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Move over monster trucks, smart car has arrived
I saw my first 'smart car' while on vacation with my family in Germany in 2000. My brother and I still laugh at the picture we took of my 6-foot-4 dad hovering over the little thing with a "what the heck" grimace on his face. (By the way, that's not dad in the picture. That's Rick Masters, a local smart car owner.) Now, smart cars are here. The European-made, micro-car debuted in the United States this year and already I've seen three in Bakersfield. After following one owner to her home to (she actually was quite nice about being followed but declined my interview request), we managed to track down another one for our story today. (I have to say, too, as small as these cars are, I had trouble in my Ford Focus trying to keep up with that lady.) The car is certainly cute -- you can't deny that -- the price is decent and the gas mileage is pretty good. But some say the two-seater's practicality may not win out here. For the same price (about $12,000 to $13,000), you can get a Kia Rio or Toyota Yaris with more space and nearly the same gas mileage. If you're in the market for a new, fuel-efficient vehicle, would buy a smart car? 16 comments from 10 users
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posted by
TomW
on Aug 1, 2008 at 02:38 PM
I loved the Smart Car a year ago. As pointed out by a lot of other folks, they don't really measure up that well anymore. For those worried about the crash tests, they do incredibly well.
posted by
TheDirt
on Aug 1, 2008 at 02:32 PM
There's a link in my original post that will take you to the story I wrote that lists information about miles per gallon and the cost to drive not only for the smar car but other compact and hybrid vehicles. Safety information on the smart car can be found here:
posted by
ReydeOros
on Aug 1, 2008 at 02:24 PM
Sorry, but rather than just the "cuteness" of the car how about giving us a Benefit. For example, tell us what the Miles per Gallon rating is for this car? What are the Crash test ratings? We have plenty of cuteness all over the roads nowadays we need solutions to the high expense of commuting. posted by
WESLEYSMOMMY
on Jul 3, 2008 at 06:12 PM
No worries. Tell your co-worker to shove-it. :) posted by
jer72
on Jul 3, 2008 at 05:59 PM
Wesleysmommy, Sorry about jumping on the issue but I have co-worker that is so green that he wants to dictate vehicles all the time. Before I got my Echo I rolled my truck after hitting ice and he decided that I should replace my truck because my wife car should be able to tow my trailer. So when I saw your comment you became a target for what he as said to me in the past. posted by
bigjpop
on Jul 3, 2008 at 03:22 PM
Just read my Consumer reports Mag and they said that the smart car "is not an intelligent choice." The cite way too many problems especially safety issues and ride comfort. They reccoment the Honda fit and Toyota Corolla as better choices for those trying to save gas. This car was made for the little streets of old Europe not for America. posted by
Shwaine
on Jul 3, 2008 at 12:45 PM
The European version of the Smart car gets much better mileage and is designed to be parked perpendicular to a curb so two Smart cars can fit into a standard (parallel-style) parking space. Each European Smart car is as long as most standard cars are wide. That was the appeal of the European version. However, the American version has a different engine, is a bit longer and has other minor design changes that kinda nullify the appeal that the car has in Europe IMO. posted by
WESLEYSMOMMY
on Jul 3, 2008 at 12:33 PM
Relax jer72, I am kidding. Until our son was born a few months ago, we had a big truck too. And, my husband is not little. LOL. posted by
jer72
on Jul 3, 2008 at 12:10 PM
What's the big deal about this car? I have Toyota Echo that is bigger and get 40 mpg, that 9 mpg better than this tiny car. Now about that comment about "small men" and their big trucks. Some people actually need and use trucks for what they are made for. I for one can't exactly pull my trailer, take trash to the dump, or haul materials in my Echo. So don't group people into one lump when some actually need trucks. posted by
WESLEYSMOMMY
on Jul 2, 2008 at 07:13 PM
Okay, it's safer than I thought. My husband just laughed and said it's a lot safer than the motorcycle I used to ride. He nagged me until I got rid of it. posted by
FloridaStateGrad
on Jul 2, 2008 at 07:03 PM
posted by
PopeyesWorld
on Jul 2, 2008 at 06:38 PM
I want to get the Brabus version of the smart car. It is a little terror on wheels. You can check it out at brabus.com. posted by
tchudilowsky
on Jul 2, 2008 at 05:55 PM
Roll cage protected. Got great reviews on safety :0) I'm still gonna get one. Odd girl deserves odd car ..................... posted by
WESLEYSMOMMY
on Jul 2, 2008 at 05:36 PM
I agree, FSG. But, unless you can convince all of the little men to get rid of their big trucks, the little car is not safe. posted by
FloridaStateGrad
on Jul 2, 2008 at 05:29 PM
Maybe if less people would drive "monster trucks" and SUV's, it wouldn't be a problem. posted by
WESLEYSMOMMY
on Jul 2, 2008 at 05:16 PM
Unless that little thing turns into an airbag when hit by a monster truck, it is a death trap.
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