Why Small Cars Are a Smart Buy

Sporty SUV

"Sorry, but there's no such thing as a "sporty" SUV or large sedan"

Obviously you haven't driven any of the Mercedes AMG SUV's.

Ron of FL @ Jun 01, 2008 03:26:49 AM

small cars

as an american living outside of the USA ,where gas is two -three times more expensive, the yearly car taxes is based on the engine size ,most middle class families drive what is called compact in the USA. i drive a Toyota Auris(like the Corolla)with a 1600cc engine.my sons who are over 6'3" tall have no problems in the back.. i get 11.5 kilometers to the liter. not bad. we can place two compacts in the driveway under our house.maybe if americans stop eatting junk food,lose weight, the would not need tanks to drive them around.

gary speiser @ May 28, 2008 13:45:42 PM

Mini Cooper

IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THIS VEHICLE REQUIRES PREMIUM FUEL.

R. KEESLING of TN @ May 28, 2008 13:44:03 PM

Martin, check out the Mazda5

Room for 7, and it's built on a car platform, so it's much more energy efficient than a regular minivan or SUV. US News ranked it #1 for affordable compact wagons. Here's the link:

http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/rankings/Affordable-Compact-Wagons/

Nancy of DC @ May 28, 2008 11:19:54 AM

Thank YOU!

As a truck driver for the past 25 years, I have tried to tell family and friends that SUV'S need more skill to be driven safely because of their high profile. By far most people drive them as they would a Toyota Corolla, which ends disasterously all too often. I have seen more rollover's then I care to remember. Also, the illusion of safety the size provides causes people to take unnescessary chances in traffic. Bad fuel economy and poor handling when compared to small sedans on the market make dumping the big SUV a no-brainer!

Carolyn of FL @ May 27, 2008 18:36:42 PM

WHY DO I DRIVE AN SUV?

I have 4 kids, SUV and mini-vans are the only thing that can fit us all. I would like to buy a smaller, fuel ifficient vehicle that can fit all of us. There is no such vehicle. So, in order for me to save on gas, I will have to buy a second car. Now, I will have a $200 a month gas bill, instead of $400 but, I will have a $300 car payment attached to that $200 gas bill and insurance on two vehicles.

martin of CA @ May 27, 2008 17:30:45 PM

Small SUV's and CUVS are still a waste

Every small suv and cuv mentioned in this article gets only about 16-18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway., at best.

A small wagon type car will carry everything a small suv/cuv will and be far more efficient. It will also cost less. Compare a Toyota Matrix to a Toyota Rav4 or Honda CRX. It will carry as much, cost at least $5,000 less and get far better mileage. It will also be far more stable due to its lower center of gravity.

You also have to look at the trunk size of many compacts. Both my Corolla and Focus have huge trunks. The space in the trunk is actually more than the space behind the rear seat in most, even mid size, suvs/cuvs.

SUVS, and the new CUVs, are just about image for most buyers. They're "tough". They are impractical and just plain stupid.

Hopefully, we'll see a return of the old familiar Wagon. People will be able to haul stuff, save gas, and save some money on the purchase.

John of NY @ May 18, 2008 15:13:37 PM