The Spark is a great compact commuter car. The fuel economy is outstanding. It typically gets 38 mpg highway and about 34 city. My husband has to travel an hour each way for work 5-6 days a week and typically only fills the tank once. The back seats roomy enough for our ten year old and an adult passenger, provided you pull the seat forward a bit. We've taken it camping as well. We've "tetrised" a tent, three sleeping bags, and other camping supplies in the trunk. It's a tight fit, but it's enough room for a week's worth of groceries or whatever else you may want to haul.

The subcompact car class is well stocked by a number of appealing competitors, though. My Spark comes up a bit short in rear legroom and cargo capacity, so if space is a priority, you'd probably enjoy something else better.