As Demand for Small Cars Weakens, More Auto Makers Drop Them From U.S. Lineups

Cheap small sedans and hatchbacks have long been the gateway into the auto market for many generations of American drivers.

But demand for these models is shrinking fast in favor of larger, more versatile crossovers and sport-utility vehicles, and more auto makers are dropping them altogether from their U.S. lineups, creating fewer options for budget-minded buyers looking for new cars priced around $20,000 or less.