Originally Posted By: earlyre
i would actually consider one of these for my next commuter vehicle, mainly b/c of the ride height.
I replaced my neon b/c it was just too low. my folks couldn't get in/out of it, and i was starting to feel like i was squatting to get in it, and having to hoist myself out.
I love the driving dynamics of a small car, but dang it, if they aren't all low to the ground.
until someone makes something that drives like a mini,( a proper mini, not a bmw mini) but sits up like my sable... the closest i've been able to think of with is a smart.
(mind you the neon is the smallest car i've ever driven. never actually driven a mini, or a smart....how high does the fiat 500 ride?)
For the first time I saw one for sure it looked funny, but now they are so common around town, mostly driven by young girls.
As for 500, yes driver does sit higher in those in comparison with a MINI. It's also a smaller car (city or A compact vs supermini/B compact). It handles good, and it's a fun car. MINI is better over bumps due to its longer wheelbase, but it lacks that small car feel since it isn't a small car anymore now.
Great commuter car for yours needs would be a new Panda, but that's not available in NA.