These Are The Small Cars You Think Should Return In 2025
Over the last decade automakers have axed many of their smaller cars, opting to go for giant vehicles with expansive profit margins. Small cars may be set to make a return as automakers inflation makes us more broke than ever. So now, we just need to figure out what models need to come back.
Last week, we asked readers what small, affordable models they'd like to see come back in 2025. These are your answers.
OK hear me out: Honda CR-Z
I mean, 15 years ago when the CR-Z first came out, EV tech and energy density was garbage. For the first couple of years, the CR-Z used NiMH batteries!
Now? It's much easier today to grab a 40-50kW battery like the Fiat 500e has and connect it to a reasonable amount of power for its size, like 160-180hp. Like the 500e, keep it around 3000lb and this would be a fun little aerodynamic commuter EV that could probably get away with only 200 miles of range. Maybe call it CR-E/CR:e to fit their new nomenclature.
Plus, you probably don't have to update the styling that much; despite being so old, the CR-Z still looks pretty dang modern.
Sure, you could say that the upcoming Prelude is kind of fitting the same niche, but that's looking more like a large compact/small mid-size coupe. This could actually be a small car, and Honda could just sell motor upgrades to make an EV Si version that wouldn't step on the Civic's toes.
Suggested by: OnceInAMillenia
I recently bought a used Chevy Spark and man do I love this car. Bring the Spark back!
Suggested by: WooWoo Kim via Facebook
Mazda2. The current Mazda3 is as big as the old Mazda6.
Ford Focus, with a manual in a poverty trim, not just another ST.
And if you actually read the article linked, the manufacturers are not planning on bringing out cheaper cars, simply building more of the lower trims.
So you can get an F-150 STX for $50k instead of a Platinum for $80. Still a heck of a lot of money for a pickup.
Suggested by: Mark Horning
I want an 80's - 90's sized GMC Jimmy/ GM Blazer with 2 doors, the hatch/tailgate l, 4x4 and turbo diesel. Steel wheels, no touch screens, minimal tech. It should be just smaller than the Ford Maverick.
Suggested by: Joseph Fic via Facebook
I'd go for a modern, simple and inexpensive, rear wheel drive, front engine equivalent of the Toyota Tercel and/or Mazda GLC. I could even live with the curb weight going up from 1900-ish lbs to 25-2600 lbs if it still had like knobs and switches in the cockpit instead of touchscreen controls.
Suggested by: jrhmobile
Honda Element. Utilitarian paradise that out ID Buzzes the ID Buzz.
Dog friendly
Rubber floors
Barn-like aerodynamics
Just give it a 300 mile range and sub $35k price tag and you've got a winner.
Suggested by: Half Man Half Bear Half Pig
My initial thought is the Fit but I would love a Dodge Neon as the original first Gen concept. Not a rebadged bloated fiat or the 'grown up' car from the second generation. Fiesta as well was a fun cheap car. Had both, if you got them in a manual they were fun. Also I don't trust Stellantis to not screw it up if they try.
Suggested by: Fight the machine
Yes on Ford Focus, specifically Ford Focus Active. Make it Hybrid, give it an AWD option. Right now there is no hatchback alternative to the Crosstrek (competitors are mostly boxy crossovers) and people gobble them up
Suggested by: SP- 60% of the time, it works every time
For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
40 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Tractor carrying fertiliser overturns on A259
There were no injuries after a tractor carrying fertiliser overturned in West Sussex on Tuesday, police have confirmed. At 21:00 BST Sussex Police responded to a report that the tractor had overturned on the A259 Roundstone Bypass in Angmering. The road was closed in both directions while the chemical was cleared from the scene, Sussex Police said. By 04:30 the road was fully reopened. Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Sussex Police
Newsweek
2 hours ago
- Newsweek
America's Auto Manufacturers Working to Future Proof Their Workforces
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The U.S. auto industry is a significant part of the country's economy, employing 10.1 million people and generating a $1.2 trillion annual impact, which accounts for 4.8 percent of the U.S.'s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to the Alliance for Automotive Innovation. The Trump administration has put an emphasis on American jobs linked to the industry, penalizing manufacturers that build their products from parts sourced globally by instating tariffs. Of the 94 million vehicles produced globally, the U.S. only built 10.6 million in 2023, down 39 percent from 2004. A 2024 report by the Alliance said that every $1 spent on vehicle manufacturing created an additional $4.23 in economic value. A new ranking conducted by Plant-A Insights Group, in partnership with Newsweek, rates manufacturers across various industries based on insights gathered from over 400,000 employee interviews and 4.9 million company reviews. Corporate culture and working conditions are among the considerations. The America's Greatest Workplaces for Manufacturing 2025 ranking is one of America's largest independent employee studies. Among those rated highest on the list are tire makers Michelin, Toyo Tires, Goodyear and Bridgestone. Numerous automakers also make the list: Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Mazda, General Motors, Toyota and Honda. Associates at Honda's Alabama Auto Plant in production of the 2023 Honda Pilot and Pilot TrailSport. Associates at Honda's Alabama Auto Plant in production of the 2023 Honda Pilot and Pilot TrailSport. Honda "We are thrilled to have been named one of America's Best Workplaces for Manufacturing by Newsweek. Working at Audi means shaping the mobility of the future," a spokesperson for Audi told Newsweek. "At Audi, the focus is on people: In addition to an innovative and flexible working environment, we offer employees attractive pay and security in a large corporation. The compatibility of work and family life and the health of our employees are a high priority at Audi." The world of modern automotive manufacturing is very different today than it was a decade or two ago. Artificial intelligence-optimized, precision-engineered, robot-assisted builds are the name of the game, and easily scalable and transformable production lines are becoming the norm. Many car companies maintain manufacturing footprints beyond the assembly plant in the U.S. Mercedes-Benz, for example, has 24 locations across 13 states. Those sites include production facilities for passenger cars and vans, research and development locations, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services and electric vehicle charging sites. "Mercedes-Benz has proudly manufactured vehicles in the United States for more than 25 years, with our Tuscaloosa, Alabama plant producing iconic models like the GLE, GLS, EQE SUV, and EQS SUV for American and global customers, plus the GLC coming in 2027. Our ongoing investments, such as the recent launch of the new eSprinter at our Charleston, South Carolina Van facility, demonstrate our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and growth in U.S. manufacturing. With more than 4.9 million vehicles built to date in Alabama and South Carolina and a local-for-local strategy, we remain dedicated to strengthening our manufacturing footprint and supporting American jobs." Jason Hoff, CEO of Mercedes-Benz North America, told Newsweek. To date, Mercedes-Benz has invested more than $10 billion in the United States in the areas of production, infrastructure, research and development, design and dealerships. A Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van wearing FedEx livery, parked outside the company's Charleston, South Carolina production facility. A Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van wearing FedEx livery, parked outside the company's Charleston, South Carolina production facility. Mercedes-Benz Production flexibility has allowed Honda to create a stable production base in the U.S. The company's flexible manufacturing system enables it to quickly and efficiently move production from one plant to another and build multiple products on the same line. Associates on the line are the backbone of production. Honda has been recognized by the Ergo Cup, an independent competition that highlights successful ergonomic solutions in North America. The company's associates have won 17 awards in the Cup's 18 years of existence. Honda encourages its workers to speak up and provide insights to better the company and product. The initiative, called "Associate Voice," is implemented at every level across every Honda production facility in the U.S. "From the earliest days of the company, Honda has valued feedback from the people that are actually performing the work, no matter where they are in the manufacturing process," said Jun Jayaraman, senior vice-president and Management Manufacturing Center lead at Honda Development & Manufacturing of America. "We value the experience of associates who are working 'at the spot' on the production line regardless of their title or rank. When our associates have concerns about a production process, we not only want to hear about it, we want their suggestions for how to improve it. This philosophy is a cornerstone of our manufacturing operations." Manufacturers have implemented human resource initiatives aimed at continuing education and enhancing the working environment. And, the reach of factories goes well beyond the confines of their walls, with many workers spending hours volunteering in their communities each year on the company dime. Rivian, which has its manufacturing facility in Normal, Illinois, hosts a number of employee events each year including the Holidazzler Holiday Festival, Movie Night and Family & Friends Day. The company also organizes a 5K run each year, with the proceeds benefiting a local community organization. All events are open to Rivian employees and their families. "Manufacturing is hard work and we think it's important that our employees feel appreciated," Rivian's Vice President of Manufacturing Operations, Carlo Materazzo, told Newsweek. "These events are a way for us to thank our employees for the time that they and their families give to Rivian." Rivian 5K participants pose for a group photo. Rivian 5K participants pose for a group photo. Rivian The automotive industry is quickly evolving, and so too is the way it manufactures vehicles. Manufacturers are working to future proof their workforces by cross-training and retraining them to interact with, control and design the technology of tomorrow, today. "At all our production sites, we focus on future-oriented vocational training and further training opportunities: For example, we offer training as an IT specialist or further training in additive manufacturing (3D printing)," the Audi spokesperson said. Today's manufacturing jobs are not designed to be dead-end jobs. There are opportunities for career advancement inside and outside the plant, allowing those who want to build a career at a company to do so. Honda and Toyota offer tuition assistance for employees pursuing further education. "Working at Toyota means more than building vehicles – it means building a career in a company that values respect, innovation, and stability," Mark Templin, chief operating officer at Toyota Motor North America, told Newsweek. "Thousands of team members have built careers that span decades, and it's common to see multiple generations of the same family working under one roof." A worker at Toyota West Virginia poses for a photo. A worker at Toyota West Virginia poses for a photo. Toyota "In an ever-changing environment, Toyota provides steady ground," Templin added. "Our team members can count on secure, well-paying jobs and opportunities to grow. With our build where we sell philosophy, we invest in our people with the same dedication we invest in producing high-quality vehicles here in the U.S."
Indianapolis Star
3 hours ago
- Indianapolis Star
Vision Marine Secures U.S. Battery Supply Chain Through Strategic Expansion with Octillion Power Systems
U.S.-Assembled 45.36 kWh High-Voltage Packs from Nevada Facility to Promote Accelerated OEM and Consumer Growth Through E-Motion™ Platform MONTREAL, QC / ACCESS Newswire Vision Marine Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:VMAR) ('Vision Marine' or the 'Company'), a pioneer in high-voltage electric marine propulsion systems, today announced a major milestone in its U.S. scale-up strategy: the expansion of its longstanding partnership with Octillion Power Systems, a top-tier U.S.-based lithium-ion battery manufacturer, to produce Vision-branded high-voltage battery packs dedicated exclusively to the American market. Under the terms of the agreement, Octillion will assemble Vision Marine's new proprietary 45.36 kWh battery packs at its state-of-the-art facility in Nevada, aiding in fast, cost-efficient distribution across North America. These batteries are designed to support both Vision Marine's OEM integrations and consumer-facing electric boat offerings, delivering increased power, extended range, and improved performance-while reducing total system cost and simplifying logistics. This renewed and enhanced partnership establishes a partial U.S. supply chain for Vision Marine's proprietary E-Motion™ 180E electric outboard system, unlocking key efficiencies. In addition to supporting factory integration with third-party manufacturers, the partnership provides a reliable and consistent battery supply for Vision Marine's direct-to-consumer electric boat sales, including those produced under formal production agreements with multiple established boat manufacturers. These vessels are sold through Vision Marine's channels while retaining the original manufacturer's branding, enabling broad market reach without altering brand identity. 'Octillion has been an integral technology partner to Vision Marine for several years, powering our most high-performance programs-including multiple electric world speed record boats,' said Alexandre Mongeon, CEO of Vision Marine Technologies. 'With this expanded partnership and the support of Octillion's Nevada facility, we are positioned to scale commercial deliveries and prepare for our next record-setting performance with more power and higher efficiency.' Founded in 2009 and headquartered in California, Octillion Power Systems is a global leader in lithium-ion battery technology, with over 2 million battery systems deployed across electric vehicles, industrial equipment, and energy storage sectors. Octillion brings deep technical expertise and proven large-scale manufacturing capabilities-essential components to Vision Marine's growth roadmap. 'Having collaborated with Vision Marine since 2021 on the development of this American-built, marine-dedicated battery platform has been both technically rewarding and strategically significant,' said Paul Beach, President of Octillion Power Systems. 'We are proud to manufacture these 45.36 kWh packs at our Nevada facility and to work in close alignment with Vision Marine's team as they scale delivery and continue to push the boundaries of electric propulsion on water.' In addition to supporting near-term production, Octillion's close proximity and embedded technical collaboration introduce a new phase in Vision Marine's development strategy. By aligning with a team that has delivered over 2 million battery systems globally, Vision Marine is now embracing a more agile, partner-integrated model of innovation, leveraging Octillion's energy systems expertise to guide refinements and influence the evolution of future battery architectures. The battery systems being manufactured by Octillion are integrated with Vision Marine's patent-pending proprietary high-voltage marine propulsion powertrain -the first battery pack purpose-built for electric marine propulsion. Engineered to meet the demanding conditions of marine use, these packs deliver enhanced energy density, ruggedness, and integration simplicity-promoting optimal performance across a wide range of recreational and commercial applications. The packs will be available exclusively with the E-Motion™ 180E outboard and offered as part of a fully integrated, plug-and-play powertrain solution. Designed for rapid OEM adoption and simplified factory installation, this system addresses long-standing industry barriers to electric adoption-namely cost, complexity, and limited performance. By leveraging Octillion's Nevada-based production infrastructure and forward-leaning technical engagement, Vision Marine becomes the first company in North America offering a fully industrialized, high-voltage electric marine outboard system with a U.S.-sourced battery solution -positioning the Company to meet growing demand for electrified boating while supporting regulatory and content compliance initiatives. With domestic battery sourcing secured, enhanced pack performance, and ongoing collaboration with Octillion's technical team, Vision Marine enters the second half of 2025 with the foundation to scale its go-to-market operations and accelerate its innovation agenda. As the Company advances, it remains committed to shaping the future of marine electrification by embracing cross-functional partnerships and leading-edge development models to bring next-generation technologies to the water. About Octillion Power Systems Octillion Power Systems is a U.S.-based global provider of advanced lithium-ion battery solutions for electric mobility and stationary energy storage. With over 2 million battery packs shipped worldwide, Octillion specializes in scalable, safe, and high-performance battery packs for transportation, industrial, and grid-connected applications. Visit to learn more. About Vision Marine Technologies Inc. Vision Marine Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:VMAR) is a pioneer in marine electrification. Its flagship E-Motion™ 180E system is a fully integrated high-voltage electric outboard powertrain built for OEM adoption at scale. Vision Marine designs and manufactures electric propulsion systems and boats to transform recreational and commercial boating into a zero-emission experience. Learn more at Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release constitute 'forward-looking statements.' These statements include, but are not limited to, expectations regarding the benefits of the new patent, its impact on future product development and original equipment manufacturer integrations, and Vision Marine's competitive position. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Factors that could affect results are discussed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Vision Marine undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required by law. Investor & Company Contact Vision Marine Technologies Bruce Nurse – Investor Relations (303) 919-2913 bn@ Website: Twitter: @marine_vision Facebook: @VisionMarineTechnologies Instagram: @ YouTube: @VisionMarineTechnologies SOURCE: Vision Marine Technologies Inc View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
