Honda Mobilio

Ten Japanese cars you can't have.

Imagine driving a CVT-equipped tall Civic wagon and you've pretty well nailed the Mobilio experience. Its 2800 pounds are apparently enough to overwhelm its 89 horses. What this handsome shoe box wants is Honda's 2.4-liter four, as found in our CR-V and Element. In Japan, however, fuel costs $3.50 per gallon.

Although the Mobilio is nearly seven inches shorter than an Element, it features three rows of seats that fold faster than Balkan gymnasts. Honda swears seven adults will fit. More like four grownups and two gravy dunkers. This vanette is most notable for a cockpit as beautifully finished as any American Acura's—a warm and harmonious blend of velour, pebbled vinyl, brushed aluminum, and fake wood.

The Mobilio is every bit as refined as the Nissan Cube—with which it directly competes—although not as sporty. At $13,900, though, it's a three-base steal.

Yankee Desirability Rating: 8.5

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