[SmoothTalker]

"They are still incapable of safe and convenient portage of 4X8 sheets of plywood and other lumber. They cannot transport a family of four and their camping equipment at all, let alone comfortably."

Lets be honest though. Not everybody needs to haul 4X8 sheets, lots of people, and lumber all the time. You obviously do not buy a Civic if you work on a farm or are a tradesman. For a second car, for a commuter car, for a student, or for someone living in a big city where parking is impossible and insurance is sky high having something like a Civic makes more sense.

[commish]

For a second car, for a commuter car, for a student, or for someone living in a big city where parking is impossible and insurance is sky high having something like a Civic makes more sense.

Exactly, We own a Ford F-150 super cab and a Honda Accord Sport Coupe. While the F-150 is the main Grocery Store, Lowe's,Home Depot, and Trip Vehicle (comfort and room is a big thing for me on a long drive) -- the Accord is just a flot out fun little car to whip around in. Plus, for driving back and forth to work trhe 35 MPG beats the hell out of 15 MPG in the F-150.

[GingisK]

Not everybody needs to haul 4X8 sheets, lots of people, and lumber all the time.

Just once is justification. Besides, I preefer comfort. That is not available in those itsy bitsy cars.