Piablo: the market has spoken: How much mpg would a civic have w/o A/C and other comforts, and with the 1.3-liter of the ’80s/’90s? I’m guessing north of 65.

This car is also cheap enough to temp those out there who prefer bigger cushier cars. As evidenced by those above complaining about losing their creature comforts in a cheap car, it won’t convince everyone. But there would be a huge segment who would choose. This truly begins to define the priorities of the anti-foreign oil and enviros who want more fuel efficient vehicles. What’s more important, creature comforts in bloated inefficient vehicles or an ultra affordable efficient vehicle without all of the baubles and bolt-ons?? Environment or comfort??

I’ll admit I don’t know the numbers, but my impression is that smaller cars won’t alleviate traffic problems in the way that (V)ike suggests it will (i.e., travel time, which is what i think of when we say “traffic”). European metro areas are just as congested without large SUVs, in fact, didn’t London ban traffic or at least taxed cars heavily that traveled in the more central regions of the city.

My point is that traffic problems are more a function of population density, and by extension, the number of cars on the road–not the *kind* of cars on the road. Now, $3k cars may lead to greater traffic congestion, but only if it leads to a greater number of cars on the road than otherwise would have been on the road without havnig a $3k new car to choose from. As I’ve said before, I don’t think this is the case–a $3k car will just be one more cheap option for the car consumer who was going to buy a car anyway.

People are the problem when it comes to traffic, not cars.

You’re the dip****. Talking about intelligence gathering, then prognosticating on how these cars will reduce traffic – you’re ****ing confused. Shut the **** up, you’re wasted again.

I like the idea of a $3000 car. I plan on buying a few when they come out and using them for crash’n'derby.

also, it could be environmentally catastrophic, as this would truly be a car for the throw-away society.

have we learned nothing from that long-forgotten episode of The Lone Gunmen where they investigated the conspiracy to cover up the water-powered engine?

jackjimturkey, I, like you, will reserve judgment on whether or not I’d let me kid drive a $3k car. It may end up being no smaller than an xA (now xD) or Fit, which might mitigate any parental concerns.

Wickedated, I’m not sure this means that there will be more traffic. The number of drivers are held in check primarily by the legal driving age.

But, your point is well taken, although I would note that cheap cars existed before (especially used ones, as noted by jackjimturkey), and I think that this car will just give those consumers who were going to buy a cheap car one more alternative.

I really cant see anything positive about it. Having less drivers is a good thing.