Would you buy a K-Car?

It's probably not what you might think. So-called kei cars (or K-cars) are popular in Japan because of their tax exemptions and parking advantages.

In this segment created more by regulation more than demand, they're limited to about 134 inches in length (more than two feet longer than the smart fortwo) and 58 inches in width. Engine size is capped at 660 cc. And don't try modding it up either; 63 hp is the top end.

Mitsubishi's 'i' mini is one of the most successful kei cars in Japan, mainly thanks to its very space-efficient interior, attractive (within this class) exterior, and light-weight aluminum body...

Just last week, General Motors announced plans to speed up repayment of billions in loans from the U.S. government. Technically, the company's fast-track, $1 billion-per-quarter payback schedule doesn't kick in until December, but GM is getting a head start on things by returning $140 million right now. The cash comes from a $2.5 billion loan GM was given to pay suppliers, though we're not entirely sure how much of that -- if any -- is included in the $6.7 billion GM owes the U.S. government. GM credits the repayment to shrinking demand from suppliers and the company's improved bottom line. For us, however, the bottom line is that the...

If you're one of the 33.2 million Americans planning to drive to grandma's, the in-laws, or the local outlet mall this Thanksgiving/Black Friday holiday, be prepared for three things: lots of traffic, lewd postprandial stories from Uncle Ted, and unpleasant numbers at the pump. Gas prices have ticked down a couple of cents in recent weeks, but at roughly $2.64 per gallon, they're far above last Thanksgiving's $1.92 average. And unfortunately, because oil is traded in increasingly weaker U.S. dollars, crude prices (and subsequently gas prices) will move increasingly higher over the winter. So, um, happy holidays? [USAToday]