1996 Dodge Neon Same sassy spirit, a little less noise. By Ray Thursby, New Car Test Drive .com

A basic tenet applies to subcompact and compact cars: They are designed to provide

economical transportation and hold the frills. What you get in return for minimal

dollars is an engine, four wheels, seats and a roof overhead. Refinement, luxury

touches and driving pleasure cost money, more than most manufacturers competing in

this particular market think they can persuade you to spend.?

That doesn't mean these little machines are deficient. They meet the same safety

and antipollution standards as larger cars do, they're generally well-built, and get

the job of moving passengers between points A and B done effectively. What they don't

offer, however, is much in the way of personality.

Except, that is, for the Dodge and Plymouth Neon. If any cars among the

entry-level crowd deserve to be called "cute," the Neon twins are the likeliest

candidates. They are fresh, perky and distinctive. But their appeal goes beyond looks;

they are genuinely fun to drive and are spirited performers, arguably the best in this

class.

If that doesn't appeal to you, there are plenty of other choices. Look at the

freshly redesigned Ford Escort and Mercury Tracer, Geo Metro, Toyota Tercel, Nissan

Sentra, Hyundai Accent or Elantra, Mazda Protege, Chevy Cavalier, Pontiac Sunbird or

any one of a number of others. Each of them is stingy with fuel and provides low-cost

transportation, adequate (or better) interior room, and performance that's acceptable

at the very least. Lots of choices here.

Nevertheless, the Neon can compete with any of these worthies in terms of

practicality, but adds its own distinct flavor to the field. On that basis alone, it's

worth looking at.