Hatchbacks are an excellent option for folks who want a small and affordable car but need more storage space. Additionally, while there are many great, used hatchbacks that customers can buy for under $10,000 right now, the Honda Fit completely dominates the category. Here’s are the best used hatchbacks for under $10,000 and why the Honda Fit is such a good pick. 

Asian automakers dominate the used hatchback market

According to U.S. News, of the top 20 used hatchbacks under $10,000, most of them came from Asian automakers. Brands like Toyota, Hyundai, and Mazda dominated the list, but a few cars were from elsewhere, too. In fact, the German 2009 Audi A3 is the best hatchback that’s not a Honda Fit, receiving an overall score of 9.2 out of 10.

The 2013 Kia Rio and the 2009 to 2011 Scion xB were also good picks that made it into the top 10. In particular, the Rio and the 2009 xB both received 9.0 out of 10 ratings. Additionally, the 2010 and 2011 xB models both received an 8.9 out of 10. While these were some good scores from some affordable hatchbacks, the Honda Fit dominated the top of the list.

These 2011-2012 Honda Fit model years are the best options

Two Honda Fit model years were tied for first place on the U.S. News list, and they were the 2011 and 2012 model years. Both received a 9.4 out of 10, and both Fit models start at about $8,000 to $9,000. These model years scored so well because they provide a great balance of all the features that folks are looking for in a hatchback.

Without folding any seats down, these model years of the Fit hatchback had about 20.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, rivaling the initial capacity (behind the second or third row) of larger SUVs. If you fold its seats down, the Fit provides 57.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity instead. This was enough space to allow people to fit large pieces of equipment into their Honda, such as a TV or a bicycle.

Additionally, while the Fit’s engine only produces about 117 horsepower, it was pretty fun to drive, and its fuel economy was surprisingly good, too. The 2011 and 2012 model years had a fuel economy of 28 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on highways, for a 32 mpg combined rating.

The Honda Fit hatchback has plenty of other great model years, too

The Honda Fit didn’t just win first and second place, however. Other Fit model years also landed in the top 10. The 2009 and the 2010 model years have an overall score of 9.0 out of 10, which ties them with the Rio and the xB for fourth place. Since these two model years are older than the 2011 and 2012 model years, they’re also cheaper. They start at around $6,000, according to U.S. News. 

In terms of the fundamentals, these two Fit model years are largely identical to the 2011 and 2012 model years. All four Fit model years have the same engine, get the same fuel economy, and have the same cargo capacity. The main difference between them has to do with their reliability scores.

U.S. News said that the 2009 and 2010 models have a 4 out of 5 in terms of reliability, while the 2011 and 2012 models have a perfect 5 out of 5. Still, regardless of which Fit model years you choose, it’s bound to be a very affordable and capable hatchback.