I've owned many vehicles in my life. The first two cars I owned were both RWD sedans that had over 350HP. One was a police package cruiser. They both flat out hauled butt when you got on them. But of all the many vehicles I've personally driven, I was happiest driving a diminutive Suzuki Swift (FWD sub-compact hatchback, averaged mid-40s MPG). That thing had a top speed of about 80MPH, downhill with the wind behind it. But it was like the PERFECT vehicle for me. I loved the way it handled. With the 5-speed tranny, it had plenty of GO power for my tastes. It handled like a dream, and used like almost NO fuel. For the many years I owned it, I didn't spend one penny on unscheduled maintenance. It was like the perfect car, I'm peeed that Suzuki doesn't sell it in North America anymore. In fact, Suzuki doesn't sell ANYTHING that is remotely fuel-efficient in North America anymore. The Aerio SX is a pretty nice car, but it averages about 27MPG in real world conditions. That's hardly what I'd call fuel-efficient, and there is not another Suzuki that will beat it currently sold in North America. Note that there are plenty of fuel-efficient Suzuki vehicles sold OUTSIDE of North America, so it's frustrating that Suzuki is working so hard to exclude me (a loyal repeat customer) from ever buying a Suzuki again.
I'd probably be happy with a mini, if they didn't require premium fuel, and buttuming I could get one with a non-flashy paint scheme, such as forest green all over with no stripes. I like the way small cars handle. It's nice being able to take almost all corners without slowing down at all. I'd gladly take a under-sized engine anyday, if it came in a car that handled well. I guess you can count me among the many people who don't view driving as a race. -Dave
