2007 Mini Cooper S

Burdened with a 160-mile round trip commute to and from L.A., managing editor Rusty Kurtz had the opportunity to become intimate with the Cooper S and its long-haul affability. "I found the Mini to be great for scooting in and out of those tiny spots in rush-hour traffic and perfectly suited for compact spaces at my local mega parking lot."

Armed with a healthy, six-foot build, Kurtz was a bit skeptical that the Mini interior would comfortably accommodate his maxi physique, but looks can be deceiving.

"The seats were comfortable for my large frame." Kurtz came to like the cool blue lighting above the windshield, on the door posts, and behind the armrests, but did find "the speedometer a bit difficult to read, since the needle is so small and the dial so large-it reminds me of a bathroom scale."