Trump Pushes Tiny Cars in the US: Are They a Smart Buy?

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If President Donald Trump gets his way, tiny cars could soon be rolling onto American streets.

“I have just approved tiny cars to be built in America,” he posted on Truth Social on Dec. 5, calling them “inexpensive, safe, fuel efficient and, quite simply, amazing.”

But are these compact vehicles really a smart buy for U.S. drivers? Here’s what one expert thinks.

Advantages of Tiny Cars: Useful for Driving in US Cities

Tiny cars can make sense for drivers in dense urban environments, said Curt Hopkins, CEO of MCQ Markets, a classic car investment platform.

“They’re inexpensive, easy to park and efficient for short trips,” he said. “There’s no question these smaller cars serve a very specific lifestyle extremely well.”

If you live in a city like New York or San Francisco, where parking is scarce and commutes are short, a tiny car could be a practical solution.

The Downside of Tiny Cars: Challenges for Highway Drivers

However, these vehicles won’t be a lifestyle fit for everyone.

“Tiny cars don’t align with how most Americans use their vehicles,” Hopkins said. “Highways dominated by SUVs and trucks can make them feel outmatched, and the limited space reduces their practicality. From MCQ’s vantage point, demand consistently skews toward vehicles with presence, performance and long-term desirability — traits tiny cars generally don’t deliver.”

If you spend most of your time on interstates or need extra cargo space, a tiny car may not fit your lifestyle.

Is a Tiny Car the Right Buy for You?

Whether a tiny car is a good buy depends on your driving habits and priorities.

Hopkins offered this advice:

• Yes, if: You live in a dense city, prioritize easy parking and mostly take short trips.
• No, if: You need highway confidence, extra space or long-term resale appeal.

“In dense cities, they’re perfectly logical,” Hopkins said. “But long-term appeal tends to sit with cars that offer more capability, more confidence on the road and more emotional value. Tiny cars are a niche solution for a niche driver.”

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