Smart Car to US...Finally!

[Deety]

Elitists can't have a smart car.

Not a Non-Flying Smart Car. Duh.

 

[Best Buckeye]

Not a Non-Flying Smart Car. Duh.

But don't feel, bad Lolcats are prohibited too. :tongue2:

 

[Jake]

14 months later ... Anyone want a Smart car now? at 40 MPG ?

Nope.

 

[Taosman]

According to the EPA it gets 36 MPG combined. The 40 is for highway where nobody in their right mind is going to take one of these things. The rated city mileage is 33 and that's where they're going to live. The highest any of the car rags have been able to ring out if it is 32.

f that's your criteria, fork out $3-4K and buy a used last gen Ford Escort. How much gas can you buy for the $15K you save from your phone both?

My German friends tell me they have been seen on the German Autobahn for years. I believe they have a top speed of 80mph. It's arguably more a "city " car, but I believe the engineering(by Daimler Benz) is sound.

Last gen Escorts are FPOS. New gen is a much better car. It could come down to personal taste. Many will buy the Smart and it will probably have a much better resale value. Resale value does count. It will be the slowest car on the road in acceleration but we're talking gas mileage and utility.

 

[Best Buckeye]

actually I would like 60 - 80 mpg , but then again I would like free beer for life too.

 

[sandgk]

actually I would like 60 - 80 mpg , but then again I would like free gas for life too.

FIFY

 

[Best Buckeye]

I already make enough gas for that .

 

[Taosman]

Is the smart vehicle safe?

The safety management system of the smart fortwo will set new standards in its class.
The highlight of the safety management system is the tridion safety cell. The safety cell is made from steel, half of which is high-strength material, especially in highly stressed areas. The cell is designed to keep occupants protected. The reinforced steel and the design of the car allow for the displacement of impact and redistribution of crash energy. Because of the size of the vehicle, most crashes will also involve one of the wheel bases which also displaces energy.
Both doors are also designed for easy access during rescue.
The smart fortwo comes standard with four airbags (two full-sized front and two side for head and thorax protection). Other safety features such as esp? (electronic stability program) and ABS brakes are also standard.
smart USA FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

 

[sandgk]

I already make that

It'll only be good for road travel if you can bottle it ..

 

[Best Buckeye]

It'll only be good for road travel if you can bottle it ..

that depends on how soon I wring my pants out after passing the gas.

 

[Jake]

actually I would like 60 - 80 mpg , but then again I would like free beer for life too.

Don't forget mute supermodels for everyone, too. :p

 

[Muck]

My German friends tell me they have been seen on the German Autobahn for years. I believe they have a top speed of 80mph. It's arguably more a "city " car, but I believe the engineering(by Daimler Benz) is sound.

Considering DB's quality has steadily decreased over the past decade or I'll leave the belief to you.

Last gen Escorts are FPOS. New gen is a much better car.

Replace Escort with "Civic", "Corolla" or "New Beetle" if it makes you feel better.

If your primary criteria is fiscal the fortwo isn't the absolute best option.

It could come down to personal taste. Many will buy the Smart and it will probably have a much better resale value. Resale value does count.

I have no problems with that but there is no reason to lie about the vehicles virtues.

It will be the slowest car on the road in acceleration but we're talking gas mileage and utility.

No we aren't. It doesn't get significantly better gas mileage than other subcompacts. Utility? It has little.

We're talking about buying something because it's different and it generates conversation and makes you "stand out".

There's nothing wrong with that but claiming it's a better "Green" choice is either being disengeneous or deceptive.

Is the smart vehicle safe?

.../snip/...AD COPY.../snip/...

The manufacturer claims it's the safest thing since condoms?!

Holy crap would woulda' thunk it.

 

[utgrad73]

I saw one in downtown Toledo recently. I don't know if I feel comfortable in one next to a Ford Excursion! But 4 bucks a gallon may be the deciding factor.

Does anyone remember the first Honda CVCC? Now look at what there doing. I have a unique job that allows me to see the manufacturing and testing facilities at Honda. Let me say that as an gearhead (mostly Chevys), I'd buy a Honda. Forged steel crankshafts, hypereutectic pistons, aluminum blocks cast with mehenite iron sleeves, and casting technology that leaves very little metal waste. The engine is the heart of the automobile and these get 40 mpg, go 200,000 miles and are rock solid performers. With a synthetic fluid change or two, Civics will get even better fuel economy.

If the Smart car does what the Honda Civic did, we are in for a great ride.

 

[Muck]

If the Smart car does what the Honda Civic did, we are in for a great ride.

With a 73 1/2" wheelbase "great" is not the proper description of the ride.

 

[BUCKYLE]

Why wait for an accident to be squished? The Smart Car starts the process the moment you step inside, and makes it much easier for your friendly neighborhood Yugo to complete the job.

You ain't squishing my smart car lady!