Review written on 5/1958.
Several months ago I thought to my self. "Donut should really make a Compact Car that is better than the Lackawanna." Someone at Donut must of been reading my mind because I got my hands on the latest Allegheny and gave it a test spin. I hope it's not as bad as the F5979 but the real question is: "How far behind does it lag to the Lackawanna?"

I was giddy when I heard we were testing Donut Allegheny. On the track this thing is fast. How fast? Notice there are no pictures on this page? That fast! This is one of the fastest Compact Car I've ever been in. As impressive as that sounds, the 79 hp @ 4715RPMs 1803 cc Wankel  engine is even more impressive. Peddle to the metal, this baby will do 107 mph easily. And in a straight line we hit a 24.034s 0 to 60 mph! We found that with 71 lb-ft of torque this machine can tow an impressive 22 lbs. On the track testing the Donut Allegheny did have some slight issues. Of course it was not designed to be a track car. But as a Compact Car it should have better handling than it does. In most cases in the real world this shouldn't be any problem. But it is still sub-par at best. Mommy can I keep it? Please?!

While the Donut Allegheny won't win any awards, It won't turn heads, and it certainly doesn't have a wow factor. The Allegheny does have a very well design interior. It may not be top end, but it is more than enough for long trips and everyday drivers. It makes you feel good about life. Without feeling pompous.

Getting into the Donut Allegheny can be quite a bit of a pain. Even an amoeba would be claustrophobic in the confines of the Allegheny. With only 17 cu-ft of cargo and passenger space, there is absolutely no place to put anything. Want a to take a suit case? Strap it to the roof. Want to take a child to school? Strap him to the roof. Want a soda... you guessed it. Strap it to the roof! One has to imagine Donut owns a roof rack company somewhere.

It may not be much in this day and age, but the Donut Allegheny is above its class average when we looked at the physical quality of the machine. While other manufacturers cut corners, Donut looks to keep their image and public perception high. They do a good job at that with the Allegheny.

The Donut Allegheny was designed with longevity in mind. The vehicle is sturdy and easy to maintain. It will last as long as you want it.

At the pump station you get the feeling that someone over at Donut really wanted to squeeze out every last drop out of this vehicle. And that person should get a raise. The Donut Allegheny gets an impressive 38.7 mpg! Which means it theoretically pays for it self compared to the competition!

While the Donut Allegheny is certainly impressive in term of safety, it's not overly designed in this fashion in a way that would imped its enjoyment. Never the less this vehicle is more than safe enough for even the most uptight and poor drivers among us.

The Donut Allegheny fits the mold of your prototypical Compact Car. It meets all the necessary requirements of being a good Compact Car and at times is quite enjoyable. It may not be the best. But it is still a good Compact Car.