Slideshow: Subcompact Cars

"High gas prices alone are enough to get people to even consider buying a smaller car," says Ed Hellwig, senior editor for Edmunds's Inside Line. "With this in mind, a lot of auto makers, who have always sold these cars in other markets, finally saw an opening to at least test the waters with these cars in the U.S."

Those looking for a subcompact will find plenty of high-end features that used to be reserved for larger, more luxurious cars. Expect options to include navigation systems, top-of-the-line sound systems, more styling choices, better performance and — believe it or not — some pretty roomy cargo space.

Here are some of the pint-sized models you can expect to find on the showroom floor.