Of the others, I really don't have strong opinions except on the Daewoo. I test drove a couple and didn't like what I saw (YMMV). I was also turned off by the weak warranties compared to Hyundai and Kia.
I agree with the choice for #1. I’ve driven a “smart” car and I wouldn’t wish it on anybody.
I'm consistently infuriated by this car on the 101. Every time I see one it's in the damned way. I hate looking at the rear of that car more than any other-- all raised yet squat and blocky, like a freakin' butt.
Perhaps I'm giving the Prius drivers too much credit, for I always assumed it was due to the vehicles limitations and not the douchebag driving the darned thing, but heaven's sake that's a slow clump of turd!
The Smart car only gets 41 on the highway?
Why on earth wouldn’t you get a much bigger VW Jetta TDI that gets the same mileage? Looking at the Smart car’s Wiki it requires premium. That would negate a lot of the price savings on gas vs diesel. Clearly this is the liberal version of conspicuous consumption.
I have a ‘97 Sunfire. Its transmission is a transplant from a wrecked donor, its exhaust not made by GM, and it has had a few other small pieces replaced. Been a good car— by my standards (point A to Point B, and back as necessary, and take it easy on the gas).
I see the Aztek made it in there. That was my nominee for ‘Car most like a Gremlin’.