2009
Smart ForTwo Pure

Who would have ever guessed that a car this small could be sold in the U.S.? Essentially a 2-seater with its rear end cut off, the Smart ForTwo is even tiny by European standards. Measuring only 106 inches long (3 feet shorter than the MINI Cooper), it's both the smallest and most fuel efficient non-hybrid vehicle sold in the USA. But thanks to the recent dramatic rise of oil prices , and city folks looking for a car that can be parked in a spot that only a motorcycle could fit in, the Smart is off to a surprisingly good start in the US. It's made by Daimler AG (Mercedes-Benz) so this is no toy, despite its appearance. For commuters who don't need cargo space or people living in big cities where parking is tough, the Smart ForTwo could be the perfect car.