Sales of the tiniest (and cheapest) cars have benefited from high gas prices. This is also a segment where domestic manufacturers have little to offer.
Sales of the tiny Toyota Yaris are up about 29% so far this year while sales of the Honda Fit are up more than 54%. (A new, redesigned Fit is just now going on sale.)
Among U.S.-based carmakers, only GM currently offers something in this size. With more competition from Asia, though, sales of the Korean-made Chevrolet Aveo are down about 5% so far this year.
NEXT: Upside: Compact SUVs
Last updated October 01 2008: 4:58 PM ET