The smart fortwo is that car that everyone thinks is cute but wouldn't want to actually own. After finally seeing the micro car up close and personal, we've come to the decision that the fortwo is just not a good car.

The exterior is cute and funny, but the minute the door was opened, our emotions went downhill. It felt flimsy and cheap, and sitting inside only made matters worse. Adjustments are near nil for this smart, and the layout will take time to get used to.

It is definitely a different car, but in a sort of bad way because of so much that is given up for "good" fuel economy. It is OK, at 33 mpg city and 41 mpg highway, but a car this small and expensive should easily achieve 50 mpg on the highway to make sense. Its mediocre fuel economy is only made worse by the fact that it requires premium fuel.

There is no useful cargo space, and its price is similar to a much larger vehicle such as the Hyundai Elantra or Toyota Corolla.

Photos: Michael Goldberg