Question of the Day: Which is the Best Car for the City?

Lordrandall March 20th, 2008 6:08 PM Link

Mini Cooper S. Fun to drive, but still small enough to park.

Cicero March 20th, 2008 6:10 PM Link

Depends on the city, though I would love the Euro Focus of the upcoming Fiesta

dante March 20th, 2008 6:12 PM Link

1984 Subaru GL with the rubber and metal bumpers that can make a space when some idiot takes two for himself.

VMMVMMM March 20th, 2008 6:13 PM Link

+1 for MINI Cooper S. It’s got it all, including the mileage of a hybrid without the hassle and expense.

Ducati Minor March 20th, 2008 6:55 PM Link

The Mini.

Nick March 20th, 2008 7:09 PM Link

Another vote for the Mini S

Daniel Coté March 20th, 2008 7:22 PM Link

Very easy answer: smart car.

Cicero March 20th, 2008 7:50 PM Link

The Ford Ka or the Opel Corsa as well, forgot them earlier

Sharky March 20th, 2008 8:56 PM Link

Toyota Yaris hatchback. We have an ‘07. Fits almost anywhere, gets great gas mileage, still very roomy inside. Not fast by any means, but a good little city car.

mbslrm March 20th, 2008 9:05 PM Link

Really depends on the city.

I’d say the Volvo C30, Audi A3, or Mini.

jackrabbit March 20th, 2008 9:18 PM Link

i’d like a mini but the original mini. and some kei cars like the Daihatsu Sonica or the Subaru R1.

As far as models that are actually offered in the U.S., the new mini would do just fine. also, Honda Fit is a go!

My WRX wagon’s not too bad, actually.

Kai March 20th, 2008 9:43 PM Link

Obviously have no idea on the new one, but the Honda Fit really shocked me on just how good of a car it is for almost anything anyone would ever need a car to do.

That said, I’d really want to try a smart if I were to get a city car. They just have a certain charm.

Zelman March 20th, 2008 9:52 PM Link

Peel P50. somewhere around 100 mpg. might want to upgrade the 49cc engine though.

X3 SoB March 20th, 2008 9:59 PM Link

The smart is good, as is the Fit. For a city though, a Hybrid makes the most sense. I would say the Volt would be cool, or an Insight. Or a Clarity FCX. I hate the Prius, as too many effete’ enviros have embraced it as a green statement, which it isn’t.

Kirk Dunkley March 20th, 2008 10:44 PM Link

A Dodge viper convertible! Seems to be a staple of the business folk in calgary.

uragan March 20th, 2008 10:54 PM Link

I think European manufacturers have the most experience in this segment, so the best answer should be found there. Let’s see… a Citroën C2, a Smart, a Mini, a VW Lupo or Polo. In the US a Diesel Golf would work best.

kc March 20th, 2008 11:05 PM Link

After ten years of trying to find parking, buy gas, and get through traffic jams in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Jersey City (it’s bad there, trust me) I’m coming to the conclusion that the best city car for a place like New York is no car at all. Take the subway to work and rent a ZipCar for grocery shopping and out-of-town trips.

Parking in midtown can cost $50 a day. Gas is easily 20-25% more expensive in NYC than it is on the other side of the tunnel. And I’ve lost count of the number of scrapes, dents, and dings my car has suffered from being parked on the street.

Paul In Jersey March 20th, 2008 11:11 PM Link

There’s a lot to be said for driving around NYC with the top down, and looking up and seeing the city from that perspective. Driving through the Holland Tunnel with the top down is totally surreal.

On the other hand, if Hizzoner The Mayor gets his way and congestion pricing goes through, then an Amphicar convertible will be the best car for driving around NYC. Surcharge? Buddy up on this cleat, Mayor!

Mike March 20th, 2008 11:15 PM Link

Suzuki Swift Sport, the hatchback, UK version.

Patrick from Astoria March 20th, 2008 11:23 PM Link

Take this for what it’s worth from someone who actually lives in New York City:

First, you don’t want a car to drive every day. Parking on the street is masochism in action, parking lots are the definition of extortion, one worries constantly about damage regardless. Public transportation is rude but effective; taxis play their part; a scooter is fashion in the guise of motion; a bicycle is the Platonic ideal (if it’s not too bitterly cold, and watch out for the taxi doors).

Second, to own a car here is to have an emotional investment not unlike a romantic relationship. It’s about something beyond the city, about getting the hell OUT OF HERE for a weekend or so. Private transportation serves the open road, the greater spaces; it should both be the means to the end of being someplace else, and - given the toll it takes - an end in itself, something worthy of the attention and costs that any vehicle here requires.

If for some reason you have to have a car in the City, I recommend a 200-series Volvo or a second-generation VW Jetta, the kind of machine that will mechanically stand up to the abuse and suffer dents with dignity and be just this side of disposable when the time comes. The lack of a viable black market in Volvo parts is also a worthwhile consideration which immediately excludes most Hondas and Toyotas, by the way.

But if you care - and you absolutely must - then go with your heart. Make it something worth having: a Miata or MG or Alfa, a ’60s Mustang or two-seat Thunderbird convertible, a 911, a Caterham 7, a 308. Logic has no place here; really, this is about love.

94 Taurus owner March 20th, 2008 11:23 PM Link

1.Mini cooper,not clubman cooper, the cooper
2.Smart for2
3.rumored 2010 forfour
4.Audi A3 NOT!!!!!!
5.Vw Rabbit
6.Volvo C30
7.94 Taurus
8.Saturn astra
9.All saturn/ford hybrids
10.the prius
11.Scion Tc,Xb,Xd,and the deceased Xa
13,Mercedes R-class

Bill Bennett March 20th, 2008 11:35 PM Link

Mini S, overdrive on the supercharger, larger throttle body Quaife diff, Hawk pads 3″SS exhaust with a Test pipe for the cat for extra backfire, chipped from Mini Madness, adjustable sway bars, adjustable compression and rebound shocks, get rid of those suck run flat heavy tires and wheels, and the ever important license to speed, an in process repair order from German Autowerks, and wearing the work uniform,,, yeah and I am 54, I love the Mini S, the turbo, oh well, does not mod well yet. oh! I forgot, the chip that turns the absolutely horrible traction control system off as default on engine start, why not get great mileage and go fast, blast to drive

Bill Bennett March 21st, 2008 12:03 AM Link

or a 94 Taurus, auto trany with heated seat covers (plug ‘em in the lighter thangy) and brushed stainless steel panels glued on below the belt line, bush cheney ‘04 sticker on the back bumper to avoid gunfire but cause strange looks,,, or a Scion Hako Coupe, first Scion I like http://www.gizmag.com/scions-hako-coupe-concept-the-sporty-version-of-a-box/9017/

Chris W March 21st, 2008 12:32 AM Link

MINI Cooper & Cooper S hands down!

yan March 21st, 2008 1:01 AM Link

I think most of the japan little car can be used in the city, very little and efficiency.

The Vanishing Boy March 21st, 2008 6:02 AM Link

-> Mine?

1. Consumer Cars Tango T600 (the one w/ carbon fiber)
2. Honda Fit S
3. Mini Cooper D cabrio
4. Honda S2000 [AP1]
5. Smart Fortwo Passion
6. My WRX Wagon
7. Suzuki Swift Sport
8. Subaru R1
9. Toyota IQ
10. Honda Mobilo Spike

Garfield134 March 21st, 2008 7:51 AM Link

Mini or a Fit

1990 & 2001 Miata March 21st, 2008 9:08 AM Link

A Miata / MX5.

Any year

Small, quick, economical, great vision and amazing turning circle.

Scratch March 21st, 2008 9:10 AM Link

My old Jeep Wrangler was awesome in the city. Easy to park and maneuver, sits high up to see over traffic, won’t fall apart when hitting potholes and steel plates, gets you going when the snow covers the streets and they can’t plow because of cars parked on the street… and if someone hits it while parallel parking, who cares! Jeeps look better with battle damage!

Yaris March 21st, 2008 9:41 AM Link

Yaris hatchback! I’m averaging 35 mpg in the city and 41 on the highway. Easy to park. I’ve parked in many spaces I didn’t think possible. I also like the mini s but haven’t driven it. I lowered my yaris with and put all the trd parts on it and some bigger wheels. The handling is crazy now! Doesn’t go fast in a straight line but goes around turns fast.

RL March 21st, 2008 10:36 AM Link

Honda Fit. Live in the city now and the 2009 looks nice to me.

Leo H March 21st, 2008 10:41 AM Link

BMW 1 Series outo.
Mini
Smart for 2
Fiat 500 !!!!!!! Go try this it KILLS everyting else but I could not use it to park in the city the salesman nearly had a heart attack. No auto yet.

Clint March 21st, 2008 10:44 AM Link

Patrick from Astoria brings up a great point - Most American city dwellers do not need cars to get around the city. They want cars to get out of the city. So buy whatever you want, so long as you’re willing to park it on the street or garage it.

Because of the character of U.S. cities, roads and neighborhoods, few Americans really need small cars in the way Europe and Asia need small cars (aside from growing concerns about fuel economy).

MJK March 21st, 2008 10:48 AM Link

Hummer H1

Jeff March 21st, 2008 12:44 PM Link

Sherman tank….. Agile enough to manuver, yet has enough fire power to get the job done!

youngturk March 21st, 2008 1:32 PM Link

Anything with an automatic gearbox.

bepsf March 21st, 2008 2:25 PM Link

Why bother owning?
http://www.zipcar.com/

OPF March 21st, 2008 4:23 PM Link

The Mini Cooper. Hands down. Then follows in my opinion the Nissan Versa and Honda’s Fit.

Pedro March 21st, 2008 4:59 PM Link

Smart Crossblade, but I do like that the Peel P50 can be taken inside.

asderio March 21st, 2008 5:17 PM Link

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asderio March 21st, 2008 5:18 PM Link

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gionni March 21st, 2008 5:23 PM Link

http://www.flickr.com/photos/adexxx88/2346116842/in/set-72157604159576966/
this is the only best city car!!!

GTA March 22nd, 2008 3:44 AM Link

Alfa Romeo Mi.To
Fiat 500 and Panda

fantasyfreddy March 23rd, 2008 4:45 AM Link

The Fit, because you can fold the seats flat and sleep in it.