Smart ForTwo

Although the second-generation Smart is improved, it's still not a smart choice unless easy parking is a priority. Tiny dimensions and a diminutive turning circle make it a breeze to park. Handling is fairly responsive, but the ride is jittery and jumpy. Noise and vibration from the turbocharged, three-cylinder, 89-hp engine buzzes through the car. The six-speed dual-clutch automatic is better than the original's rocky-shifting transmission but still causes idle vibration. Given the car's size and slow acceleration, you'd expect better than 36 mpg overall on premium fuel. Funky interior details and cheerful colors and textures abound, and the tall stance eases cabin access. For 2018, only the electric-drive version is available. 2019 was the brand's final year.

The Smart ForTwo is a tiny two-seater four feet shorter than a Mini Cooper made by DaimlerChrysler. Inside, it doesn't feel as tiny and vulnerable as it looks. With a 40-hp, 0.8-liter, three-cylinder, turbocharged diesel engine and a six-speed sequential transmission, it recorded one of  the slowest 0-60 mph acceleration time of any vehicle we've tested: 23.2 seconds. The car quickly loses speed when climbing hills. Shifts are disturbingly slow, causing the car to lurch and lose significant speed during shifts. Handling is reluctant. Steering is vague, and the ride is jittery. At 45 mpg, it goes only one mile further on a gallon of fuel than a Toyota Prius. At least it attracts a lot of grins from onlookers.