Before the Prius: 10 Compact Cult Cars

MINI Cooper
After BMW bought the MINI brand in 2001, the car has grown in popularity in the U.S., partially due to its marketing efforts: During the production of first generation Mini, as a joke and undoubtedly as a part of Mini's viral marketing approach, purchasers of the Mini convertible were asked to sign a contract promising that they would drive the car with the roof open at least 90% of the time. Mini also set up a telephone hotline (in the USA: 1-888-DO NOT CLOSE) which one may call to report convertible owners who are driving with the roof up inappropriately. The automated system offers such helpful advice as how to administer a wedgie to the offender. Read Paul Knight's Prius feature: Wild Rides.

Chevrolet Vega
A subcompact rolled out during the fuel crisis of the '70s, the Chevrolet Vega rivaled the puny Ford Pinto and AMC Gremlin. It was a big seller back then, even though it's looked at as a relic today. Read Paul Knight's Prius feature: Wild Rides.