Midsize sedans have long been the most popular cars on the road, but it looks like there may soon be a changing of the guard. Analysts from J.D. Power and Associates believe that smaller, compact cars may overtake larger models by as early as this year, The Associated Press reports.

The predictions are in stark contrast to five years ago when dealers sold about 250,000 more midsize sedans than compact cars. However, drivers have become increasingly likely to get behind the wheel of a smaller car for a number of reasons. In addition to being generally more fuel efficient and less expensive, they are also much more spacious than they used to be.

According to the AP, popular sedans like the Toyota Camry are being challenged by smaller cars like the Hyundai Elantra, which costs about $5,000 less and gets about 40 miles to the gallon. Additionally, newer versions of the compact Honda Civic have been popular due to an increase in features.

"The new Civic really feels like a luxury update of the old one," Mara Landers, who drives a 2009 Civic, told the AP.

Manufacturers have also placed an added emphasis on smaller cars in an effort to meet the increasingly stringent fuel efficiency standards placed on them by the government. Specifically, companies' fleets have to get an average of 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025.

Whether you're looking to downsize or simply get behind the wheel of a used car, New Jersey State Auto Auction has plenty of makes and models to choose from. Along with a wide selection, New Jersey Auto also offers guaranteed credit approval so getting a loan is an especially easy process.