5 sensible cars for volatile times

The all-new Fit is awesome. The new wedge shape feels strange from the inside, because the dash is like nine miles long and you can't see even a smidgen of the hood or fenders; but a wedge delivers the miles per gallon, – in this case 31. But there may some dinged front fenders.

It uses a high-tech 1.5-liter engine making 109 horsepower. Peak torque comes at a high 4800 rpm so you have to keep the engine buzzing; but the Fit Sport's 5-speed automatic with paddle shifters makes downshifting fun and resolves the issue. The Sport, with body bits that add to the styling, is the higher-priced model, at $16,060.

Great crash ratings, with a new chassis structure. Front side airbags and airbag curtains are standard. Honda will sell zillions of them, as they should.