The Smart ForTwo: Bright idea or novelty?

Looking like a Shriner who lost his parade, I spent a week driving a 2008 Smart ForTwo, answering questions that usually ended only when I drove away.

[Ron Gaus]

Most folks in the US have no clue what these little “smart cars” are like, but they've been in Europe and around the world since 1998. Over 850,000 sold. Designed by Swatch. Safety-engineered and performance-engineered by Mercedes, it was an unlikely marriage of modern style and proud history of auto manufacturing. Though these new smart cars will be sold in America in mass in 2008, their older brother has been with us about 16 months. In 2003, an auto converter became frustrated by Mercedes' refusal to bring the smart car to the US since 1998. He went to the Department of Transportation and EPA and asked for permission to change the European models to meet US safety and emissions standards. After three years of work, he was granted that approval and began selling the Euro Design smart cars in April, 2006. Just two months later, Mercedes announced that they had changed their minds and would introduce an Americanized smart car in 2008. They will be distributed through Penske Automotive Group, not Mercedes. The 1000 converted models are now almost all on the streets across the country, but their selling prices are significantly higher than the 2008 models. Though the entry level smarts will be offered in 2008 at $11,590 according to their press releases, the currently available higher end converted smarts are at $26,900. The high cost of conversion, as well as the shipping and import costs from Europe forced this higher price.

Still, the owners of these cars have all shared their common feedback... there is no car, at any price, that will attract the positive attention from passers-by, than the smart car. It is not the miles/gallon. It is certainly not the price. It is the unique style and design, so different from any car on the road, that makes this car magical. As magical as the only prior car in history to bring these smiles to this country... the fifties Beetle. The new ones in 2008 will share this attraction with their older, but littler brother. Converted smarts are 8'-3". The new ones are 7" longer. Current ones have Mercedes engines. New ones have Mitsubishi's and are more powerful. The looks, however, will cause the same smiles. Get ready for this phenomenon, America. When you see one in person, you'll understand. There is no way to understand it until then. There are now over 40,000 folks who have put down $99 to get in line for the new smarts. To add your name to the list, go to www.smartUSA.com . Get ready to smile. Smart cars will change America, one smile at a time.

Ron Gaus, aSmartCar.com

[Josh]

The roof isn't plastic, it's silicone hardcoated polycarbonate created by Webasto and Bayer MaterialScience. The material was chosen over glass because of its extreme durability and ability to block UV rays. It also dims regular light by 60%. The lightness of the material also helps to reduce the car's center of gravity more than heavier glass, which adds to the overall agility of the car.

[Josh]

Also, I'm not from Mountain View, California. The comment form doesn't have anywhere to specify where I'm from.

[thecoook]

I can see it now, a 1500 lb football launched into the air from contact with a SUV/Dumptruck/Hummer/Big Rig and flying/rolling into opposing traffic. The lawyers will have a field day with this. You really don't want these things on roads with more than 45 mph speed limits.

[Robbie]

Just because a car is small doesn't mean that it has to have a small price tag. People who buy these don't need or don't care about additional seating so how can you compare it to a Hyundai Accent. I used to have a Honda S2000. It was small does that mean the price tag should have been small too? As far as safety, anyone being smushed between a couple of 18-wheelers will probably have a grim outlook regardless of what vehicle they are in.

[Rich]

There are potholes in Detroit big enough to swallow a Smart car.

[Mr Tortoise]

Wow, the author of this article is really insecure.
"ooh, everybody's gonna laugh at me, etc."
What are you, in junior high school?
Grow a spine!
Smart Cars are awesome, and I believe they will be very popular starting next year. I agree about the quirky transmission, though... wish they would just offer it with a regular manual or CVT like the Mini has, or better yet, as a 100+mpg plug-in hybrid or a ZEV Pure Electric version.

[Mike Cambridge On Can]

As a owner of a Smart car and With two years of driving it 60000 miles plus on freeways in Ca Fl and other states.I find the Smart to be great. I used to a big car so I know what it like to drive a big car . As for safety you are not safe in any car. I can afford to drive anywhere. I think that some people can't see the forest for the trees and if the wheel was invented today they would think it was a bad idea.

[Gina of Pcola]

I have had larger cars,(dodge stratus'), an older benz, and many trucks. I have been the passengers in all of these cars. And have had the misfortune of being the passenger in two of these cars *benz and geo* when a large Fords trucks have completely demolished these vehicles. I was obviously injured in these wrecks.(who wouldn't be when someone slams into you going 45 mph) But I would have to say that I have bought these cars out of self-decision.
The only car that really kept me from being seriously injured would have to be the older model benz. Not that cars are really meant for impact, but the older models are made of stronger and harder metals, and although they are less fuel efficient or cost efficient, they are more likely to save your life.
Now with that said, I believe that these new cars are going to be a great hit. With sky-rocketing gas prices and the famous idea of hybrids. There is soon to be a newer and better out look on how we travel, that is going to be more cost efficient and less harmful to the environment. Of course there are still going to be the people that think that bigger is better *my father* cars are going to continue to adapt to the peoples needs.
With the steady falling economy and steady rising costs, we, the common people, find the these new innovative cars are more accessible to everyday needs (going to and from work, paying bills, etc.) Of course there will be some augmentations to the original ideas for those who have families and such. But for people like me, a full time college student, and always on the road, this will be a new and great idea for the ever expanding world.