[MetroMPG]

RH77 says:

Yeah, even the Automatics Disappoint

I've rented the automatic sedan version twice and had the same disappointing FE. Even the gearing in that was short -- from a stop: ka-pow you've inadvertently given it too much throttle, the soft suspension squats in the rear, and it takes off. On the highway, the tach reads unbelievably high.

My half-brother bought the 5-door, 5-speed when they first came out. His father worked for GM for like 100-years, so he ended up with rebates and the family discount, which brought the out-the-door total to sub $10k. He has a long daily commute at 55-60 mph in rural Upstate New York, and he hasn't had any complaints so far.

When I drove it, the biggest plus was the micro-car handling.