Extremely Lightweight Cars:
* Smart Fortwo (2008-2019): The Smart Fortwo, with its tiny size and lightweight construction, was a strong contender for the lightest car. Depending on the year and trim, it weighed between 1,600 and 1,900 lbs.
* Honda Insight (1st gen, 1999-2006): The first generation Honda Insight was a pioneer in hybrid technology and was remarkably light for its time. It weighed around 1,850 lbs.
* Toyota Yaris (1st gen, 2006-2011): The first generation Toyota Yaris, known for its fuel efficiency, also boasted a lightweight design, tipping the scales at around 1,900 lbs.
Other contenders for lightness:
* Mazda MX-5 Miata (all generations): The Miata, known for its sporty handling, is designed to be lightweight. While it's not the absolute lightest, it consistently ranks among the lightest sports cars.
* Honda CR-Z (2011-2016): This sporty hybrid was designed with lightness in mind, weighing around 2,500 lbs.
* Toyota Prius (all generations): The Prius, another pioneer in hybrid technology, has also emphasized lightweight design for fuel efficiency.
Important Notes:
* This list primarily focuses on production cars sold in the US. It doesn't include highly specialized vehicles like Formula One race cars or modified vehicles.
* Vehicle weight can vary significantly depending on the trim level, options, and even the year of manufacture.
* As technology advances, new vehicles are constantly being developed with even lighter designs.
Ultimately, the "lightest car" depends on specific criteria and definitions. The vehicles listed above offer a starting point for exploring the world of lightweight cars sold in the US.
