2008 Chevrolet Aveo

Small cars were designed to be nothing more than affordable travel devices. No frills, no powerful engines, just basic transportation with a dash of style. These little urban scooters have been popular in Europe for decades. Their small size and crisp handling are a perfect match for narrow European roads, while their hatchback design provides ample room for hauling...whatever.

In America, however, the roads are wider and gas is cheaper. This may explain why these little cars never really caught on. But times are changing and BMW's Mini have made the micro car somehow cool. As a result, more and more of them are becoming available...and their getting a lot more refined.

One such car is the Chevrolet Aveo. Built in Korea by GMs Daewoo, the Aveo is a sharp little compact that's available as a 4 door sedan or a 5 door hatchback. Interior room is surprisingly adequate, but the rear seats in the hatchback have to be folded down to have any meaningful cargo room.

The ride is typical small car bumpy but the handling is tight and controlled. The Chevrolet Aveo becomes tiresome to drive on long trips but the handling does make short commutes lively and almost entertaining.

The Chevrolet Aveo is the perfect car for a teen driver, or a true cheapskate.