The Geo Metro, one of the few American cars that really fits the description of compact. It comes in many different forms, but all of them have the general proportions that inspire people to either laugh at it, or describe it as 'cute'. There's the two-door convertible, the three-door hatchback, and the four-door sedan. And before you ask: yes, a convertible Metro is rather amusing to look at. Trust me, I have one.
The engine in this little car also brings on a few chuckles. A 1.0 liter, three-cylinder engine is standard in a Metro. Most people aren't even aware that engines that size are put in cars, much less American ones. Some, however, come with larger engines, all of 1.3 liters, and sporting four cylinders. That's 70 horsepower, up from the 55 under the hood of a three-cyldiner.
The odd thing about this little car is that, while most people are busy being surprised that it can even keep up with freeway traffic, owners of Geo Metros tend to like their little cars quite a bit. Of course, while you might be laughing now, they'll be the ones chuckling at the gas pump--even conservative estimates put city gas mileage in the mid-30s, and freeway mileage well over 40.