Expect considerable engine and road noise from any Swift, due to lack of sufficient sound insulation. Both engines growl and snarl their way through traffic. In addition, the 70-horsepower has trouble keeping up with cement trucks. On the other hand, the 100-horsepower dual-cam engine revs eagerly and produces quick acceleration. Gas mileage is terrific, too. We've averaged close to 36 mpg with a 4-door model and 31.4 mpg with a GT hatchback. With its firmer suspension, the sportier Swift GT maneuvers deftly through traffic and takes tight turns with impressive agility. Unfortunately, the GT's ride gets stiff, so the overall road experience is mixed. A 2-door Swift isn't much fun for tall people. Six-footers have adequate leg room in front, but their heads are likely to hit the ceiling. Rear leg room is minuscule unless the front seats are pushed well-forward.

Value for the Money
For the most part, Swifts have reminded us of Japanese subcompacts from the mid-1980s: noisy, cramped, basic--but stingy with fuel. As economical runabouts, they'll do--but just barely.