Honda Civic!

[JPSmit]

Yeah, I know, but when last did you see one?

 

[DNK]

There was one for sale posted in the TR section a couple of days ago
Honda For Sale

 

[elrey]

Frequently and fiendishly dirt roaded one of those that belonged to one of my high school friends mom in the early 70's --elrey

 

[Andrew Mace]

I know I'm probably in the minority, but I would NOT complain if companies such as Honda brought these back -- in suitably updated form. The current Civic is huge by comparison, and the Fit doesn't "make" it for me in the same way. I would be happy to have something like an original Civic as a commuter: light, simple, nimble, economical, somewhat fun to drive and fairly easy to work on....

Meanwhile, my son's got his '81 Subaru GL for commuting, and I've got my Herald for commuting (both easily fit all above criteria)! :laugh:

 

[BabaKahawa]

great little car, perfect college ride.
My healey likes to ride up there also........ha

 

[drooartz]

The current Civic is huge by comparison, and the Fit doesn't "make" it for me in the same way. I would be happy to have something like an original Civic as a commuter: light, simple, nimble, economical, somewhat fun to drive and fairly easy to work on....

Fairly easy to work on is probably a thing of the past.

I will say that the Fit is a terrific car -- I've got 40k miles on my 2009 (bought new) so far and it fits at least some of your criteria: light, nimble, economical, somewhat fun to drive. It's surprisingly nimble in the twisty bits, especially for a cheap little hatchback. Holds an absolutely enormous amount of stuff as well. One of the best small cars out there right now. I completely understand how the car wouldn't stir you, but I liked enough that I drove 300 miles to get one when the 2009s came out -- couldn't find one with a manual transmission any closer.

Those old Civics are really cool, though, and the car that made Honda as a car company in the US. I'll admit it, I'd add one to the collection.