Due to the response to our E-Car roundup we’ve included the cars everyone said we were missing… A lot of you seem very excited about the “smart” cars but i just don’t get it. Go the traditional econo car route and you’ll be a lot happier.

Smart ForTwo Passion – $14,000

• Gas (econo)
• 70 HP
• 0-60 in 12.8 seconds
• 90 mph top speed
• 33-41 mpg*
• 2 seater
• 1/2 sized

The Smart ForTwo claims it gets 33/41 mpg but I believe that’s based on the “pure” model that doesn’t have an AC or radio. Real world testing shows a 32 mpg average*. Which isn’t bad but it certainly isn’t that good considering how ugly this car is or that it only sports a 3 cylinder engine. If you like the Jetsons buy this car. If you want to carry around more than your man purse – look elsewhere.

Why is this car such a rage in Europe then you ask? Because European countries are cute little places that lack -um- space. The Smart ForTwo is 1/2 sized. Meaning it can fit in the 1/2 spaces available in Europe. Here in vast America you don’t have to worry about how many scooters you’re displacing – and 1/2 sized spaces don’t exist. Seriously this car was design to save space – not the planet.

Honda Fit 09 – $14-20,000

• Gas (econo)
• 120 HP (up 11 from 08)
• 28-34 mpg
• 0-60 in 8.9 seconds
• 4 seater

Winner of Car & Drivers 10 Best, the Fit hatchback is currently the econo-car with both the most fun and the most people & cargo capacity.