Photo TR: Smartcar Test Drive

[coastrfreak2000]

I'd be embarrased to be caught in that thing! Looks like something my little sister would drive on the sidewalk.

 

Exactly the way I feel about them. I can't help but laugh at the driver when I see them on the roads over here. They look ugly, and childish.

Looks similar, no?

[BarryH]

I don't know about the Smartcar. It looks rather small. I wonder if I can fit into the thing. Mr. Caseyfish will probably kissing his knees in the car!

 

For around $12,000, you can probably find an entry-level car with more space.

[thefitness]

^^It does look like that toy car!

 

That's what I like about it, it's not your everyday car. It's different, and a lot of people will see different as ugly, but everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

 

Is there anyone that actually likes it?

[TheStig]

^Only you.

[Wes]

^ Midgets and clowns probably.

 

I think you're going to regret getting it in the long run. It's hard to see now because you're young and never had a car, but things like being able to transport your friends or lots of groceries really is important. You can't see it now, but wait until you're in college. Being "different" and having a "unique car" doesn't mean shit if you can't pile your buddies in to go on a liquor run.

[thefitness]

^ Midgets and clowns probably.

 

I think you're going to regret getting it in the long run. It's hard to see now because you're young and never had a car, but things like being able to transport your friends or lots of groceries really is important. You can't see it now, but wait until you're in college. Being "different" and having a "unique car" doesn't mean poo-poo if you can't pile your buddies in to go on a liquor run.

 

Haha, that's true. This is just a car I really like, and I probably won't end up getting(but would really like to!). As you said I've never had a car before, I have no idea what to expect from any car.

 

If I actually get a Smartcar I'll be sure to let everyone know so you guys can tell me how stupid, ugly, and unsafe it is!

 

I'd rather have a Toyota IQ, but unfortunately they are only in the concept stage.

[Gav]

I think with smart cars, they pretty much are just a commuter car. I probably would never get one as my primary car, but If I were in a 2 car family they could be a cheap little car to run if all you were using it for was a run to work.

The biggest barrier is really the price, they are about $19,000 here which puts it in the range of mid sized cars with far more features.

The size of it doesn't really bother me actually, a lot of people say a bigger car is safer, but in a crash there are too many variables, If it's bad enough you're stuffed no matter what you are in.

As for the look, I think its fine, nice bit of design work and looks better than the majority of bland cars that are produced.

[BarryH]

I hate to say it, but I agree with Wes! Most everyone's first car was some junk car they got for about $2,000 at the used car lot. Buy a junkie and be happy with it! I think you can get a Kia Rio for around $11,000. OK, so it's not a Porche, but it has four seats and a trunk!

[california screamin]

A few thoughts here.

 

Although the smart car is probably not the most practical car for a teen, I really don't think he should be given such a hard time. He's obviously very excited to get what I consider a neat car.

 

Let the kid get excited about his first car. I know that I wouldn't appreciate being told that my car was "hideous looking" If I was a teen.

 

Anyhow, I like the looks of it, but it's impractical for me. It will be cool to see these on the roads though!

[raptorcrew2002]

I don’t think anyone is trying to give him a hard time. More like people are sharing very valid points of view from experiences and history from those who have been driving for a while. The car is not unique, and you will not be the only one driving those. (Cough, production)

 

Also honestly for a younger person this is a horrible car. You will not meet chicks with this car, well not any fun ones anyways, (when a priest gets more then you, that sucks).

 

You will not be able to avoid situations due to its incredible 76hp. (hell my car has 224 more hp that that) and like others said no friends capacity, moving for college, well unless you want to live with your parents forever.

 

I would fear for someone driving those. Here comes the next gen. of tree huggers and there hybrids, oh wait I feel a fart coming on…… “sniff”

 

 

So if anything this is just fun to watch. I’m not impressed even though they seem to make it sound good. Smart Car crash below. (Controlled, no blood, or even clowns ;("

 

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/871776/smart_car_crash/

 

I love how they try to make it sound good as all the cheap panels end up inside on the drivers seat which would seriously hurt a driver in the car if not possible decapitate them, not to mention how mangled your feet would end up after this type of collision. Even the 35 mph hit the frontal damage would most likely break something in your legs and or feet. Also notice the lack of side impact testing. Nice, this car has a debris field and thats not cool when large sections separate like that.

 

**Forgot to add this;

Smart Car with a GSXR engine added. Ok now that would make for a fun go kart.

[thefitness]

A few thoughts here.

 

Although the smart car is probably not the most practical car for a teen, I really don't think he should be given such a hard time. He's obviously very excited to get what I consider a neat car.

 

Let the kid get excited about his first car. I know that I wouldn't appreciate being told that my car was "hideous looking" If I was a teen.

 

Anyhow, I like the looks of it, but it's impractical for me. It will be cool to see these on the roads though!

 

THANK YOU!

 

I don't care if people think it's ugly, because I like it. It's a practical car for me. Several people have been listing why they wouldn't want one, and why I shouldn't get it. If I am serious about getting a car, I've obviously done my research! It may be impractical for some, but it’s just about the perfect car for me.

 

I don’t think anyone is trying to give him a hard time. More like people are sharing very valid points of view from experiences and history from those who have been driving for a while. The car is not unique, and you will not be the only one driving those. (Cough, production)

 

Also honestly for a younger person this is a horrible car. You will not meet chicks with this car, well not any fun ones anyways, (when a priest gets more then you, that sucks).

 

You will not be able to avoid situations due to its incredible 76hp. (hell my car has 224 more hp that that) and like others said no friends capacity, moving for college, well unless you want to live with your parents forever.

 

I would fear for someone driving those. Here comes the next gen. of tree huggers and there hybrids, oh wait I feel a fart coming on…… “sniff”

 

Yes, a car that is on sale for anyone to buy will obviously not be unique. It is unique compared to other cars out on the market though.

 

If you rely on your car to meet girls...you’re in trouble.

 

What's wrong with "treehuggers"? Being conscious of the environment is not a bad thing.

[Carnage]

What's wrong with "treehuggers"? Being conscious of the environment is not a bad thing.

 

Being conscious of the environment does not make you a treehugger.

 

Treehugger is more of a derogatory term for someone who is so obsessive about the environment, that they start to annoy the crap out of everyone around them. And start to pick fights over stuff that doesn't affect the environment nearly as much as they think.

 

They're the type that go protest logging operations, while not realizing that driving their big ass SUV cross state probably was worse on the environment then the logging.

 

Sorry, off topic. I still don't like Smartcars.

[CGM]

Is there anyone that actually likes it?

 

Yes, I love Smart cars.

 

To some Americans , you probably won't get them at all because you're used to your SUVs that take up 2 and a half lanes and do 0.5 miles to the gallon. If you were European, you'd understand that small cars are cool, and the epitome of small cars is the Smart car.

 

In fact, over here big American cars aren't viewed in the best favour as they're just seen as pointless wastes of money as they are generally terrible, terrible cars. Why waste money on something like a Lincoln Navigator which is ugly, expensive, guzzles fuel, can't offroad and handles like an oil tanker when you could buy something much cheaper, more practical and just better.

 

In terms of practicality, the Smart's about as practical as it gets. It's cheap, has low feul consumption and so is cheap to own, easy to park and despite what some are saying has adequate boot space. If you only need two seats in your car, why would you need the boot space of an SUV? It's also brilliant for city driving as it can sneak through little gaps and (with the old model at least) can be parked sideways-on.

 

As for looks, it is by no means an ugly car. Although I prefer the old design, it's still much prettier than 99% of what comes out of the states. (Although it seems that Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge are finally getting their act together).

 

Anyway, that's my view of the car.

 

So if I were you, I wouldn't care what other people think of it, if you think it's the car for you, then go for it

[california screamin]

I would fear for someone driving those. Here comes the next gen. of tree huggers and there hybrids, oh wait I feel a fart coming on…… “sniff”

 

Well, It's certainly better than another generation of ford expedition drivers.

 

I personally think it's wonderful that the younger generation wants to do things to help the environment. They are the ones who will be inheriting the planet.

[Scaparri]

In terms of practicality, the Smart's about as practical as it gets. It's cheap, has low feul consumption and so is cheap to own, easy to park and despite what some are saying has adequate boot space. If you only need two seats in your car, why would you need the boot space of an SUV?

 

Sure, it may be easy on gas, but the size is the entire problem. First, It's not about foot space. It's about hauling space. For me, I like going on road trips, which I would never be able to go on because the car has hardly any space for bags and stuff. I wouldn't be able to buy much when I go to the grocery store because this car just doesn't have much space. In the UK, I'm sure it'd be a great car to have, but Americans are traveling people. It's a huge country with tons of roads and tons of drivers... which means tons of crashes, including high speed crashes. And whether SUVs are practical or not, they are still there. Even at low speeds, a 3000-4000 lb SUV is going to obliterate a 1700 lb car that has no absorption.

[california screamin]

For those who claim the smart car has no hauling space -

 

Watch the entire video. You'd need a hell of alot of groceries to fill this thing up.

[Carnage]

To some Americans , you probably won't get them at all because you're used to your SUVs that take up 2 and a half lanes and do 0.5 miles to the gallon. If you were European, you'd understand that small cars are cool, and the epitome of small cars is the Smart car.

 

That's part of the problem, roads in North America are filled with big SUVs. Driving such a small car in Europe probably wouldn't be nearly as much of a risk. But I sure wouldn't want to drive one here and risk getting hit by an SUV.

 

Personally I don't understand buying one over here, when for the same price you could get something a bit larger which still gets decent gas milage.

[ParkTrips]

yup... I find the Corolla a much better alternative. Similar price, and still very economical.

 

71 hp... lol... I wonder if it can even do the speed limit in some states out west with 75 or 80

[TheRapidsNerd]

You know, I'd drive one just because they're different . Seriously. Customizing one would be fun. Hey, mini cars (and mini coasters) are just fun.

[Moose]

I think they are super cute. If i had the extra cash lying around i'd probably pick one up, but since that isn't the case I will just point them out if they ever make it to the road around here. If and when i get a "new car" it'll probably be a pickup, so in theory, i could hall these around in the back if need be .

[BeemerBoy]

I finally read through this thing, and I just can't figure out why safety seems to be one of the most prevelant points brought up. Seriously, if a lack of safety due to vulnerability were such a major concern, then Harley Davidson would be out of business by now. To me, these types of cars are nothing new to the market. There's been a ton of small cars over the years, each filling a certain niche.

 

With all that said, to me, the SmartCar is just as pointless as the F-350 jacked up 3 feet with tires as big as Rhode Island (usually driven by the toolbox who needs to compensate for something)......but that's just my two cents. To each his own. If thefitness buys one, congrats. Enjoy it.

[Ed]

If you're worried about crashing into a giant SUV..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcuimw8ql_A

 

I think Smart Cars are awesome, for driving around London.. I'm not sure how they'd fair up in America where the average car is bigger than a house.

[Cameron]

I have to agree with Ed, the Smarts are great. Curiously enough I was also going to post the very same link that Ed did. Now it's not the car for me, but I do think they are amazing. At least it's not a Hybrid!

 

Personally I'd much rather be in a car that can avoid an accident, rather than in a giant, unpredictable, slow bolder (SUV) that just destroys everything in its path. SUVs are not safer, they kill anything they hit. A friend of mine used to have an Excursion - it was so wobbly and squirly that it actually made me sea-sick!

 

That said, I do agree with the people who suggest a small beater car as your first. You will most likely damage it, and it's far cheaper to repair some POS Ford, or bore-me-to-tears Toyota - plus you won't feel as guilty about it (especially if your parents are buying it for you).

 

Cameron.

[Hattuchili]

For how many years are we having the Smart in Germany? For 7 or 8 years? I thought you are already having the Smart over in the USA!?

 

--Soren

[thefitness]

BeemerBoy,Good point! I'm not sure if I've gone into this in this thread, but bigger does not always mean safer.

 

Cameron, I'm not sure why everyone seems to think the instant I get this car I will crash it. Unlike most teens, I'm pretty responsible. I've taken Drivers Ed, and I am currently taking private driving classes so we can lower the insurance a little! I'm not saying I won't have an accident at all, but Smartcar does not equal instant death!

Soren, I believe the Smartcars have been overseas for quite some time. I can't believe they haven't come to the US sooner! There are a few random ones that people have had imported though.