I have the Smart for two Pure and just love it. True, the base model has no air conditioning and a radio, but i was able to get those for not too much, $600.00 for air and $350.00 for the base radio. The only other extras i got were the blue metallic paint and sliver metallic tridion shell. Came out to 13,500 and yes i am very pleased with the car.
I love Smart ForTwos. I would like to have one to drive to school in. I think I would get a new one with cruise control. They are kinda expensive for what you get, but I think I would pay the extra for Mercedes-Benz reliability and quality.
create the smart truck. it would be the same thing as the smart hatchback but would have a truck bed that kind of looks like the subaru baja but about half the size. ha im already picturing what it would look like too and i would buy it as well. i wouldnt be expecting to haul anything but it would be kind of like my gator but legal on road!! LOL
Wow, really only an average of 34mpg mixed driving, my Ford Contour gets that and its a bigger car and you can actually hold 5 people and have a huge trunk.
I agree! Our Nation's Oily Policy excludes affordable efficient automobiles from our market: our cars all come from one deal with the devil: do not reduce the profitable plunder thru petrol sales. Internationally, these same makers offer 60 mpg or gas free 'models' available years, decades earlier. Why the long delay before bringing the cars to the US? It takes time to transform an efficient, completed compact car into another wasteful, overpriced oil sucking shell.
those estimates on the mpg vary widely. i have run a smart on a mix of thruway and city streets and get an average of about 40mpg. if im doing just thruway i usually run low 60s. i use an ultragauge meter so i know its the real deal.
@Neonspinnazz30 in the summer i clock 50+mpg in stop and go and over 60mpgs in restrained hiway (55-60mph). i KILL priuses and the new insights at half the cost. on a "closed track" i bet i could drive 600 miles on one tank with my smart (8.7 gallons)
I would never consider a car that small if it only gets 40 mpg. By all means this car should get at least 60 mpg. My Metro Lsi model gets 50mpg and I can move 4 people (ok me and 3 small people comfortably) and 8 bags of groceries.
Gotta love this gas sucking North America gas only version. We used to be able to get the diesel first gen car up here in Canada....until the Yanks started importing this thing.....now it's gas only, with a HUGE drop in fuel efficiency.....leave it to the Americans to ruin things again....THANKS.
You should be more specific.. We Americans did not ruin anything.,. Our MORONIC LIBERAL TREE HUGGING GOVERNMENT ruined it for you. The EPA requirements for diesel cars has made it unproffitable to sell low volume cars here. It just costs too much to add the emmission equipment to sell it here in the USA. I love the smart but I always thought the MPG should be higher and the price lower. The new 2011 Hyundai Elantra seats 4 comfortably and gets 40MPG
@kens97sto171 ...liberal (?) tree hugging government??? NOT even getting into the political meddling with the EPA (by governments from both sides) over the years.
But you do make a good point. You can actually get cars that seat up to 5 people and their luggage, that still get the same mileage (or better) as the Smart, that cost substantially less. So WHY would you chose the cramped little box that seats two, and a packed lunch? NOT Smart...more like STUPID.
Yeah, sorry not wanting to get political. But our EPA and other government buerocrats are STUPID MORONS when a gas guzzling Hummer H2 is perfectly fine, but a Smart four 2 diesel is considered too polluting... something is really wrong. I like the Smart a lot but not at that price. I am hoping that the Tata Nano shows up eventually, I would consider one if they can keep the price at $3500-4500 It would be a good commuter car that seats 4
I agree with car experts who say this car's MPG is horrible, especially when you consider how small it is & how small the engine is. In this video, they stated they had a combined city/hwy MPG of 34! 34mpg for such a micro car is ridiculous! Mercedes Benz needs to do a much better job at increasing the MPG of this vehicle, especially when so many bigger cars can do better.
It's too small. I like being able to take my friends and family out in comfort and style, so I will stick to my MB S-Class
3. Fuel economy is not as simple as "make everything smaller". The fortwo weighs 1,808lb. That's heavy for a car this size (it should be between 1,200-1,500) and they paired it to a small engine. This engine works hard. The car is also missing a 6th gear, so on the highway it runs 3k rpm, sucking some gas.
@buickman85 That's a common misconception, BUT according to the FARS data and the IIHS data, the Smart Car is a lot safer that you might guess. The IIHS data says that the smart is less likely to be in an accident AND when it's in an accident the medical costs are less than average. The tridion safety cell really helps to protect the driver. For details and links, search for"My Anaylsis Of Smart Car Protection"
I've been all over the world and compairing other countries such as Germany and Japan to the US, we drive cars that are bigger than we actually need. Most families could do just fine with one full size and a super compact, like the smart. The question I have is why the Smart is only getting 41 highway MPG, seems to me this car should be getting 60-80mpg. I also dont understand how we alow smoke belching big rigs but the 70+ mpg CDI smart isnt legal here. Is the EPA working for big oil TOO!
@itsconnorjon its german, its tiny in europe they dont need big trucks like we dumb americans. so of course this car looks out of place but in europe its right at home
@sexyboi142 it's not a matter of being "out of place". It is a matter of not meeting any of the capabilities of other cars in the market but also not being any more inexpensive. There are cars that seat more people, get better fuel economy, have better performance and handling and are more comfortable for a similar price.
Not all Americans are obsessed with large cars. My car is very small. However, it achieves better performance, handling, comfort, and has more storage but has similar fuel eco.
It's actually a really good size car if you or two people are using it. It has enough room for a few things link groceries or luggage in the back. You could use a regular coupe, but it'll have lower mpg's and cost more.
Shop around for insurance, I checked with progressive and they wanted wayyyy to much, so I put it on my aaa policy and it was under five hundred for a year. Got an 09 cabriolet, love it !!!
@llandudnoboy That makes sense. In the US, there really isn't a need for city cars - I live in Chicago and just your average small car is plenty nimble. The problem is the fact that expressways (motorways) are used to get everywhere. There really isn't a way to get to your destination without using one.
People here in the US just buy these as a fashion statement, not really understanding the point. Generally speaking, a Civic or Corolla fits their needs, but they want to be "different".
Believe it or not that Tridon Safety cell or the silver surround is made of very high tensile steel and incredibly strong, far stronger than most cars.
Play the video where they crash test a Mercedes S class with the Smart.
The Mercedes suffers extensive damage whilst the Smart even though it has big damage keeps the driver and passenger very safe.
The Smart is a mini Mercedes built for strength and economy.
smart is made by mercedes, so i would assume the s class would be safer, but the cars is so small and cheap, it just cant have the safety features of a larger car. im not saying a small car cant be safe, but in a crash with another car, it is likely that the other car will be comparably less damaged. there is just NO crumple zone! theres no room for the airbag to deploy without blasting your head off, and i would rather crash in the back of an s class than a smart fortwo
So would i but it does go to show how strong that Tridion Safety cage around the Smart really is.
People assume because it's such a small car it cannot be safe but it's been given a 4star certificate issued by the crash test people who crash test every new vehicle to see how safe they are and believe you me those stars are not given out unless they are justly deserved.
That Tridion Safety cage is likened to the ones in NASCAR vehicles pretty damn bulletproof.
they are strong, and it is suprisingly safe car, and although i cant see Smart in nascar, it would certainly liven things up a bit! and the same tech in a bigger car will still offer more protection
i would have one with a hayabusa engine in an instant, a little go cart for the road, you should slap a busa engine in it, make it go really fast. weaving in and out of traffic...
Im not sure what that would do to my economy or warranty but just imagine what a Hyabusa Smart Race Series would be like with the likes of Schumacher or Lewis Hamilton at the wheel.
its only a 1.3 liter, so it should still get 30ish mpg, depending on how you drive. the smarts are light cars, so it should still be quick. Fomula Smart with those guys would be a 3 hour parade of tiny little cars on a circuit, with a tipover and perhaps even a pass or two in the series... make racing exiting again! : )
Costs, Oh my God, USD 11000 ! That is INR 500000 in India and a huge amount. One can get a sedan in India with that. Compare it with Tata Nano: INR 100000, USD 2200.
Hi folks! I own a 2002 Smart Cabriolet Diesel. I never expected that car to win a race. Lean 41 hp don't do that trick. But if you ever played with "Lego" or "Playmobil" when you were young, this car is the perfect combination of being a reasonable decission and remain being a "kid in mind". It's my 2nd Smart Car and I just love it! I own a BMW 320d staion wagon as well. But, being a Single, a Smart car is just perfect. My opinion: go try it for one week and learn about the advantages!
The only rollover reports in the USA are rollovers that have occured when the vehicle had collided with another. Never has there been a report of a smart rolling on its own like a SUV on a smooth curve.
And if it does rollover, the roof will hold 9,000 lb before it crushes. So you could park a Humvee on there and have plenty of weight to spare.
Yahoo and cars . com (worst car of 2000's was published by cars . com) are not to be trusted. They have a grudge against the smart.
No BS, No opinions. Just data from my 18 months of operating experience. . .
In my simple driving (50% street, 50% hwy) I find that regular gas (87 oct) has worked well. No knocking, no issues. My mileage would get better than 40 mpg if I did not enjoy scooting about so quickly!
My wife typically gets about 41-43 MPG commuting to work. (<10 miles)
Who knows why people are giving me the thumbs down. I think the Smart is a great idea, it's just not being executed well. It's sales would skyrocket if the mileage was considerably higher. I think they need a high mileage (much higher than it currently gets) gasoline version, a super high mileage diesel version (which they have in Europe), an electric version, and a high performance version - which could easily be very quick and still frugal.
Smart owners are reporting they actually get over 50-60mpg on the highway, which is damn good. It's THE cheapest economy car in the US, so it makes financial sense too. Compare a smart with alloys, pwr features, etc. to other economy cars and you'll see. It's also much cheaper to replace the dent-resistant body panels than on a regular car. Diesel version would be pointless in the US because diesel is so much more expensive these days. Wait for the electric smart coming out soon.
Are these figures from people who drive normally? I know some hypermilers go to extreme means to get great mileage. If people are driving normally and getting 50-60 mpg, than that is about what I would expect from a car of that size and power.
From what I gather, owners are typically getting high 30's in the city and low 50's on the highway. That's damn good as far as I'm concerned and right in line with what I'd expect from the smart car. I figure if the 1.0L 3cyl. Geo Metro from the early 90's can achieve over 50mpg, then the smart should too!
Then the EPA estimates are inaccurate. I have heard owners of larger vehicles (trucks and SUV's) are disappointed when their vehicles get less than EPA estimates. However, maybe small cars get better than their estimates. Of course, one could come to the conclusion that the EPA tests are designed to give an edge to bigger vehicles, which would help the auto industry; but, the government working for big corporations? Could that ever happen? Can you hear the sarcasm!
Yes, the EPA estimates seem to be way off for the smart car based on what owners are actually getting, for some reason. Everyone's mileage varies based on driving style, locale, and how well the car is kept up. In my experience owning midsize and smaller 4cyl. cars, I get 1-2mpg better than EPA on hwy and less than EPA around town. My current car is midsize 4cyl. with EPA rating of 24/34. The best I've gotten on a long trip was 35mpg and that was with AC off and window down.
Driving style and locale are big variables. The break in for the engine could also be a variable. If the Smart was tested with a new engine, it could get much better once the engine is broken in and has a few thousand miles on it. The transmission could also be a variable - it may be tested in automatic mode, but users may be shifting manually and choosing more efficient shift points.
In the owner's manual it states that the vehicle will be going through a break-in stage for the first couple thousands of miles. And in that time the engine will most likely use more fuel than it would after break-in. The three main components affected by the break-in stage are the tranny, the engine, and the brakes. The engine will use more gas, the brakes might wear faster, and the tranny might be a little more jittery than normal.
Do you notice a difference in performance or running condition between using regular and premium? I have a feeling smart says premium is required simply because it helps give it a little extra boost of power, since it's only 71hp as it is.
The Smart actually has plenty of room all around, which was surprising (I'm 5'11, 185, pretty average I suppose) But yeah I agree, the prius and insight are a much better deal and drive as of now.
I only had a chance to pull it around in a parking lot and in automatic it kept shifting between 1st and 2nd relentlessly, which was a pain in the ass, kept jerking back and forth etc. Transmission sucks on it.
Now if it was maybe full electric or a hybrid, then the smart would be a contender...
Smart Fortwos are safe, they have a 4 (out of 5) star NCAP safety rating (they are some of the toughest crash test out there) and are just as safe as crappy SUVs. They also don't kill the planet.
Have you ever seen one of them do the speed limit, no people who have them blast down the highway and love to lane switch, so has buying them to save gas went right out the door, got to love us americans
I agree with the with the crosswinds. I had a scare five days after my Mom bought one. I was getting gas for the first time and at the crest of an overpass a gust hit Me and I almost got into next lane. Luckily no other motorists were around Me.
It only weighs 1700lbs. Power steering isn't all that necessary. The fewer features a car has, the more reliable it'll be in the long run anyway. That's how I see it.
I live in Scotland and got a Smart Fortwo for my 20th birthday, it is a very good car, easy to handle, nippy and as the guy says, fits almost anywhere on the road. The cost to run the car is next to nothing in petrol. The only downside is the fact that on bumpy roads it can be annoying and when it is really windy, the car can be easily "swayed". other than that i would recomend it and they start from £3000 Scottish pounds here (around $4500 US) so that quote he gave does seem a little expensive
if they sold that here in the US for 4500 we would not be hurting for gas right now and yeah wish they where that cheap i would be able to buy one but for me i would have to go with the one that is only 11k )-; lol
You know, I've been seeing more Smarts here in the Houston area lately. An underrated thing about this machine is that it comes with rear-wheel drive. It has the same drivetrain most Porsches have. Only that... don't expect to light up the rear tires like with your Mustang. Not a bad little (and I mean that tastefully) car.
The downside of owning a Geo is that you bought a crappy Chevy! Also, Geos wern't very stylish, and blended in with all of the other cookie cutter American styles of the time.
Actually the Geo isn't a crappy Chevy, it's a Suzuki, but I still feel that with the advancement in technology, they can come up with a more fuel efficient engine,(and the damn well can) because #1 I'm sure the Smart is a lighter car than Geo, and #2 they are BOTH 1.0 3cyl engines. in the 80's Volvo designed an engine that broke 80 mpg, but the government stopped them from producing it (saw that on PBS) If Volvo could do that almost 30 years ago, then why not now?
I love and want this car, but I'm unimpressed with the fuel economy. I had a Chevy-(Geo) metro, also with a 1.0 3cyl "Suzuki" engine rated at 49mpg with a throttle-body, the fuel injected was rated 51 mpg, so these guys are obviously doing something wrong with almost 10yrs of advancement in technology
that's all fine and good, but the geo was still pretty advanced in safety for it's time. Improvement should be expected as well for 10yrs past, but I spoke to an elderly couple at a Chevy dealer, that was in a pretty bad wreck in one, and(as the geo was designed), the crumple zone took the impact, and the engine dropped under the car to keep from putting it in your lap. They were there to purchase another one in turn confirmed my decision to get one as well.The mpg was a bonus. unimpressed w/mpg
Where did you get that from? According to the crash tests, you'll probably sustain major injuries or die if you crash in a head-on collision in your own neighborhood!
yes, but u need to understand how the metro was basically a shell on wheels....the new cars geared like those wont deliver as good of mileage, but the do offer alot more advanced materials in these cars such as suspension,safety items, better stronger sheet metal, the list goes on.
The problem with that argument is that it comes down to weight. Even with all the advanced safety design and equipment the fortwo still only weighs 1,808lbs. while the 1999 Metro weighed 1,859lbs. With the revised EPA estimates the Metro only gets 1MPG better, but reality from actual owners shows a 9MPG deficit.
I think a turbo 660cc. engine and different transaxle gearing/programming would yield a bit better economy and similar performance.
The smart fortwo is ranked 3rd overall in fuel economy right behind the Prius and Civic hybrids. The US requires more emissions and more safety over the Euro model, so this engine is "corked up" or "choking" cause of these added emissions.
Also this US version is 200 pounds heavier than the Euro smart because we (the U.S.A) made them add to the crash boxes of the fortwo. The "automated" manual transmission is doing "EXACTLY" what it was designed to do. It's a very simple technology that is also keeping the cost low. They "recommend" you use premium gas, it's not required. If you don't like it that's okay! Nobody is forcing you to buy one!
This can't be true!! Unbelievable! I see these data on Smart USA website. But here in Sweden it says 4,3 l/100 km = 55 MPG. You can check on Smart UK or Sweden.
It looks like a nifty little car, and with good headroom and legroom (I'm tall); however its mileage isn't as much better than the competition as I might hope, nor is it much cheaper, nor is it peppy. Most important, it's in very limited distribution. I can't take it seriously until/unless it's readily available. I'm thinking maybe it's not a "real" car, but only something of a greenish loss leader.
There are a number of compact cars that get close to or match the Smart's economy, are much better equipped for the same or less money, and much safter if involved in an accident with a larger vehicle. Sorry but the smart is not so smart..it is a status symbol and a fad for being green.
me and my dad looked at the fit smart and yaris yesterday and we liked the smart best although the fit was much more practical according to my mom and sister but my dad and i disagree :-D
More precisely, the previous model (the 450) had an engine built by Mercedes Benz. This new 451 model has a Mitsubishi-built engine worldwide. Now, there are two other engine sizes available outside the U.S., 61hp and 84hp (turbo).
I don't understand why a 71hp 3cyl engine requires premium gas and can only achieve 33/41 MPG. Surely the technology of the engine is better than that of 3cyl. engines of 15yrs. ago. I blame Mitusbishi. Look at the mileage ratings on their cars. They are really low. Their smallest car in the US (Lancer) only gets 28mpg hwy. That's terrible! GMs newest V8 gets that!
it requires premium gas bc of the higher the octane in the gas the better proformance, so they're trying to get the most proformance out of an already small/weak engine.
Yep, you're right. Ironically I've read so many articles online saying using premium gas DOESN'T increase performance or gas mileage, but I always disagreed with that. No matter what car I've had, I notice the engine runs smoother, quieter, feels peppier, and maybe gets 1-2mpg better. I still say it's totally absurd that the Smart requires premium though.
The reason why your car runs smoother, quieter, and peppier is because the higher octane fuel has greater resistance to detonation. It's a two-edge sword, though. That same resistance to detonation can result is a less complete burn of the fuel leading to higher instance of particulate deposits on the valves and eventually reducing performance regardless of the octane level of the fuel.
It does not make sense even here in Europe. For less money I could buy a Citroen C1 1.0 and it gets better fuel efficiency and can take 4 adults. Personally I would buy the new Fiat 500 which should hold its value well and is a much better drive and still very easy to park.
The geo metro 20 years ago was more fuel efficient and was using a CARBURATOR. However, you'd have to be picked up with a sponge if you were to get into an accident.
The smart car is tenfolds safer than the geo metro.
If they can make the metro as safe as the smart car and retain it's superior mpg... the metro would make a great comeback.
It looks cute and fun! I have 2 main complaints though. It's rather pricey considering how much car you're actually getting. It should start at less than $10k considering the competition. Second, the EPA rating of 33/41 is quite dissapointing considering it's advantages (weight/motor) The Geo Metro of almost 20yrs ago had a 1.0L 3cyl. with EPA rating of well over 50mpg hwy. Didn't know until wathcing this vid that the motor is a Mitsubishi? Was thinking it was Mercedes powered. Poo. Cute anyway.
I own a Smart and love it. The guy says 34 mpg in this review, but also says it was on a "mixed driving loop". Meaning they were driving on a track and most likely were driving aggressively. My average is 41.3 mpg in town. This is the smartest buy if you're looking for a "green" car. Hybrid batteries are HORRIBLE for the environment. They're made in india which has a bad record for Eco friendliness. What happens to them when you have to dispose them? I love my Smart Car. I highly recommend it.
i got my smart on jan 21, it does quite well on interstate highways, it's actually quicker than my mercedes 190E. i do feel safer in the 190E, but that may change over time.
we'v had em in australia for like 8 years and u see most pulling little banners for real estate companies. the smart roadster is way better quicker too but not by much
Excellent review - So glad they understood the mechanics of the transmission (nobody seems to!) and recognized the car for what it is. Only comment would be that in fact I find the car is much more at home in the country than the city (I hate city driving), and I've had so much fun blasting my '06 fortwo through the mountains and along Canada's busiest highways. :)
It's a great little car, and it's wonderful that it's finally coming to the Americans, I think they're going to love it!
I should have mine in about a month.. can't wait! Test drove it again today at the Bloomington center. Definitely doesn't seem like a small car when you're driving it. Little narrow maybe with two big men with bulky winter jackets on (it was -2 degrees at time of test drive with -25 wind chill). But drives like a normal car, even on the freeway.
Oh, Bloomington,MN? What is that dealer next to? I would like to take a look in a couple of months when I drop by the area. I'm way out 100 miles West. I don't go to the cities often but I really want to see these little cars!
Hi Mothra1213. It's right next to the Saturn dealer on American Blvd. Across 35W from BMW if you're familiar with that huge building. It's technically on Knox Ave. Good luck!
I have the Smart for two Pure and just love it. True, the base model has no air conditioning and a radio, but i was able to get those for not too much, $600.00 for air and $350.00 for the base radio. The only other extras i got were the blue metallic paint and sliver metallic tridion shell. Came out to 13,500 and yes i am very pleased with the car.
dressshoeguy 1 month ago
4-4-2
timpriddy73 1 month ago
How come the smart car only goes 100 mph top speed
TheGoldenEyedboy 3 months ago
@TheGoldenEyedboy because its a box on wheels with less than 100hp
H20MarkVIII 1 month ago
Get the cabrio, you'll love it...
kasagar 4 months ago
I love Smart ForTwos. I would like to have one to drive to school in. I think I would get a new one with cruise control. They are kinda expensive for what you get, but I think I would pay the extra for Mercedes-Benz reliability and quality.
NattDogg01 5 months ago
My main concern would be safety.
MrCoolRice 6 months ago
create the smart truck. it would be the same thing as the smart hatchback but would have a truck bed that kind of looks like the subaru baja but about half the size. ha im already picturing what it would look like too and i would buy it as well. i wouldnt be expecting to haul anything but it would be kind of like my gator but legal on road!! LOL
andrewerdna100 6 months ago
Wow, really only an average of 34mpg mixed driving, my Ford Contour gets that and its a bigger car and you can actually hold 5 people and have a huge trunk.
wildbill23c 7 months ago 2
@wildbill23c
I agree! Our Nation's Oily Policy excludes affordable efficient automobiles from our market: our cars all come from one deal with the devil: do not reduce the profitable plunder thru petrol sales. Internationally, these same makers offer 60 mpg or gas free 'models' available years, decades earlier. Why the long delay before bringing the cars to the US? It takes time to transform an efficient, completed compact car into another wasteful, overpriced oil sucking shell.
concordbdance 7 months ago
Yes they are......
kasagar 8 months ago
They are actually extremely innovative, highly intelligent and very fun to drive.
JesseyJamez911 9 months ago
Im buying one of these !! :D i cant wait!
FoxxieD 10 months ago
Great review, thank you...
kasagar 1 year ago
those estimates on the mpg vary widely. i have run a smart on a mix of thruway and city streets and get an average of about 40mpg. if im doing just thruway i usually run low 60s. i use an ultragauge meter so i know its the real deal.
j1057298 1 year ago
That fuel rating seems low.
mss627 1 year ago 2
@Neonspinnazz30 in the summer i clock 50+mpg in stop and go and over 60mpgs in restrained hiway (55-60mph). i KILL priuses and the new insights at half the cost. on a "closed track" i bet i could drive 600 miles on one tank with my smart (8.7 gallons)
mrbadx19 1 year ago
@mrbadx19 As Jeremy Clarkson already proved, a cruising BMW can out MPG a maxxed out Prius!
Neonspinnazz30 1 year ago
Love my 2009 smart car and it gets well over 48mpg..
Bonni101 1 year ago
I would never consider a car that small if it only gets 40 mpg. By all means this car should get at least 60 mpg. My Metro Lsi model gets 50mpg and I can move 4 people (ok me and 3 small people comfortably) and 8 bags of groceries.
mrcampbellced 1 year ago
Gotta love this gas sucking North America gas only version. We used to be able to get the diesel first gen car up here in Canada....until the Yanks started importing this thing.....now it's gas only, with a HUGE drop in fuel efficiency.....leave it to the Americans to ruin things again....THANKS.
Teeebs 1 year ago 3
@Teeebs
You should be more specific.. We Americans did not ruin anything.,. Our MORONIC LIBERAL TREE HUGGING GOVERNMENT ruined it for you. The EPA requirements for diesel cars has made it unproffitable to sell low volume cars here. It just costs too much to add the emmission equipment to sell it here in the USA. I love the smart but I always thought the MPG should be higher and the price lower. The new 2011 Hyundai Elantra seats 4 comfortably and gets 40MPG
kens97sto171 1 year ago
@kens97sto171 ...liberal (?) tree hugging government??? NOT even getting into the political meddling with the EPA (by governments from both sides) over the years.
But you do make a good point. You can actually get cars that seat up to 5 people and their luggage, that still get the same mileage (or better) as the Smart, that cost substantially less. So WHY would you chose the cramped little box that seats two, and a packed lunch? NOT Smart...more like STUPID.
Teeebs 1 year ago
@Teeebs
Yeah, sorry not wanting to get political. But our EPA and other government buerocrats are STUPID MORONS when a gas guzzling Hummer H2 is perfectly fine, but a Smart four 2 diesel is considered too polluting... something is really wrong. I like the Smart a lot but not at that price. I am hoping that the Tata Nano shows up eventually, I would consider one if they can keep the price at $3500-4500 It would be a good commuter car that seats 4
kens97sto171 1 year ago
type in "peel p50," this car makes this smart look like a limo
296jayce 1 year ago
I agree with car experts who say this car's MPG is horrible, especially when you consider how small it is & how small the engine is. In this video, they stated they had a combined city/hwy MPG of 34! 34mpg for such a micro car is ridiculous! Mercedes Benz needs to do a much better job at increasing the MPG of this vehicle, especially when so many bigger cars can do better.
It's too small. I like being able to take my friends and family out in comfort and style, so I will stick to my MB S-Class
Nightbird 1 year ago
@Nightbird 1. It's 41 MPG Highway, 36 Combined.
2. NO other gas powered car gets higher.
3. Fuel economy is not as simple as "make everything smaller". The fortwo weighs 1,808lb. That's heavy for a car this size (it should be between 1,200-1,500) and they paired it to a small engine. This engine works hard. The car is also missing a 6th gear, so on the highway it runs 3k rpm, sucking some gas.
Neonspinnazz30 1 year ago
@Neonspinnazz30 plenty of cars beat that mpg.
urbex2007 1 year ago
@urbex2007 Name 1 car that's not diesel or hybrid that gets higher.
Neonspinnazz30 1 year ago
@urbex2007
My Smart CDi that i purchased new in March 2010 has returned nearly 90mpg here in the Uk.
As the American gallon is slightly smaller than the European gallon you would still get more than 70mpg in the Us.
llandudnoboy 1 year ago
@buickman85 That's a common misconception, BUT according to the FARS data and the IIHS data, the Smart Car is a lot safer that you might guess. The IIHS data says that the smart is less likely to be in an accident AND when it's in an accident the medical costs are less than average. The tridion safety cell really helps to protect the driver. For details and links, search for"My Anaylsis Of Smart Car Protection"
KQ6WQ 1 year ago
Lethargic? It doesn't seem that way to me.
Seattlecarnut 1 year ago
the best car in the world
NisMOVIE 1 year ago
I've been all over the world and compairing other countries such as Germany and Japan to the US, we drive cars that are bigger than we actually need. Most families could do just fine with one full size and a super compact, like the smart. The question I have is why the Smart is only getting 41 highway MPG, seems to me this car should be getting 60-80mpg. I also dont understand how we alow smoke belching big rigs but the 70+ mpg CDI smart isnt legal here. Is the EPA working for big oil TOO!
kfox66 1 year ago
CPU....... Shut the hell up. You don't have one and you don't know anything about them... Dry up and blow away.
GraftonForests 1 year ago
is it a fairly smooth ride? i mean i know it hits pot holes pretty bad but is it smooth? and how quiet is the cabin during interstate driving?
SurferShan 1 year ago
@SurferShan Oh yeah...Due to its not completely firm suspension, ride quality is comparable to larger cars...
The cabin is just about as quiet as other compacts are, maybe a tad quieter. The cabriolet is the most quiet though...
Neonspinnazz30 1 year ago
its great but not for that price imo
frankieboie 1 year ago
how can you have sex in this car
quest8899 1 year ago
@straightcleaner Less than those who have died in SUVs and Pickups, fact...there's a gov't website that tracks such data.
Neonspinnazz30 1 year ago
@itsconnorjon its german, its tiny in europe they dont need big trucks like we dumb americans. so of course this car looks out of place but in europe its right at home
sexyboi142 1 year ago
@sexyboi142 it's not a matter of being "out of place". It is a matter of not meeting any of the capabilities of other cars in the market but also not being any more inexpensive. There are cars that seat more people, get better fuel economy, have better performance and handling and are more comfortable for a similar price.
Not all Americans are obsessed with large cars. My car is very small. However, it achieves better performance, handling, comfort, and has more storage but has similar fuel eco.
CPUOverclocker64 1 year ago
this is very difficult for me to say... but id rather drive a vespa... or even a prius. smallest, ugliest... blah
p10ghost 1 year ago
@itsconnorjon
It's actually a really good size car if you or two people are using it. It has enough room for a few things link groceries or luggage in the back. You could use a regular coupe, but it'll have lower mpg's and cost more.
AeroNapkin 1 year ago
you need to spend 13k for a decent one, i mean who nwats to spend 11k for manual windows and no air condition
chrishayden82 1 year ago
Shop around for insurance, I checked with progressive and they wanted wayyyy to much, so I put it on my aaa policy and it was under five hundred for a year. Got an 09 cabriolet, love it !!!
kasagar 1 year ago 3
@kasagar smarts are just soo low on insurance rates!
Neonspinnazz30 1 year ago
I really want one of these, im 17 and i think these cars are great, especially that i go to College, just what i need!
I just cant find Cheap enough Car insurance at the moment =/
DerangedGames 1 year ago 3
It has a top rating for roll over safety!
It can hold up to 9000 lbs.
myfartsdontstink1 1 year ago
@straightcleaner
Very few!
The smart fortwo is the safest small car made. Proof is at the NHTSA website or safeandsmart dotcom.
Cheap maintenance and cheap to insure due to its excellent safety record.
It may not look safe. But it has alot of excellent safety features- roll cage like a race car, electronic stability control etc.
myfartsdontstink1 1 year ago
@TheFlex21 they say the prices at 4:50
AutoBat1 1 year ago
@ferrarriace123
The M4 is in South Wales and i live in North Wales nearly 200miles to the North.
I used to live in South Wales and i totally agree the speed of traffic on the M4 is quite alarming.
Unless your driving a Brabus Smart which can happily coast at 80+ then it is not safe to hog the fast lane especially in the CDi.
The little Smart after all is a CityCar which can use the Motorway if needed but it's still a CityCar with CityCar speeds.
llandudnoboy 1 year ago
@llandudnoboy That makes sense. In the US, there really isn't a need for city cars - I live in Chicago and just your average small car is plenty nimble. The problem is the fact that expressways (motorways) are used to get everywhere. There really isn't a way to get to your destination without using one.
People here in the US just buy these as a fashion statement, not really understanding the point. Generally speaking, a Civic or Corolla fits their needs, but they want to be "different".
CPUOverclocker64 1 year ago
i presume by your comment , that this was you on the m4 strugiling to hit 70mph ?
ferrarriace123 1 year ago
I want one so badly
MultiCaffine 2 years ago 5
@contributor34 hahaha nice!
mkooms01 2 years ago
@sharpy82295 lmao!!!!!
sharpshootah09 2 years ago
@EatmyDust1311
Believe it or not that Tridon Safety cell or the silver surround is made of very high tensile steel and incredibly strong, far stronger than most cars.
Play the video where they crash test a Mercedes S class with the Smart.
The Mercedes suffers extensive damage whilst the Smart even though it has big damage keeps the driver and passenger very safe.
The Smart is a mini Mercedes built for strength and economy.
llandudnoboy 2 years ago
smart is made by mercedes, so i would assume the s class would be safer, but the cars is so small and cheap, it just cant have the safety features of a larger car. im not saying a small car cant be safe, but in a crash with another car, it is likely that the other car will be comparably less damaged. there is just NO crumple zone! theres no room for the airbag to deploy without blasting your head off, and i would rather crash in the back of an s class than a smart fortwo
EatmyDust1311 2 years ago
So would i but it does go to show how strong that Tridion Safety cage around the Smart really is.
People assume because it's such a small car it cannot be safe but it's been given a 4star certificate issued by the crash test people who crash test every new vehicle to see how safe they are and believe you me those stars are not given out unless they are justly deserved.
That Tridion Safety cage is likened to the ones in NASCAR vehicles pretty damn bulletproof.
llandudnoboy 2 years ago
they are strong, and it is suprisingly safe car, and although i cant see Smart in nascar, it would certainly liven things up a bit! and the same tech in a bigger car will still offer more protection
EatmyDust1311 2 years ago
@EatmyDust1311
I drive my bosses smart Passion on a daily basis being a company run around.
It's such great fun to drive that im gonig to change my Citroen C1 diesel for a Smart Pulse CDi nexy year.
Ive already had two test drives and the driving experience is addictive.
Smart ownership is all about cheap running costs and fun.
The Smart delivers both in massive doses.
llandudnoboy 2 years ago 13
i would have one with a hayabusa engine in an instant, a little go cart for the road, you should slap a busa engine in it, make it go really fast. weaving in and out of traffic...
EatmyDust1311 2 years ago
Im not sure what that would do to my economy or warranty but just imagine what a Hyabusa Smart Race Series would be like with the likes of Schumacher or Lewis Hamilton at the wheel.
That would sort the men from the boys.
llandudnoboy 2 years ago
its only a 1.3 liter, so it should still get 30ish mpg, depending on how you drive. the smarts are light cars, so it should still be quick. Fomula Smart with those guys would be a 3 hour parade of tiny little cars on a circuit, with a tipover and perhaps even a pass or two in the series... make racing exiting again! : )
EatmyDust1311 2 years ago
I had this car also. its nice, but the smart takes too mutch of gas.
juppes2509 1 year ago
@llandudnoboy
exactly!
As you see in crash test videos (any of them) it only crumples down to the edge of the passenger cabin and then the force dissipates elsewhere.
Neonspinnazz30 2 years ago
this man is still alive omg
alz2gd 2 years ago
at least its RWD. Lol
LonewolfSaichi 2 years ago
this car is soo coool!
i'll buy it when i'll be 17!!!
netta950 2 years ago
Costs, Oh my God, USD 11000 ! That is INR 500000 in India and a huge amount. One can get a sedan in India with that. Compare it with Tata Nano: INR 100000, USD 2200.
ranjan2 2 years ago
This is America, everything here is very expensive.
shechshire 2 years ago
68lb ft torque? haha! would that even make it up a hill? i think turning on the air con would stall out the engine!
1700iDiGuy 2 years ago
Hi folks! I own a 2002 Smart Cabriolet Diesel. I never expected that car to win a race. Lean 41 hp don't do that trick. But if you ever played with "Lego" or "Playmobil" when you were young, this car is the perfect combination of being a reasonable decission and remain being a "kid in mind". It's my 2nd Smart Car and I just love it! I own a BMW 320d staion wagon as well. But, being a Single, a Smart car is just perfect. My opinion: go try it for one week and learn about the advantages!
wildworms 2 years ago 2
The only rollover reports in the USA are rollovers that have occured when the vehicle had collided with another. Never has there been a report of a smart rolling on its own like a SUV on a smooth curve.
And if it does rollover, the roof will hold 9,000 lb before it crushes. So you could park a Humvee on there and have plenty of weight to spare.
Yahoo and cars . com (worst car of 2000's was published by cars . com) are not to be trusted. They have a grudge against the smart.
Neonspinnazz30 2 years ago
No BS, No opinions. Just data from my 18 months of operating experience. . .
In my simple driving (50% street, 50% hwy) I find that regular gas (87 oct) has worked well. No knocking, no issues. My mileage would get better than 40 mpg if I did not enjoy scooting about so quickly!
My wife typically gets about 41-43 MPG commuting to work. (<10 miles)
Gort54 2 years ago
Who knows why people are giving me the thumbs down. I think the Smart is a great idea, it's just not being executed well. It's sales would skyrocket if the mileage was considerably higher. I think they need a high mileage (much higher than it currently gets) gasoline version, a super high mileage diesel version (which they have in Europe), an electric version, and a high performance version - which could easily be very quick and still frugal.
Brettcomedyzone 2 years ago
Smart owners are reporting they actually get over 50-60mpg on the highway, which is damn good. It's THE cheapest economy car in the US, so it makes financial sense too. Compare a smart with alloys, pwr features, etc. to other economy cars and you'll see. It's also much cheaper to replace the dent-resistant body panels than on a regular car. Diesel version would be pointless in the US because diesel is so much more expensive these days. Wait for the electric smart coming out soon.
palebeachbum 2 years ago
Are these figures from people who drive normally? I know some hypermilers go to extreme means to get great mileage. If people are driving normally and getting 50-60 mpg, than that is about what I would expect from a car of that size and power.
Brettcomedyzone 2 years ago
From what I gather, owners are typically getting high 30's in the city and low 50's on the highway. That's damn good as far as I'm concerned and right in line with what I'd expect from the smart car. I figure if the 1.0L 3cyl. Geo Metro from the early 90's can achieve over 50mpg, then the smart should too!
palebeachbum 2 years ago
Then the EPA estimates are inaccurate. I have heard owners of larger vehicles (trucks and SUV's) are disappointed when their vehicles get less than EPA estimates. However, maybe small cars get better than their estimates. Of course, one could come to the conclusion that the EPA tests are designed to give an edge to bigger vehicles, which would help the auto industry; but, the government working for big corporations? Could that ever happen? Can you hear the sarcasm!
Brettcomedyzone 2 years ago
Yes, the EPA estimates seem to be way off for the smart car based on what owners are actually getting, for some reason. Everyone's mileage varies based on driving style, locale, and how well the car is kept up. In my experience owning midsize and smaller 4cyl. cars, I get 1-2mpg better than EPA on hwy and less than EPA around town. My current car is midsize 4cyl. with EPA rating of 24/34. The best I've gotten on a long trip was 35mpg and that was with AC off and window down.
palebeachbum 2 years ago
Driving style and locale are big variables. The break in for the engine could also be a variable. If the Smart was tested with a new engine, it could get much better once the engine is broken in and has a few thousand miles on it. The transmission could also be a variable - it may be tested in automatic mode, but users may be shifting manually and choosing more efficient shift points.
Brettcomedyzone 2 years ago
And you are right!
In the owner's manual it states that the vehicle will be going through a break-in stage for the first couple thousands of miles. And in that time the engine will most likely use more fuel than it would after break-in. The three main components affected by the break-in stage are the tranny, the engine, and the brakes. The engine will use more gas, the brakes might wear faster, and the tranny might be a little more jittery than normal.
But after the break-in, all good.
Neonspinnazz30 2 years ago
The Version 2 transmission firmware took care of the lag. I run my Smart on regular gas and I get 38 in town.
Gort54 2 years ago
Do you notice a difference in performance or running condition between using regular and premium? I have a feeling smart says premium is required simply because it helps give it a little extra boost of power, since it's only 71hp as it is.
palebeachbum 2 years ago
you forget about the overlly aggressive stability control.
t12121 2 years ago
does it come with an AM/FM radio?
i went on the smart car website and it seems like you have to buy the radio O.o
sopirain 2 years ago
the pure has no radio in it the others do.
t12121 2 years ago
Very nice..
And where to put the AA batteries? XD
Bag998 2 years ago 33
tundra is import, its toyota lol not american
vmpfilms 2 years ago
The Smart actually has plenty of room all around, which was surprising (I'm 5'11, 185, pretty average I suppose) But yeah I agree, the prius and insight are a much better deal and drive as of now.
I only had a chance to pull it around in a parking lot and in automatic it kept shifting between 1st and 2nd relentlessly, which was a pain in the ass, kept jerking back and forth etc. Transmission sucks on it.
Now if it was maybe full electric or a hybrid, then the smart would be a contender...
Roadhoundd 2 years ago
Smart Fortwos are safe, they have a 4 (out of 5) star NCAP safety rating (they are some of the toughest crash test out there) and are just as safe as crappy SUVs. They also don't kill the planet.
jedda123 2 years ago
Have you ever seen one of them do the speed limit, no people who have them blast down the highway and love to lane switch, so has buying them to save gas went right out the door, got to love us americans
gitech09 2 years ago
haha relaxed pace, ouch 12.2 to 60 and its really not that great on gas its not much better than a cobalt or corolla or sometthing like that
rob16875 2 years ago
I agree with the with the crosswinds. I had a scare five days after my Mom bought one. I was getting gas for the first time and at the crest of an overpass a gust hit Me and I almost got into next lane. Luckily no other motorists were around Me.
CDeuce152 2 years ago
I love this car
mrubens007 2 years ago
this car in the US is definetly for use on the city (make that the Big city).
If you do a lot highway driving then this could be unsafe due to its small size.
A Yaris (toyota) or a Fit(Honda) would be beetr choices...more protection..just in case
TheComentarist 2 years ago
Smart diesel 70/87 mpg
Lost8Wizard 2 years ago
lol hater... Would it make you feel better if i could park it in the back of my chevy pick up...
NotoriousSwan1122 2 years ago
i LOVE THIS CAR
girblee 2 years ago
I really want one next year when I'm 17 but I don't think my eyesight will allow me to drive :(
Javindo 2 years ago
LOL @ optional power steering. It's NOT 1992, come on.
coreydl2008 2 years ago
It only weighs 1700lbs. Power steering isn't all that necessary. The fewer features a car has, the more reliable it'll be in the long run anyway. That's how I see it.
palebeachbum 2 years ago
too bad the smart roadster isnt around anymore
joness105639 2 years ago 2
I live in Scotland and got a Smart Fortwo for my 20th birthday, it is a very good car, easy to handle, nippy and as the guy says, fits almost anywhere on the road. The cost to run the car is next to nothing in petrol. The only downside is the fact that on bumpy roads it can be annoying and when it is really windy, the car can be easily "swayed". other than that i would recomend it and they start from £3000 Scottish pounds here (around $4500 US) so that quote he gave does seem a little expensive
qpodcity 2 years ago
if they sold that here in the US for 4500 we would not be hurting for gas right now and yeah wish they where that cheap i would be able to buy one but for me i would have to go with the one that is only 11k )-; lol
josh198869 2 years ago
16TH BIRTHDAY ! :D
ohohlizzy 2 years ago
Does anyone know when the show is on? I really want to start watching it.
someguy5955 3 years ago
You know, I've been seeing more Smarts here in the Houston area lately. An underrated thing about this machine is that it comes with rear-wheel drive. It has the same drivetrain most Porsches have. Only that... don't expect to light up the rear tires like with your Mustang. Not a bad little (and I mean that tastefully) car.
JohnMarineTube 3 years ago
The downside of owning a Geo is that you bought a crappy Chevy! Also, Geos wern't very stylish, and blended in with all of the other cookie cutter American styles of the time.
ironhidescion 3 years ago
Actually the Geo isn't a crappy Chevy, it's a Suzuki, but I still feel that with the advancement in technology, they can come up with a more fuel efficient engine,(and the damn well can) because #1 I'm sure the Smart is a lighter car than Geo, and #2 they are BOTH 1.0 3cyl engines. in the 80's Volvo designed an engine that broke 80 mpg, but the government stopped them from producing it (saw that on PBS) If Volvo could do that almost 30 years ago, then why not now?
76gremlinguy 3 years ago
I love and want this car, but I'm unimpressed with the fuel economy. I had a Chevy-(Geo) metro, also with a 1.0 3cyl "Suzuki" engine rated at 49mpg with a throttle-body, the fuel injected was rated 51 mpg, so these guys are obviously doing something wrong with almost 10yrs of advancement in technology
76gremlinguy 3 years ago
The trade off is safety. The Smart can stand up to the Mercedes e-class in crash tests. Try that in your Geo.
bigpoppanils 3 years ago 2
that's all fine and good, but the geo was still pretty advanced in safety for it's time. Improvement should be expected as well for 10yrs past, but I spoke to an elderly couple at a Chevy dealer, that was in a pretty bad wreck in one, and(as the geo was designed), the crumple zone took the impact, and the engine dropped under the car to keep from putting it in your lap. They were there to purchase another one in turn confirmed my decision to get one as well.The mpg was a bonus. unimpressed w/mpg
76gremlinguy 3 years ago
Where did you get that from? According to the crash tests, you'll probably sustain major injuries or die if you crash in a head-on collision in your own neighborhood!
kraemer66 3 years ago
No! I search the govt crash test ratings and the smart has one of the highest crash test ratings because of the roll cage built into it
Happy11207 2 years ago
yes, but u need to understand how the metro was basically a shell on wheels....the new cars geared like those wont deliver as good of mileage, but the do offer alot more advanced materials in these cars such as suspension,safety items, better stronger sheet metal, the list goes on.
coandcaiv 3 years ago
The problem with that argument is that it comes down to weight. Even with all the advanced safety design and equipment the fortwo still only weighs 1,808lbs. while the 1999 Metro weighed 1,859lbs. With the revised EPA estimates the Metro only gets 1MPG better, but reality from actual owners shows a 9MPG deficit.
I think a turbo 660cc. engine and different transaxle gearing/programming would yield a bit better economy and similar performance.
F41Driver 3 years ago
The smart fortwo is ranked 3rd overall in fuel economy right behind the Prius and Civic hybrids. The US requires more emissions and more safety over the Euro model, so this engine is "corked up" or "choking" cause of these added emissions.
megawes5 3 years ago
Also this US version is 200 pounds heavier than the Euro smart because we (the U.S.A) made them add to the crash boxes of the fortwo. The "automated" manual transmission is doing "EXACTLY" what it was designed to do. It's a very simple technology that is also keeping the cost low. They "recommend" you use premium gas, it's not required. If you don't like it that's okay! Nobody is forcing you to buy one!
megawes5 3 years ago
40 MPG highway = 5,9 l/100 km
33 MPG city = 7,1 l/100 km
This can't be true!! Unbelievable! I see these data on Smart USA website. But here in Sweden it says 4,3 l/100 km = 55 MPG. You can check on Smart UK or Sweden.
Beatles5 3 years ago
It's the difference between Imperial gallons and US gallons.
stratman242 3 years ago
Hmm.... ok :-( But I saw a reporter in American TV ask "40 is low. I expected at least 50-60 for such tiny car".
Beatles5 3 years ago
actually, he used the US gallons =]
Willux 3 years ago
a smart car is a lot safer
aloiske1 3 years ago 4
ich will den
DonMasakoni 3 years ago
R0JIBLANC0 got a point..thats hilarious though
...haahha
yaboytl 3 years ago
It looks like a nifty little car, and with good headroom and legroom (I'm tall); however its mileage isn't as much better than the competition as I might hope, nor is it much cheaper, nor is it peppy. Most important, it's in very limited distribution. I can't take it seriously until/unless it's readily available. I'm thinking maybe it's not a "real" car, but only something of a greenish loss leader.
MaynardGK 3 years ago
MotorWeek and Arthur are the only good shows on PBS
R0JIBLANC0 3 years ago 6
damn dude, that's right on the money
but i got to add this old house and america's test kitchen
SorthNarolina 3 years ago
There are a number of compact cars that get close to or match the Smart's economy, are much better equipped for the same or less money, and much safter if involved in an accident with a larger vehicle. Sorry but the smart is not so smart..it is a status symbol and a fad for being green.
RAS4915 3 years ago 3
i agree but at the same time it is more sensible than a prius, a commuter car should not be so large
jay leno has a nice quote about how the last days of old technology are much better than the first days of the new
a prius is really complicted as two powertrains which is a nice transition but shouldn't be considered the future
SorthNarolina 3 years ago
they are alot more expensive than i expected
techpbhater2 3 years ago 3
me and my dad looked at the fit smart and yaris yesterday and we liked the smart best although the fit was much more practical according to my mom and sister but my dad and i disagree :-D
geeksquad2 3 years ago
the fit and yaris have four doors, a backseat, and a REAL transmission. They can even use regular gas!
bottomlayer 3 years ago
no I have a 2002 Chrysler Sebring with a 2.4 it's great on gas.
drydock265 3 years ago
@palebeachbum:
The Euro version comes with a Mercedes engine.
amagawa05 3 years ago
More precisely, the previous model (the 450) had an engine built by Mercedes Benz. This new 451 model has a Mitsubishi-built engine worldwide. Now, there are two other engine sizes available outside the U.S., 61hp and 84hp (turbo).
Rubik451 3 years ago
I don't understand why a 71hp 3cyl engine requires premium gas and can only achieve 33/41 MPG. Surely the technology of the engine is better than that of 3cyl. engines of 15yrs. ago. I blame Mitusbishi. Look at the mileage ratings on their cars. They are really low. Their smallest car in the US (Lancer) only gets 28mpg hwy. That's terrible! GMs newest V8 gets that!
palebeachbum 3 years ago 3
it requires premium gas bc of the higher the octane in the gas the better proformance, so they're trying to get the most proformance out of an already small/weak engine.
MichaelHeney 3 years ago
Yep, you're right. Ironically I've read so many articles online saying using premium gas DOESN'T increase performance or gas mileage, but I always disagreed with that. No matter what car I've had, I notice the engine runs smoother, quieter, feels peppier, and maybe gets 1-2mpg better. I still say it's totally absurd that the Smart requires premium though.
palebeachbum 3 years ago
The reason why your car runs smoother, quieter, and peppier is because the higher octane fuel has greater resistance to detonation. It's a two-edge sword, though. That same resistance to detonation can result is a less complete burn of the fuel leading to higher instance of particulate deposits on the valves and eventually reducing performance regardless of the octane level of the fuel.
ghrpdx 3 years ago
Yeah, but it's only 70 hp/liter!
The Toyota Yaris (same price range) ALSO makes 70 hp/liter (1.5L/106 hp), but on REGULAR GAS!
If it made 100+ hp/liter with or without a turbo (eg. 9000-rpm Honda-type motor), then I could see it requiring premium.
bottomlayer 3 years ago
American are doind to have the new Smart?..lol....my dad was the old Smart...good car!
JPacheco91 3 years ago
I love this car!!!! Can't wait till my Mazda3 Hatch lease is over.
macguy112 3 years ago
They sell those in Austin, I gotta get over there and test drive one.
Dibrini 3 years ago
ive got had to wait 6 months and pay 1200 dollars down to get it
hongkongsucksballs 3 years ago
It does not make sense even here in Europe. For less money I could buy a Citroen C1 1.0 and it gets better fuel efficiency and can take 4 adults. Personally I would buy the new Fiat 500 which should hold its value well and is a much better drive and still very easy to park.
espjuan 3 years ago
Fiat 500 almost same price as a mini cooper, and less fuel efficiency is not a very smart buy, and the Citroen C1 is just ugly.
14799741 3 years ago
The geo metro 20 years ago was more fuel efficient and was using a CARBURATOR. However, you'd have to be picked up with a sponge if you were to get into an accident.
The smart car is tenfolds safer than the geo metro.
If they can make the metro as safe as the smart car and retain it's superior mpg... the metro would make a great comeback.
dougdangger 3 years ago 4
It looks cute and fun! I have 2 main complaints though. It's rather pricey considering how much car you're actually getting. It should start at less than $10k considering the competition. Second, the EPA rating of 33/41 is quite dissapointing considering it's advantages (weight/motor) The Geo Metro of almost 20yrs ago had a 1.0L 3cyl. with EPA rating of well over 50mpg hwy. Didn't know until wathcing this vid that the motor is a Mitsubishi? Was thinking it was Mercedes powered. Poo. Cute anyway.
palebeachbum 3 years ago
I own a Smart and love it. The guy says 34 mpg in this review, but also says it was on a "mixed driving loop". Meaning they were driving on a track and most likely were driving aggressively. My average is 41.3 mpg in town. This is the smartest buy if you're looking for a "green" car. Hybrid batteries are HORRIBLE for the environment. They're made in india which has a bad record for Eco friendliness. What happens to them when you have to dispose them? I love my Smart Car. I highly recommend it.
lbarringer 3 years ago
The Yaris (not a hybrid) can also get 34 mpg, on REGULAR gas (not premium), AND it has a backseat
bottomlayer 3 years ago
Again my MPG average is 41.3
lbarringer 3 years ago
so cute...if i lived in Europe I'd get one but not in the US
JonelleElise 3 years ago
i know there's bigger 2 seater cars with more mpg but c'mon!!!! its only $11,500!!!!! and cheapass money savers like me love that!!! :D
dohead 3 years ago 2
I agree. The smart would get better mpg if it had a traditional manual transmission and better aerodynamics.
kickflipjr 3 years ago
to expensive..i rather get a honda fit
or yaris..bigger and cheaper.
lilxkhmerpete 3 years ago
True, 12.2 isn't horrible My 2001 Honda Civic with an automatic transmission takes 10-11 seconds to get to 60.
revaholic 4 years ago
i got my smart on jan 21, it does quite well on interstate highways, it's actually quicker than my mercedes 190E. i do feel safer in the 190E, but that may change over time.
mrbadx19 4 years ago 2
we'v had em in australia for like 8 years and u see most pulling little banners for real estate companies. the smart roadster is way better quicker too but not by much
packetpop 4 years ago
12.2 seconds 0-60 is respectable, a geo metro with a 1 liter engine could do 0-60 in 21 seconds, that's scary! i get my new 2008 smart tomorrow :)
mrbadx19 4 years ago 2
Excellent review - So glad they understood the mechanics of the transmission (nobody seems to!) and recognized the car for what it is. Only comment would be that in fact I find the car is much more at home in the country than the city (I hate city driving), and I've had so much fun blasting my '06 fortwo through the mountains and along Canada's busiest highways. :)
It's a great little car, and it's wonderful that it's finally coming to the Americans, I think they're going to love it!
duckjock 4 years ago 2
I should have mine in about a month.. can't wait! Test drove it again today at the Bloomington center. Definitely doesn't seem like a small car when you're driving it. Little narrow maybe with two big men with bulky winter jackets on (it was -2 degrees at time of test drive with -25 wind chill). But drives like a normal car, even on the freeway.
mplssteveo 4 years ago
Oh, Bloomington,MN? What is that dealer next to? I would like to take a look in a couple of months when I drop by the area. I'm way out 100 miles West. I don't go to the cities often but I really want to see these little cars!
Mothra1213 4 years ago
Hi Mothra1213. It's right next to the Saturn dealer on American Blvd. Across 35W from BMW if you're familiar with that huge building. It's technically on Knox Ave. Good luck!
mplssteveo 4 years ago