Movers and Losers: April's Top Compact/Economy Cars
Fuel prices are high and the popularity of small cars is on the rise. When we see which compact and economy cars are flying off the lots, we’re not surprised. Toyota takes two of the top three spots with its newly redesigned Corolla and Matrix, which had a full month of sales in April along with major advertising. Even so, neither broke the top 10 overall.
The losers aren’t doing terribly badly when you consider the average time to sell a new car or truck is 65 days.
Top 10 Movers
- 2008 Mini Cooper Clubman: 19 days
- 2009 Toyota Corolla: 20 days
- 2009 Toyota Matrix: 21 days
- 2008 Mini Cooper: 22 days
- 2008 Mazda5: 23 days
- 2008 Kia Rondo: 25 days
- 2008 Honda Fit: 29 days
- 2008 VW Rabbit: 33 days
- 2008 Honda Civic: 28 days
- 2008 Scion xD: 38 days
Top 10 Losers
- 2008 Suzuki Forenza sedan: 112 days
- 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer: 94 days
- 2008 Suzuki Forenza wagon: 92 days
- 2008 Suzuki Reno: 91 days
- 2008 Nissan Versa sedan: 89 days
- 2008 Nissan Sentra: 84 days
- 2008 Nissan Versa hatchback: 81 days
- 2008 Dodge Caliber: 81 days
- 2008 Pontiac G5: 73 days
- 2008 Chevy Aveo sedan: 71 days
What the Numbers Say
Small cars are doing well. Even many of the losers had strong sales numbers despite buildup on the lots. None of the top movers really surprise us. On the losers’ side, we’re a bit thrown to see the once-hot Lancer taking so much time to sell.
Interesting to see the Mazda5 on the list. It's impressive, namely because few big brands offer a more practical automobile. Families can be efficiently transported in one of those mini minivans, and it's reliable. The only other car that comes close is the Rondo, but I suspect the Mazda5 rates higher in most people's minds.
Posted by: LM | May 19, 2008 11:55:40 AM
rondo did well too. just missed the cut.
Posted by: Dave T. | May 19, 2008 12:19:01 PM
Hybrids?
Posted by: Bob Wilson | May 20, 2008 4:23:38 AM
The Lancer's fuel economy is really poor for a compact. 22/29 is midsize territory. That is why it is not selling.
Posted by: Dbeck | May 20, 2008 9:31:47 AM
Bob W,
That'll go up today. probably before noon.
Posted by: Dave T. | May 20, 2008 9:37:55 AM
hey dave t., where did the mazda3 rate on that list becuase i see those everywhere. i currently own a 2007 2.3 touring myself ;)
Posted by: npoll212 | May 20, 2008 10:15:57 AM
the hatchback 3 took 53 days
sedan 63 days.
Still pretty good for a car that's been out as long as it has
Posted by: Dave T. | May 20, 2008 12:10:26 PM