3/13/2008

Smart Car


The Smart Fortwo became available for purchase in the United States in January. Models available are the smart fortwo pure coupe (entry-level), the smart fortwo passion coupe (well-equipped) and the smart fortwo passion cabriolet (convertible). Cost $12K and up. Mileage: 40/45.
Info: Smart Car USA
Photo: Smartcars. Rome. June 2007.

8 comments:

Junglechina said...

I see that the photo was taken in Rome. You don't see many Yukons, Suburbans, or Ram toughntrucks bearing down on you in Italy. Yes its a great idea but the inequatity in size (bumper height, etc) creates a real safety issue. I understand its an issue that already exists with standard size cars as well but it seems particularly troublesome in the USA. My campaign of "I'M a pig in my suv" bumper sticker placement is not going as well as I expected nor having good results either.

Sara said...

Lots of smart cars here in Nanaimo--but just as many SUV's too.

Doogman2 said...

My commute to work is only 3 miles crossing one intersection, so I'm not all that worried about collision. I've had my reservation in for a red/black model since late October, but still haven't heard from them. Your post prompted me to check on progress.

Maia said...

I think I would be frightened to drive one of those cars over the I-95 bridge from Kittery to Portsmouth. A strong wind and I'd be over the edge. Does anyone know how much those things weigh?

Blogmeister said...

the smart car is a dumb choice. its fuel economy is average, about 33 mpg on premium fuel. its reliability is below average. its safety is below average. it holds only 2 people and has extremely limited storage.

yes, it can park in a slightly smaller space and a lot of people will look at you as you drive down the road. or, as one reviewer put, as you jitter down the road. the ride sucks.

get a civic hybrid. 48 mpg on regular fuel with very low emissions. excellent reliability. 5 star safety rating. holds 4 passengers comfortably. lots of storage room.

drive on

chuck said...

le paz,
How does the Civic hybrid stack up against the Toyota Prius?

chuck said...

By the way, the 40/45 gas mileage I quoted was from the SmartCar website. Are they stretching the truth and where did you get your mileage quote?

Bill Simpson said...

i drive a civic hybrid so i know what mileage i get.

the smartcar supposedly does around 33 in city. but you gotta put premium in it which means you really get well under 30 mpg cause premium is way more expensive.

i don't like the way the prius accelerates. it's also a couple grand more expensive. and it screams: i'm way fukin better than you! the civic hybrid is just, well, a civic that runs cleaner and get better mpg