrolet Cruze LS -- NHTSA 2.jpg|thumb|right|[[Chevrolet Cruze]]]] |
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=== 1930s to 1950s === |
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'''Compact car''' is a largely North American term . |
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[[File:1950-52 Nash Rambler conv.jpg|thumb|1952 [[Nash Rambler]] 2-door station wagon used until 1955, began 1950]] |
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The beginnings of U.S. production of compact cars were the late 1940s prototypes of economy cars, including the Chevrolet Cadet and the Ford Light Car.<ref name="Stevenson">{{cite book|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=FGU5qHJY-y4C&q=Americans+did+not+take+easily+to+small+cars.+The+pre-war+Austin+Seven-based+Bantam+was+not+a+success,+and+the+postwar+Crosley+enjoyed+only+a+brief+vogue+in+the+late+1940s+before+extinction+in+1952&pg=PA214 |page=214 |title=American Automobile Advertising, 1930-1980: An Illustrated History |first=Heon |last=Stevenson |publisher=McFarland |year=2008 |isbn=9780786436859 |access-date=7 February 2016}}</ref>{{refpage|page=214}} Neither car reached production in the U.S., however [[Ford SAF]] in France bought the plans of the "small Ford" and produced the [[Ford Vedette]].<ref name="Stevenson"/>{{refpage|page=214}} |
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Compact cars usually have [[wheelbase]]s between {{convert|100|in|mm|0}} and {{convert|109|in|mm|0}}. The [[United States Environmental Protection Agency]] (EPA) defines a "compact" car as measuring between {{convert|100|cuft|1}} and {{convert|109|cuft|1}} of combined passenger and [[cargo]] volume capacity. Vehicle class size is defined in the U.S. by environmental laws in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 40—Protection of Environment, Section 600.315-82 Classes of comparable automobiles.<ref>{{cite web|title=Code of Federal Regulations Sec. 600.315 - 82 Classes of comparable automobiles|url= http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/granule/CFR-1996-title40-vol16/CFR-1996-title40-vol16-sec600-315 |publisher=U.S. Government Publishing Office |date=1 July 1996 |accessdate=7 February 2016}}</ref> Passenger car classes are defined based on interior volume index or [[seating capacity]], except automobiles classified as a special vehicle such as those with only two designated seating positions. |
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The first U.S.-produced postwar compact car was the 1950 [[Nash Rambler]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Bill |last=McGuire |title=America's First Postwar Compact: The 1950 Nash Rambler |url= https://www.macsmotorcitygarage.com/americas-first-postwar-compact-the-1950-nash-rambler/ |date=5 June 2018 |work= Mac's Motor City Garage |access-date=6 March 2024}}</ref> It was built on a {{convert|100|in|mm|0|adj=on}} wheelbase, which was nonetheless still a large car by contemporary European standards.<ref name="Stevenson"/>{{refpage|page=214}} The term "compact" was coined by a Nash executive as a euphemism for small cars with a wheelbase of {{convert|110|in|mm|0}} or less.<ref>{{cite book |last=McCarthy |first=Tom |title=Auto Mania: Cars, Consumers, and the Environment |publisher=Yale University Press |year=2007 |page=144 |isbn=978030011038-8 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Ward's automotive yearbook |publisher=Ward's Communications |location=Detroit |volume=22 |year=1960 |page=92 }}</ref> It established a new market segment and the U.S. automobile industry soon adopted the "compact" term.<ref>{{cite book|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=__JhCAAAQBAJ&q=Back+in+the+1950s,+the+Nash+Rambler+was+America's+first+small+car&pg=PT126 |title=In Search of the Obvious: The Antidote for Today's Marketing Mess |first=Jack |last=Trout |publisher=Wiley |year=2008 |isbn=9780470288597 |access-date=7 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=GW6jLldHjqsC&q=It+was+America's+first+compact+car,+and+to+get+a+name+for+it,+the+company+reached+back+almost+fifty+years+into+its+own+history.+1950+Nash+Rambler+was+a+historic+car+on+two+counts:+its+ancestry+and+its+small+size |page=115 |title=Car of the year, 1895-1970: a 75-year parade of American automobiles that made news |first=Henry Bolles |last=Lent |publisher=Dutton |year=1974 |isbn=9780525274513 |access-date=7 February 2016}}</ref> |
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In the United States, the compact car segment currently holds a 16% share of the market.<ref>{{cite web|title=USA 7 months 2012: Discover all 273 best-selling models! |work=Best selling cars blog |url= http://bestsellingcarsblog.com/2012/08/12/usa-7-months-2012-discover-all-271-best-selling-models/#more-20276 |date=12 August 2012 |first=Matt |last=Gasnier |accessdate=7 February 2016}}</ref> This segment is dominated by import models. |
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Several competitors to the Nash Rambler arose from the ranks of America's other independent automakers, although none enjoyed the long-term success of the Rambler. Other early compact cars included the [[Henry J|Kaiser-Frazer Henry J]] (also re-badged as the [[Allstate (automobile)|Allstate]]), the [[Willys Aero]] and the [[Hudson Jet]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Nelson |first1=Jeff |title=Automotive History: The First Wave Compacts – The Pioneers Take The Arrows |url= http://www.curbsideclassic.com/automotive-histories/automotive-history-the-first-wave-compacts-the-pioneers-take-the-arrows/ |website=curbsideclassic.com |date=29 September 2011 |access-date=22 January 2019}}</ref> |
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=== History of compact cars in the United States === |
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[[File:1950-52 Nash Rambler conv.jpg|thumb|1952 [[Nash Rambler]] 2-door station wagon]] |
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[[File:1964 Corvair Monza.jpg|thumb|1964 [[Chevrolet Corvair]] Monza 900 Convertible]] |
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[[File:1978 AMC Concord DL 4-door sedan beige.jpg|thumb|1978 [[AMC Concord]] 4-door sedan, a new "luxury" compact at the time]] |
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In 1954, 64,500 cars sold in the U.S. were imports or small American cars, out of a total market of five million cars. Market research indicated that five percent of those surveyed said they would consider a small car, suggesting a potential market size of 275,000 cars.<ref name=Kranz>{{cite magazine|title=As the 1950s end, 'one size fits all' strategy gives way to Falcon, other economy cars |last=Kranz |first=Rick |magazine=Automotive News |date=16 June 2003 |pages=176–177}}</ref> By 1955, the Nash Rambler that began as a [[convertible]] model became a success and was now available in [[station wagon]], [[hardtop]], and [[sedan (car)|sedan]] body styles.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Donovan |first1=Leo |title=Detroit Listening Post |magazine=Popular Mechanics |date=June 1955 |volume=103 |issue=6 |page=92 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=Bd0DAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA92 |access-date=12 January 2019}}</ref> During the [[Recession of 1958]], the only exception to the sales decline was American Motors with its compact, economy-oriented Ramblers that saw high demand among cautious consumers.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gunn |first1=Malcolm |title=Today's compact cars trace roots to AMC's Rambler |url= https://www.newsday.com/classifieds/cars/american-motor-corp-s-rambler-predated-today-s-popular-compact-cars-1.4708103 |website=Newsday |date=26 February 2013 |access-date=12 January 2019}}</ref> |
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One of the first truly small cars on the U.S. market, in the sense that it was considerably smaller than the standard- size cars of its day, was the [[American Austin Car Company|Austin Bantam]] that appeared in 1930.<ref>{{cite book|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=ho8TAAAAIAAJ&q=One+of+the+first+truly+small+cars,+in+the+sense+that+it+was+considerably+smaller+than+the+standard-+size+cars+of+its+day.+was+the+Austin+Bantam+which+appeared+on+the+market+in+1930 |page=2480 |title=Hearings Before The Subcommittee On Antitrust And Monopoly Of The Committee On The Judiciary United States Senate Ninety-Third Congress Second Session. S. 1167 Part 4 Ground Transportation Industries |date=April 1974 |publisher=U.S. Government Publishing Office |accessdate=7 February 2016}}</ref> Production of the British-based city car lasted only four years with a total of 20,000 units. Although other little cars such as the [[Crosley]] focused on low price and economy, "Americans did not take easily to small cars."<ref name="Stevenson-214">{{cite book|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=FGU5qHJY-y4C&pg=PA214&dq=Americans+did+not+take+easily+to+small+cars.+The+pre-war+Austin+Seven-based+Bantam+was+not+a+success,+and+the+postwar+Crosley+enjoyed+only+a+brief+vogue+in+the+late+1940s+before+extinction+in+1952 |page=214 |title=American Automobile Advertising, 1930-1980: An Illustrated History |first=Heon |last=Stevenson |publisher=McFarland |year=2008 |isbn=9780786436859 |accessdate=7 February 2016}}</ref> |
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By 1959, sales of small imported cars also increased to 14% of the U.S. passenger car market, as consumers turned to compact cars.<ref>{{cite book |last=McCarthy |first=Tom |title=Auto Mania: Cars, Consumers, and the Environment |date=2007 |publisher=Yale University Press |isbn=9780300110388 |page=144 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=Gr0nTRhwPJcC&pg=PA144 |access-date=12 January 2019}}</ref> By this time, smaller cars appealed to people with a college education and a higher income whose families were buying more than one car. Customers expected compact cars to provide improved fuel economy compared to full-sized cars while maintaining headroom, legroom, and plenty of trunk space.<ref name=Kranz/> |
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The U.S. market after World War II experienced growth in sales in standard-sized cars. By 1947, Chevrolet had prototypes of the Cadet, an economy car developed by [[Earle S. MacPherson]].<ref name="Stevenson-214"/> Ford also experimented with a "light car" and, unlike Chevrolet's Cadet, production ensued for the European market as a large car, the [[Ford Vedette]].<ref name="Stevenson-214"/> |
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Between 1958 and 1960, the major U.S. car manufacturers made a push toward compact cars, resulting in the introduction of the [[Studebaker Lark]], [[Chevrolet Corvair]], [[Ford Falcon (North American)|Ford Falcon]], and [[Plymouth Valiant]].<ref>{{cite web |title=The New Compact Cars of the 1960s: Suddenly, Small Is In |url= https://www.saturdayeveningpost.com/2018/06/new-compact-cars-1960s-suddenly-small/ |website=saturdayeveningpost.com |date= 4 June 2018 |access-date=22 January 2019}}</ref> These models also gave rise to [[compact van]]s built on the compact car platforms, such as the Studebaker Zip Van,<ref>{{cite web |title=Sit or Stand: Rare 1963 First-Year Studebaker Zip Van |url=https://bringatrailer.com/2018/10/06/sit-or-stand-rare-1963-studebaker-zip-van/ |website=bringatrailer.com |access-date=19 January 2019 |date=6 October 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah: 1963 Studebaker USPS Zip Van |url= https://barnfinds.com/1963-studebaker-zip-van/ |website=barnfinds.com/ |access-date=19 January 2019 |date=15 June 2016}}</ref> [[Chevrolet Greenbrier|Chevrolet Corvair Greenbrier]], [[Ford E-Series#First generation_(1961–1967)|Ford Econoline]], and [[Dodge A100]]. |
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In 1950, [[Nash Motors|Nash]] introduced a [[convertible]] [[Nash Rambler|Rambler]] model. It was built on a {{convert|100|in|mm|0|adj=on}} wheelbase to which a [[station wagon]], [[hardtop]], and [[sedan (car)|sedan]] versions were added. Compared to European standards, they were large.<ref name="Stevenson-214"/> Conceived by [[George W. Mason]], the term "compact" was coined by [[George W. Romney]] as a euphemism for small cars with a wheelbase of {{convert|110|in|mm|0}} or less.<ref>{{cite book |last=McCarthy |first=Tom |title=Auto Mania: Cars, Consumers, and the Environment |publisher=Yale University Press |year=2007 |page=144 |isbn=978030011038-8 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Ward's automotive yearbook |publisher=Ward's Communications |location=Detroit |volume=22 |year=1960 |page=92 }}</ref> The Nash Rambler established a new market segment, it became known as "America's first small car", and the U.S. automobile industry soon adopted the "compact" term.<ref>{{cite book|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=__JhCAAAQBAJ&pg=PT126&dq=Back+in+the+1950s,+the+Nash+Rambler+was+America's+first+small+car |page= |title=In Search of the Obvious: The Antidote for Today's Marketing Mess |first=Jack |last=Trout |publisher=Wiley |year=2008 |isbn=9780470288597 |accessdate=7 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=GW6jLldHjqsC&q=It+was+America's+first+compact+car,+and+to+get+a+name+for+it,+the+company+reached+back+almost+fifty+years+into+its+own+history.+1950+Nash+Rambler+was+a+historic+car+on+two+counts:+its+ancestry+and+its+small+size |page=115 |title=Car of the year, 1895-1970: a 75-year parade of American automobiles that made news |first=Henry Bolles |last=Lent |publisher=Dutton |year=1974 |isbn=9780525274513 |accessdate=7 February 2016}}</ref> |
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=== 1960s === |
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Several competitors to the Nash Rambler arose from the ranks of America's other independent automakers, although none enjoyed the long-term success of the Rambler. Other early compact cars included the [[Henry J]] from [[Kaiser-Frazer]] (and its [[Sears, Roebuck and Company]] marketed variant the [[Allstate (automobile)|Allstate]]), as well as the [[Willys Aero]] and the [[Hudson Jet]]. |
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[[File:1964 Corvair Monza.jpg|thumb|1964 [[Chevrolet Corvair]] Monza 900 convertible, used until 1969, began 1960]] |
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During the 1960s, compacts were the smallest class of North American cars, but they had evolved into only slightly smaller versions of the 6-cylinder or V8-powered six-passenger sedan. They were much larger than compacts (and sometimes even mid-sizers) by European manufacturers,<ref>{{cite web |title=20 Most Interesting Classic American Compact Cars Ever Made |url=https://motor-junkie.com/20-most-interesting-classic-american-compact-cars-ever-made/8289/ |website=motor-junkie.com |access-date=22 January 2019 |date=14 October 2018}}</ref> which were typically five-passenger four-cylinder engine cars. Nevertheless, advertising and road tests for the [[Ford Maverick (Americas)|Ford Maverick]] and the [[Rambler American]] made comparisons with the popular [[Volkswagen Beetle]].<ref>{{cite web |title=1970 Gremlin vs VW folder |url= http://oldcarbrochures.org/United%20States/AMC/1970_AMC/1970%20Gremlin%20vs%20VW%20Folder/index.html |website=oldcarbrochures.org |access-date=16 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Ernst |first=Kurt |title="What's wrong with this picture?" The AMC Gremlin takes on the VW Beetle |url= https://www.hemmings.com/blog/2013/05/21/whats-wrong-with-this-picture-the-amc-gremlin-takes-on-the-vw-beetle/ |website=hemmings.com |access-date=23 January 2019 |date=21 May 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Kilpatrick |first1=Bill |title=Maverick versus the mob |magazine=Popular Mechanics |date=August 1969 |volume=132 |issue=2 |pages=73–77, 196 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=69cDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA73 |access-date=23 January 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Phillips |first1=David |title=AMC launches Gremlin in U.S. |url= https://www.autonews.com/article/20180403/CCHISTORY/180409897/amc-launches-gremlin-in-u-s |website=Automotive News |access-date=23 January 2019 |date=3 April 2018}}</ref> |
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In 1952, [[Ford Motor Company|Ford Division]] assistant general manager [[Robert S. McNamara]] started the Market Research Unit, which was given the job of finding out why smaller cars were becoming popular. In 1954, 64,500 of over 5 million cars sold in the United States were imports or small American cars. Ford alone sold over 1.4 million big cars. Yet 5 percent of those surveyed said they would consider a small car. The potential market totalled 275,000.<ref name=Kranz>{{cite journal|title=As the 1950s end, 'one size fits all' strategy gives way to Falcon, other economy cars|last=Kranz|first=Rick|work=[[Automotive News]]|date=16 June 2003|pages=176–177}}</ref> |
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Compact cars were also the basis for a new small car segment that became known as the [[pony car]], named after the [[Ford Mustang]], which was built on the Falcon chassis. At that time, there was a distinct difference in size between compact and full-size models. Early definitions of vehicle size class were based on wheelbase, with models under 111 inches as compact, 111 to 118 inches intermediate, and over 118 inches as full size,{{citation needed|date=June 2019}} at least until EPA classes based on interior volume of the passenger and cargo compartments were introduced in the late 1970s. |
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The modern compact class was greatly expanded between 1958 and 1960 when the [[Studebaker Lark]], [[Chevrolet Corvair]], [[Ford Falcon (North American)|Ford Falcon]], and [[Plymouth Valiant]] were brought to the market previously dominated by the [[Rambler American]]. These models also gave rise to [[compact van]]s that were sized similarly to the [[Volkswagen Type 2]] microbus and were based from the Falcon, Corvair, and Valiant [[automobile platform]]s. |
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{{clear right}} |
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Ford Division marketing research manager George Brown said smaller cars appealed to people with a college education and a higher income whose families were buying more than one car. The cars had to offer not only high gas mileage but also headroom, legroom, and plenty of trunk space.<ref name=Kranz/> |
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=== 1970s === |
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{{multiple image |
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| image1 = 1978 AMC Concord DL 4-door sedan beige.jpg |
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| caption1 = [[AMC Concord]] (1977–1983) luxury compact<ref>{{cite book |last1=Foster |first1=Patrick R. |title=American Motors Corporation: The Rise and Fall of America's Last Independent Automaker |date=2013 |publisher=Motorbooks |isbn=9780760344255 |page=163 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=CyBFAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA163 |access-date=12 January 2019}}</ref> |
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| image2 = Ford Fairmont sedan 2.jpg |
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| caption2 = [[Ford Fairmont]] (1977–1983) |
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}} |
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{{refimprove section|small=yes |date=January 2019}} |
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In the early 1970s, the domestic [[automaker]]s introduced even smaller [[subcompact car]]s that included the [[AMC Gremlin]], [[Chevrolet Vega]], and [[Ford Pinto]].<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.motortrend.com/vehicle-genres/amc-gremlin-terrible-cars-that-werent-terrible/ |title=Terrible Cars That Weren't Terrible: The AMC Gremlin |first=Aaron |last=Gold |date=1 June 2020 |work=Motor Trend |access-date=6 March 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.hemmings.com/stories/1970-amc-gremlin/ |title=We're Head Over Heels for this, Low-Mile 1970 AMC Gremlin! |first=Eric |last=English |date=4 March 2024 |work=Hemmings |access-date=6 March 2024}}</ref> |
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Within a few years after that, the compacts had given rise to a new class called the [[pony car]], named after the [[Ford Mustang]], which was built on the Falcon chassis. At that time, there was a distinct difference in size between compact and full-size models, and an early definition of the compact was a vehicle with an overall length of less than {{convert|200|in|0|adj=on}}, much larger than European designs. |
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In 1973, the [[1973 oil crisis|Energy Crisis]] started, which made small fuel-efficient cars more desirable, and the North American driver began exchanging their large cars for the smaller, imported compacts that cost less to fill up and were inexpensive to maintain.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://driving.ca/auto-news/news/rearview-mirror-the-fuel-crisis-that-changed-the-industry |title=Rearview Mirror: The fuel crisis that changed the industry |first=Jil |last=McIntosh |date=1 February 2017 |website=driving.ca |access-date=6 March 2024}}</ref> |
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During the 1960s, compacts were the smallest class of North American cars, but they had evolved into only slightly smaller versions of the 6-cylinder or [[V8 engine|V8]]-powered two-bench six-passenger sedan. They were much larger than imports by makers such as Volkswagen and Datsun, which were typically five-passenger 4-cylinder engine cars, even though ads for the [[Ford Maverick (North America)|Ford Maverick]] and [[Rambler American]] would make comparisons with the popular [[Volkswagen Beetle]]. In the early 1970s, the domestic [[automaker]]s introduced even smaller [[subcompact car]]s that included the [[AMC Gremlin]], [[Chevrolet Vega]], and [[Ford Pinto]]. |
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The 1977 model year marked the beginning of a [[Downsize (automobile)|downsizing]] of all vehicles |
The 1977 model year marked the beginning of a [[Downsize (automobile)|downsizing]] of all vehicles so that cars such as the [[AMC Concord]] and the [[Ford Fairmont]] that replaced the compacts were re-classified as mid-size, while cars inheriting the size of the [[Ford Pinto]] and [[Chevrolet Vega]] (such as the [[Ford Escort (North America)|Ford Escort]] and [[Chevrolet Cavalier]]) became classified as compact cars. Even after the reclassification, mid-size American cars were still far larger than mid-size cars from other countries and were more similar in size to cars classified as "large cars" in Europe. It would not be until the 1980s that American cars were being downsized to truly international dimensions. |
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=== 1980s to present === |
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{| class="wikitable" |
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[[File:Tempo 06-20-2019.jpg|alt=1988–1991 Ford Tempo|thumb|[[Ford Tempo]] (1988–1991)]] |
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[[File:Dodge Dart 2.0 Rallye 2014 (14217526095).jpg |thumb|right|[[Dodge Dart (PF)|Dodge Dart]] (2013–2016)]] |
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! Class<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/info.shtml#sizeclasses |title=Vehicle Size Classes Used in the Fuel Economy Guide |work=fueleconomy.gov |accessdate=7 February 2016}}</ref> !! Interior volume index |
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{{expand section|date=January 2019}} |
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|- |
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| Minicompact car || < {{convert|85|cuft|m3|abbr=on}} |
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|- |
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| Subcompact car || {{convert|85|-|99.9|cuft|m3|abbr=on}} |
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|- |
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| Compact car || {{convert|100|-|109.9|cuft|m3|abbr=on}} |
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|- |
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| Midsize car || {{convert|110|-|119.9|cuft|m3|abbr=on}} |
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|- |
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| Large car || ≥ {{convert|120|cuft|m3|abbr=on}} |
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|- |
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| Small station wagon || < {{convert|130|cuft|m3|abbr=on}} |
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|- |
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| Midsize station wagon || {{convert|130|-|160|cuft|m3|abbr=on}} |
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|- |
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| Large station wagon || ≥ {{convert|160|cuft|m3|abbr=on}} |
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|} |
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In the 1985 model year, compact cars classified by the EPA included Ford's Escort and Tempo |
In the 1985 model year, compact cars classified by the EPA included Ford's Escort and Tempo as well as the Chevrolet Cavalier. For the 2019 model year, the best sellers were the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic.<ref>{{cite web |title=Gas Mileage of 1985 Compact Cars |url= https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/byclass/Compact_Cars1985.shtml |website=fueleconomy.gov |access-date=12 January 2019}}</ref> |
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{{clear right}} |
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== European market == |
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== Japan == |
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[[File:2017 Volkswagen Golf (5G MY17) 1.4 SE TSI hatchback (2017-08-30).jpg|thumb|[[Volkswagen Golf]]]] |
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{{refimprove section |date= January 2019}} |
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{{multiple image |
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| align = right |
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| direction = vertical |
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| image1 = 2018 Toyota Corolla (MZEA12R) Ascent Sport hatchback (2018-11-02) 01.jpg |
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| caption1 = 1966–present [[Toyota Corolla]] |
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| image2 = 2019 Mazda3 SE-L 2.0 Front.jpg |
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| caption2 = 2003–present [[Mazda3]] |
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}} |
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=== Definition === |
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In Japan, vehicles that are larger than [[kei car]]s, but with dimensions smaller than {{convert|4700|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} long, {{convert|1700|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} wide, {{convert|2000|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} high and with engines at or under {{convert|2000|cc|abbr=on}} are classified as "small size" cars. |
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Small-size cars are identified by a license plate number beginning with "5". In the past, the small size category has received tax benefits stipulated by the [[Vehicle size class#Japan|Japanese government regulations]], such as those in the [[:ja:道路運送車両法|1951 Road Vehicle Act]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://law.e-gov.go.jp/htmldata/S26/S26HO185.html |title=Road Vehicle Act of 1951 |language=ja |website=law.e-gov.go.jp |access-date=7 February 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110904053631/http://law.e-gov.go.jp/htmldata/S26/S26HO185.html |archive-date=4 September 2011}}</ref> |
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According to 2011 sales,<ref>{{cite web|title=Europe Full Year 2011: Top 318 All models ranking now available! |publisher=Automotive News |url= http://www.autoweek.nl/forum/read.php?1,2449761,page=23 |accessdate=7 February 2016}}</ref> compact cars are currently the second segment in Europe after the [[subcompact]] one (which in Europe corresponds to [[A-segment]] + [[B-segment]]), with approximately 3 million units sold. |
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=== 1950s and 1960s === |
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The world's first [[Hatchback#Early examples|hatchback]],<ref>{{cite book|first=Tony |last=Lewin |first2=Ryan |last2=Borroff |first3=Ian |last3=Callum |page=185|title=How to Design Cars Like a Pro |publisher=Motorbooks |year=2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|first=Richard |last=Copping |page=17 |title=VW Golf: Five Generations of Fun: The Full Story of the Volkswagen Golf |publisher=Veloce Publishing |year=2006 }}</ref> the 1958 [[FR layout]] [[Austin A40]] Farina Countryman. Because of the [[Volkswagen Golf]]'s definition and long standing dominance of this class it is often referred to as the "Golf segment" in much of Europe.<ref>{{cite web |accessdate=2016-08-19 | url = http://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/kompaktklasse-1916624.html | title= Kompaktklasse |trans-title=Compact Class | publisher = Auto Motor und Sport | language = German }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.expressen.se/motor/stort-test-de-10-basta-bilarna-i-golf-klassen/ | publisher = Expressen | date = 2013-04-16 | work = Allt om Bilar | title = Stort test: De 10 bästa bilarna i Golf-klassen |trans-title=Big test: The 10 best cars in the Golf class | language = Swedish | last1 = Jakobsson | first1 = David | last2 = Berggren | first2 = Jan-Erik }}</ref> |
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In 1955, the Japanese [[Ministry of International Trade and Industry]] set forth a goal to all Japanese makers at that time to create what was called a "national car". The concept stipulated that the vehicle be able to maintain a maximum speed over 100 km/h (62 mph), weigh below 400 kg (882 lbs), fuel consumption at {{convert|30|km/L|abbr=on}} or more, at an average speed of 60 km/h (37 mph) on a level road, and not require maintenance or significant service for at least {{convert|100,000|km|mi|abbr=on}}. This established a "compact car" target that was larger than what has become known as the "light car" or the [[kei car]]. |
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===Upmarket options=== |
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For those whose budgets can't stretch to a [[Compact executive car|Compact Executive]], more luxurious versions of small family cars have been offered through the years. These are usually saloons which have a more upmarket image in Europe than hatchbacks, although a full range of body styles are available. |
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Early examples include the compact luxury [[Riley One-Point-Five]] and [[Wolseley 1500]] twins, offered by the [[British Motor Corporation]] from 1957 to 1965. Germany's [[Lloyd Arabella]], later Borgward Arabella, was available from 1959 to 1963 and was available in 'de Luxe' trim with a higher powered engine. All these cars offered more style, higher performance and greater luxury than the [[Economy car#1945.E2.80.931960|economy cars]] available from competitors. |
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The 1981 [[Triumph Acclaim]] was [[British Leyland#BL Ltd|British Leyland]]'s first upmarket compact car created in collaboration with [[Honda]] and was replaced in 1984 by the [[Honda Civic (third generation)|Honda Civic]] based [[Rover 200 / 25#Rover 200 .28SD3.3B 1984.E2.80.931989.29|Rover 200-Series]]. The latter was marketed directly at the entry-level BMW 3 Series.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-european/carshow-classic-1989-rover-216-efi-vanden-plas-automatic-taking-a-step-upmarket/|title=Carshow Classic: 1989 Rover 216 EFi Vanden Plas Automatic – Taking A Step Upmarket|date=12 September 2015|publisher=}}</ref> [[Rover Company|Rover]] continued to offer more upmarket compact cars with its [[Rover 200 / 25#Rover 200 .28R8.3B 1989.E2.80.931995.29|200-]] and [[Rover 400 / 45#R8|400-Series]] twins and later [[Rover 400 / 45#Rover 400 .28HH-R.3B 1995.E2.80.931999.29|Rover 400]] and [[Rover 400 / 45#Rover 45 .281999.E2.80.932005.29|45]] saloons and fastbacks up until its demise in 2005. |
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Volkswagen has long marketed its Jetta sedan above the Golf hatchback its based on. The [[Volkswagen Jetta#Sixth generation .28MK6.2FA6.2C Typ 1B.3B 2011.E2.80.93present.29|current Jetta]], the sixth generation, is uprated for the European market with multi-link rear suspension instead of torsion beam rear axles and has a higher quality interior than the North American derivative.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/volkswagen/jetta/first-drives/vw-jetta-2.0-tdi-140|title=Volkswagen Jetta 2.0 TDI 140 review - Autocar|website=www.autocar.co.uk}}</ref> Volkswagen stablemate, Audi, has offered its compact [[Audi A3|A3]] since 1996 - initially as a hatchback before adding a convertible in 2003 and a sedan in 2012. |
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[[File:Renault Mégane Scénic.JPG|thumb|[[Renault Scénic|Renault Mégane Scénic]], Phase I]] |
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===Alternative body styles=== |
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Some small family cars have also spawned [[compact MPV]]s, the first of which was the 1996 [[Renault Scénic#Sc.C3.A9nic I .281996.E2.80.932003.29|Renault Mégane Scénic]], named 1997 [[European Car of the Year]]. In a few years at the end of the 1990s, they outsold estates and saloons in many countries. Nevertheless, the MPV segment began to lose the customer interest at the beginning of the 2010s, while the SUV segment increased. The [[Renault Scenic]] and the [[Citroën C4 Picasso#Second generation (2013–present)|Citroën C4 Picasso]] are the leaders of this segment in Europe over the past two decades.<ref name="ScenicLeaderMPV">{{cite web|url= http://www.autonews.com/article/20090320/ANE02/903209993/renault-wants-to-be-minivan-leader-again |title=Renault wants to be minivan leader again |publisher=Automotive News Europe |first=Lawrence J. |last=Speer |date=20 March 2009 |accessdate=7 February 2016}}</ref> |
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{{clear}} |
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==Japanese market== |
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[[File:2018 Toyota Corolla (MZEA12R) Ascent Sport hatchback (2018-11-02) 01.jpg|thumb|right|[[Toyota Corolla]]]] |
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[[File:2018 Mazda3 (BN) SP25 GT hatchback (2018-05-05) 01.jpg|thumb|right|[[Mazda3]]]] |
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In 1955, the Japanese [[Ministry of International Trade and Industry]] set forth a goal to all Japanese makers at that time to create what was called a "national car". The concept stipulated that the vehicle be able to maintain a maximum speed over 100 km/h (62 mph), weigh below 400 kg (882 lbs), fuel consumption at {{convert|30|km/L|abbr=on}} or more, at an average speed of 60 km/h (37 mph) on a level road, and not require maintenance or significant service for at least {{convert|100,000|km|mi|abbr=on}}. This established a "compact car" target that was larger than what has become known as the "light car" or the [[kei car]]. Under Japanese regulations, this class is defined as vehicles at or less than 4.7 m (15.4 ft) long, 1.7 m (5.6 ft) wide, 2 m (6.6 ft) high and with engines at or under 2,000 cc (120 cu in). Interior dimensions and available cargo space are not taken into consideration. All vehicles in Japan, regardless of origination of manufacture, are held to this standard. These goals also took into consideration [[speed limits in Japan]] and typical driving conditions, where urban areas are usually zoned at {{convert|40|km/h|mi/h|1|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=Driving in Japan|url=http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2022.html|website=Japan-Guide.com|publisher=Japan-Guide.com|accessdate=22 February 2017}}</ref> |
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This larger class is by far the most popular in Japan due to tax benefits stipulated by [[Vehicle size class#Japan|Japanese government regulations]] ([[:ja:道路運送車両法|Japanese Government's Road Vehicle Act of 1951]]).<ref>{{cite web|url= http://law.e-gov.go.jp/htmldata/S26/S26HO185.html |title=Road Vehicle Act of 1951 |language=Japanese |work=Law.e-gov.go.jp |date= |accessdate=7 February 2016}}</ref> One of the first compact cars that met those requirements was the [[Toyota Publica]] with an air cooled two cylinder opposed engine, the [[Nissan Bluebird#110 series|Datsun 110 series]], and the [[Mitsubishi 500]]. The Publica and the Mitsubishi 500 were essentially "kei cars" with engines larger than regulations permitted at the time, while the Datsun was an all-new vehicle. These vehicles were followed by the [[Hino Contessa]] in 1961, the [[Isuzu Bellett]], [[Daihatsu Compagno]] and [[Mazda Familia]] in 1963, the [[Mitsubishi Colt]] in 1965, and the [[Nissan Sunny]], [[Subaru 1000]], and [[Toyota Corolla]] in 1966. Honda introduced their first four-door sedan in 1969, called the [[Honda 1300]]. In North America, these cars were classified as [[subcompact car]]s. |
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By 1970, Nissan released their first front-wheel-drive car that was originally developed by [[Prince Motor Company]] which had merged with Nissan in 1966. This was introduced in 1970 as the [[Nissan Cherry]]. In 1972, the [[Honda Civic (first generation)|Honda Civic]] appeared with the [[CVCC]] engine that was able to meet California emission standards without the use of a [[Catalytic converter]]. In 1973, the [[1973 oil crisis|Energy Crisis]] started, which made small fuel efficient cars more desirable, and the North American driver began exchanging their large cars for the smaller, imported compacts that cost less to fill up and were inexpensive to maintain. |
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== UK market == |
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{{Refimprove section|date=May 2016}} |
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[[File:2017 Vauxhall Astra Design 1.4 Front.jpg|thumb|[[Vauxhall Astra]], a re-branded [[Opel Astra]] ([[General Motors]] Group<ref>{{cite web |title=UK July 2012: Mercedes C-Class hits highest ranking ever |work=Best selling cars blog |url= http://bestsellingcarsblog.com/2012/08/06/uk-july-2012-mercedes-c-class-hits-highest-ranking-ever/ |date=6 August 2012 |first=Matt |last=Gassier |accessdate=7 February 2016}}</ref>)]] |
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=== 1970s === |
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Small family saloons had a strong following among car buyers in the UK as the 1970s dawned, and enjoyed a popularity similar to that of larger family cars such as the successful [[Ford Cortina]]. These two sectors were in fact dominant of the new car market at this time, as the [[Mini]] and - to a lesser degree - the [[Hillman Imp]] were the only popular mini-cars at this time. The [[Austin 1100|Morris/Austin 1100/1300]] had been Britain's best selling car for most of the time since its launch in 1962, and rival British products included the [[Ford Escort (Europe)|Ford Escort]], [[Vauxhall Viva (1963–1979)|Vauxhall Viva]] and [[Hillman Avenger]]. Cars such as the [[Citroën GS]] and [[Nissan Sunny|Datsun Sunny 120Y]] were also being imported. |
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One of the first compact cars that met those requirements was the [[Toyota Publica]] with an air-cooled two-cylinder opposed engine, the [[Nissan Bluebird#110 series|Datsun 110 series]], and the [[Mitsubishi 500]]. The Publica and the Mitsubishi 500 were essentially "kei cars" with engines larger than regulations permitted at the time, while the Datsun was an all-new vehicle. These vehicles were followed by the [[Hino Contessa]] in 1961, the [[Isuzu Bellett]], [[Daihatsu Compagno]] and [[Mazda Familia]] in 1963, the [[Mitsubishi Colt]] in 1965, and the [[Nissan Sunny]], [[Subaru 1000]], and [[Toyota Corolla]] in 1966. Honda introduced its first four-door sedan in 1969, called the [[Honda 1300]]. In North America, these cars were classified as [[subcompact car]]s. |
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[[British Leyland]] replaced the 1100/1300 with the [[Austin Allegro]] in 1973. [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]] updated the Escort in 1975. The [[Vauxhall Viva (1963–1979)|Vauxhall Viva]] finished production in late 1979 on the launch of the all-new [[Vauxhall Astra|Astra]] - which abandoned the traditional rear-wheel drive saloon in favour of the front-wheel drive hatchback format that was spreading across Europe. The Allegro was front-wheel drive but only came as a saloon or estate though the [[Austin Maxi]] was a hatchback. The Escort was still a rear-wheel drive saloon in 1979 but was due for an imminent replacement by an up-to-date third generation model. The Hillman Avenger continued to sell well as a [[Chrysler]] following the 1976 rebranding and as a [[Talbot]] after the sale of Chrysler's European operations to French carmaker [[Peugeot]] in 1979, in spite of the 1978 launch of the [[Chrysler Horizon|Horizon]] front-wheel drive hatchback. |
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=== 1970s to present === |
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One of the first foreign cars to have a major impact on this sector in the UK was the [[Volkswagen Golf|Golf]] - a [[Giorgetto Giugiaro|Giugiaro-styled]] front-wheel drive hatchback launched in 1974. The sporty '''GTI''' version sparked a huge demand for "hot hatchbacks" in the UK and many other countries. |
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By 1970, Nissan released its first front-wheel-drive car which was originally developed by [[Prince Motor Company]] which had merged with Nissan in 1966. This was introduced in 1970 as the [[Nissan Cherry]]. In 1972, the [[Honda Civic (first generation)|Honda Civic]] appeared with the [[CVCC]] engine that was able to meet California emission standards without the use of a [[catalytic converter]]. |
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== Pakistan == |
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In Pakistan, the concept of compact cars is significant.{{according to whom|date=August 2024}} The most common cars tend to be [[Kei car|Kei cars]].{{cn|date=August 2024}} |
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The MK3 [[Ford Escort (North America)|Ford Escort]] went on sale in the autumn of 1980 replacing the rear-drive saloon format in favour of hatchbacks and front-wheel drive. It was available in several versions, as well as the [[Ford Orion|Orion]] saloon that was launched in 1983. [[Vauxhall Motors|Vauxhall's]] [[Vauxhall Astra|Astra]] entered the market with the 1984 MK2 model. [[Austin Rover Group|Austin Rover]], as British Leyland was now called, replaced the [[Austin Allegro|Allegro]] in early 1983 with the all-new [[Austin Maestro|Maestro]]. The venture with Japanese carmaker [[Honda]] saw the launch of the [[Triumph Acclaim]], a four-door saloon based on the [[Honda Ballade]] with a Honda-designed engine. The [[Rover 200 / 25#SD3|Rover 200]] succeeded it in 1984. The first British built [[Peugeot]] car - the compact [[Peugeot 309|309]] - rolled off the [[Ryton-on-Dunsmore]] production line at the end of 1985. |
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Popular compact cars in recent times{{when|date=August 2024}} are the Honda City, Toyota Yaris, Toyota Corolla Altis 1.6, and the Changan Alsvin.{{cn|date=August 2024}} |
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=== 1990s === |
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[[Ford Motor Company|Ford]] began the 1990s by replacing its 10-year-old Escort (and the [[Ford Orion|Orion]] saloon version) with an all-new model. The Escort was Britain's best selling small family car throughout the decade.{{citation needed|date=August 2012}} Its eventual successor - the [[Ford Focus (International)|Focus]] - went on sale in September 1998. [[Vauxhall Motors|Vauxhall]] rejuvenated its [[Vauxhall Astra|Astra]] with the launch of an all-new model in October 1991, and in early 1998 with a new version. The [[Rover 200|200 Series]] was launched during the autumn of 1989, and its successor was launched in 1995. Later, a facelift transformed it into the [[Rover 25]] and re-positioned as a supermini. |
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== See also == |
== See also == |
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| Line 123: | Line 104: | ||
* [[Vehicle size class]] |
* [[Vehicle size class]] |
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* [[Compact MPV]] |
* [[Compact MPV]] |
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* [[Compact sport utility vehicle |
* [[Compact sport utility vehicle]] |
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* [[Economy car]] |
* [[Economy car]] |
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* [[Hot hatch]] |
* [[Hot hatch]] |
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{{Automobile configuration}} |
{{Automobile configuration}} |
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{{Automobile classification}} |
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{{Authority control}} |
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[[Category:North American car classifications]] |
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[[Category:Car classifications]] |
[[Category:Car classifications]] |
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[[Category:Compact cars| ]] |
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Latest revision as of 01:58, 18 October 2024
 | The examples and perspective in this article deal primarily with the United States and Japan and do not represent a worldwide view of the subject. (October 2020) |
_hatchback_IMG_9884.jpg)
Compact car is a vehicle size class—predominantly used in North America—that sits between subcompact cars and mid-size cars. "Small family car" is a British term and a part of the C-segment in the European car classification. However, before the downsizing of the United States car industry in the 1970s and 1980s, larger vehicles with wheelbases up to 110 in (2.79 m) were considered "compact cars" in the United States.
In Japan, small size passenger vehicle is a registration category that sits between kei cars and regular cars, based on overall size and engine displacement limits.
United States
[edit]Current definition
[edit]The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Fuel Economy Regulations for 1977 and Later Model Year (dated July 1996) includes definitions for classes of automobiles.[1] Based on the combined passenger and cargo volume, compact cars are defined as having an interior volume index of 100–109 cu ft (2.8–3.1 m3).[2]
1930s to 1950s
[edit]
The beginnings of U.S. production of compact cars were the late 1940s prototypes of economy cars, including the Chevrolet Cadet and the Ford Light Car.[3]: 214 Neither car reached production in the U.S., however Ford SAF in France bought the plans of the "small Ford" and produced the Ford Vedette.[3]: 214
The first U.S.-produced postwar compact car was the 1950 Nash Rambler.[4] It was built on a 100-inch (2,540 mm) wheelbase, which was nonetheless still a large car by contemporary European standards.[3]: 214 The term "compact" was coined by a Nash executive as a euphemism for small cars with a wheelbase of 110 inches (2,794 mm) or less.[5][6] It established a new market segment and the U.S. automobile industry soon adopted the "compact" term.[7][8]
Several competitors to the Nash Rambler arose from the ranks of America's other independent automakers, although none enjoyed the long-term success of the Rambler. Other early compact cars included the Kaiser-Frazer Henry J (also re-badged as the Allstate), the Willys Aero and the Hudson Jet.[9]
In 1954, 64,500 cars sold in the U.S. were imports or small American cars, out of a total market of five million cars. Market research indicated that five percent of those surveyed said they would consider a small car, suggesting a potential market size of 275,000 cars.[10] By 1955, the Nash Rambler that began as a convertible model became a success and was now available in station wagon, hardtop, and sedan body styles.[11] During the Recession of 1958, the only exception to the sales decline was American Motors with its compact, economy-oriented Ramblers that saw high demand among cautious consumers.[12]
By 1959, sales of small imported cars also increased to 14% of the U.S. passenger car market, as consumers turned to compact cars.[13] By this time, smaller cars appealed to people with a college education and a higher income whose families were buying more than one car. Customers expected compact cars to provide improved fuel economy compared to full-sized cars while maintaining headroom, legroom, and plenty of trunk space.[10]
Between 1958 and 1960, the major U.S. car manufacturers made a push toward compact cars, resulting in the introduction of the Studebaker Lark, Chevrolet Corvair, Ford Falcon, and Plymouth Valiant.[14] These models also gave rise to compact vans built on the compact car platforms, such as the Studebaker Zip Van,[15][16] Chevrolet Corvair Greenbrier, Ford Econoline, and Dodge A100.
1960s
[edit]
During the 1960s, compacts were the smallest class of North American cars, but they had evolved into only slightly smaller versions of the 6-cylinder or V8-powered six-passenger sedan. They were much larger than compacts (and sometimes even mid-sizers) by European manufacturers,[17] which were typically five-passenger four-cylinder engine cars. Nevertheless, advertising and road tests for the Ford Maverick and the Rambler American made comparisons with the popular Volkswagen Beetle.[18][19][20][21]
Compact cars were also the basis for a new small car segment that became known as the pony car, named after the Ford Mustang, which was built on the Falcon chassis. At that time, there was a distinct difference in size between compact and full-size models. Early definitions of vehicle size class were based on wheelbase, with models under 111 inches as compact, 111 to 118 inches intermediate, and over 118 inches as full size,[citation needed] at least until EPA classes based on interior volume of the passenger and cargo compartments were introduced in the late 1970s.
1970s
[edit]
AMC Concord (1977–1983) luxury compact[22]
Ford Fairmont (1977–1983)
 | This section needs additional citations for verification. (January 2019) |
In the early 1970s, the domestic automakers introduced even smaller subcompact cars that included the AMC Gremlin, Chevrolet Vega, and Ford Pinto.[23][24]
In 1973, the Energy Crisis started, which made small fuel-efficient cars more desirable, and the North American driver began exchanging their large cars for the smaller, imported compacts that cost less to fill up and were inexpensive to maintain.[25]
The 1977 model year marked the beginning of a downsizing of all vehicles so that cars such as the AMC Concord and the Ford Fairmont that replaced the compacts were re-classified as mid-size, while cars inheriting the size of the Ford Pinto and Chevrolet Vega (such as the Ford Escort and Chevrolet Cavalier) became classified as compact cars. Even after the reclassification, mid-size American cars were still far larger than mid-size cars from other countries and were more similar in size to cars classified as "large cars" in Europe. It would not be until the 1980s that American cars were being downsized to truly international dimensions.
1980s to present
[edit]
.jpg)
![[icon]](/enwiki/wiki/File:Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg){kind=small} | This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (January 2019) |
In the 1985 model year, compact cars classified by the EPA included Ford's Escort and Tempo as well as the Chevrolet Cavalier. For the 2019 model year, the best sellers were the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic.[26]
Japan
[edit] | This section needs additional citations for verification. (January 2019) |
_Ascent_Sport_hatchback_(2018-11-02)_01.jpg)
1966–present Toyota Corolla
2003–present Mazda3
Definition
[edit]In Japan, vehicles that are larger than kei cars, but with dimensions smaller than 4,700 mm (185.0 in) long, 1,700 mm (66.9 in) wide, 2,000 mm (78.7 in) high and with engines at or under 2,000 cc (120 cu in) are classified as "small size" cars.
Small-size cars are identified by a license plate number beginning with "5". In the past, the small size category has received tax benefits stipulated by the Japanese government regulations, such as those in the 1951 Road Vehicle Act.[27]
1950s and 1960s
[edit]In 1955, the Japanese Ministry of International Trade and Industry set forth a goal to all Japanese makers at that time to create what was called a "national car". The concept stipulated that the vehicle be able to maintain a maximum speed over 100 km/h (62 mph), weigh below 400 kg (882 lbs), fuel consumption at 30 km/L (85 mpg‑imp; 71 mpg‑US) or more, at an average speed of 60 km/h (37 mph) on a level road, and not require maintenance or significant service for at least 100,000 km (62,000 mi). This established a "compact car" target that was larger than what has become known as the "light car" or the kei car.
One of the first compact cars that met those requirements was the Toyota Publica with an air-cooled two-cylinder opposed engine, the Datsun 110 series, and the Mitsubishi 500. The Publica and the Mitsubishi 500 were essentially "kei cars" with engines larger than regulations permitted at the time, while the Datsun was an all-new vehicle. These vehicles were followed by the Hino Contessa in 1961, the Isuzu Bellett, Daihatsu Compagno and Mazda Familia in 1963, the Mitsubishi Colt in 1965, and the Nissan Sunny, Subaru 1000, and Toyota Corolla in 1966. Honda introduced its first four-door sedan in 1969, called the Honda 1300. In North America, these cars were classified as subcompact cars.
1970s to present
[edit]By 1970, Nissan released its first front-wheel-drive car which was originally developed by Prince Motor Company which had merged with Nissan in 1966. This was introduced in 1970 as the Nissan Cherry. In 1972, the Honda Civic appeared with the CVCC engine that was able to meet California emission standards without the use of a catalytic converter.
Pakistan
[edit]In Pakistan, the concept of compact cars is significant.[according to whom?] The most common cars tend to be Kei cars.[citation needed]
Popular compact cars in recent times[when?] are the Honda City, Toyota Yaris, Toyota Corolla Altis 1.6, and the Changan Alsvin.[citation needed]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Code of Federal Regulations Sec. 600.315 - 82 Classes of comparable automobiles". U.S. Government Publishing Office. 1 July 1996. p. 733. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
- ^ "FAQ - How are vehicle size classes defined?". fueleconomy.gov. Retrieved 5 January 2019.
- ^ a b c Stevenson, Heon (2008). American Automobile Advertising, 1930-1980: An Illustrated History. McFarland. p. 214. ISBN 9780786436859. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
- ^ McGuire, Bill (5 June 2018). "America's First Postwar Compact: The 1950 Nash Rambler". Mac's Motor City Garage. Retrieved 6 March 2024.
- ^ McCarthy, Tom (2007). Auto Mania: Cars, Consumers, and the Environment. Yale University Press. p. 144. ISBN 978030011038-8.
- ^ Ward's automotive yearbook. Vol. 22. Detroit: Ward's Communications. 1960. p. 92.
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External links
[edit]- ^ "Case No COMP/M.1406 - Hyundai / Kia: Regulation (EEC) No 4064/89 Merger Procedure: Article 6(1)(b) Non-opposition" (PDF). Office for Official Publications of the European Communities. 17 March 1999. Retrieved 12 July 2021.
- ^ 40 CFR 600.315-08