Patiently waiting for a new ICE Abarth 500, or hell, just an ICE new 500 with a manual
Suggested by Seth Simon
I rather like the electric 500, but that rowdy little snorter was definitely a fun time.
None of them, they are dead for a reason.
Suggested by IB007
Yes, the reasons are corporate greed, the strength of the dealership lobby, inflation, stagnant wages, import tariffs, and marketing.
Hyundai Accent hatchback.
The 1.6L GDI engine would start burning oil around 100,000 miles, but that was it’s only flaw.
I sold my dad a brand new 2013 Accent hatch in November of 2012 when I sold cars for Hyundai. 200,000 miles later it was totaled when an idiot that was texting rear ended it.
Everything was original except for maintenance parts and the catalytic converter.
It was a blast to drive, sipped gas, was comfortable, and as mentioned, never failed.
Suggested by MustangIIMatt
There’s a perfect condition Accent parked on my block right now, and every time I walk past it I get a little jealous.
On the entry level 4WD, the Gen I Suzuki Samurai. I drove mine into the ground. Nothing could replace it.
Suggested by Nomoto
No, you don’t get to have fun with your small SUV. You will get a front-wheel drive Chevrolet Trax and you’ll be happy with it.
1970s and early 1980s Honda Civic and Honda Accord. Yes I know Honda makes some cars right now called “Civic” and “Accord” so technically they aren’t “dead”. But these are not those. The 1970s versions were quite small and weighed around 2000 lb, with 1.4L, 1.5L, or 1.6L engines churning out something like 60-80 HP. Both models were economical and easy to drive. Honda doesn’t sell anything like those here in the US today.
Suggested by Michael Rosenfeld
Their spiritual successor was the Honda Fit. I’ll just chalk this up as another vote for the Fit.
Mazda2, and not the Toyota Yaris rebadge.
No one does fun, slow car better.
Suggested by Scoobie2
Mazda2 is one of the best hatchbacks of all time. Incredible handling, great layout, and quirky good looks!
The Nissan Versa. Tough as a tank and cheap, too. Big enough to do most of what you wanted from a car, including hauling five people and most Costco runs.
Suggested by DynamicPresence
The stick Versa was incredible. The CVT was a letdown.
Air-cooled VW Beetle
Suggested by JimmyZZZzzzz
Much love for the OG
The 2nd gen Honda CRX. The HF started under $10K with peak efficiency, while the Si was around $12K for some performance. Both had only two seats, which was all you needed for your date, and A TON of cargo space. IMO it was the perfect 1st car.
Suggested by Sgt Beavis
CRX was a darned good car. They’re tiny but so delightful to drive.
The Suzuki Swift GTi. It was proof that you could have a ‘fun version’ of the entry level model – Geo Metros whimpered in shame at what they could’ve been.
Suggested by DungBeetle62
I’ll take that a step further and say that the Swift-based Chevrolet Sprint Turbo is one of my all-time favorite entry level cars with a kicked up ‘fun version’.
