It's funny how the article just focuses on how much "fun" the smart car is to drive but doesn't take into account the "death box" factor. Most cars are "fun" to drive in one way or another but some more than others. Likewise, cars can vary in safety just based on their size when in an accident with pretty much anything else but a motorcycle in the case of the smart car. I think in a big city environment where parking is tough they are a good idea. People generally aren't driving fast so the "death box" factor is lower and it's easier to find parking. The reason it works in Europe is people don't drive big heavy SUV vehicles.