My last post, today, honest. Read Jerry Flint’s article, “Cute, yes. Smart, No” from Forbes.
A somewhat biting business-oriented account of DaimlerChrysler’s benighted Smart car project. Everyone thinks they’re cute; but who would buy one? My daughter, wanting a micro-car, bought herself a Toyota Yaris—four seats, much more cargo space, and still easy to park.
Tuesday, 29 August 2006 at 12:42
To me, the real veto on “smart cars” is that they don’t have enough room for a decent-sized load of groceries. The car could be as light and probably more aerodynamic with a bit of a compartment on the back for bulky items.
Wednesday, 2 July 2008 at 17:50
I think the smart car it’s perfect for small cities.It is not the ideal car for a City like Los Angeles or New York,think about in an event of an accident with a bigger car.Anything it’s bigger than the “Smart Car”.Be SMART when you purchase a car.
Wednesday, 20 August 2008 at 22:04
Perhaps you haven’t seen any of the crash-test videos. There’s a YouTube video of tests where the Smart Car was crashed into both larger cars, and a concrete barrier at 70 MPH. The Smart Car’s special reinforced passenger compartment stayed as/more intact that what it ran into.
After hitting a concrete barrier, the doors could still be opened.
Tuesday, 16 December 2008 at 13:49
Saw the video. No proof how fast the car was going. Keep in mind that the Smartcar was designed for short distance driving and parking in a city environmet…not really for gas mileage. If you are looking for gas mileage, go with a hybrid or another vehicle that was designed for real driving. If you find yourself having to drive to or from work in a couple inches of snow or rain, and some wind gusts…then the SmartCar is not so smart.
Friday, 19 December 2008 at 12:08
The real reason I think they’re not so smart is that they purport to be an urban car but have no room for groceries.
Tuesday, 23 June 2009 at 22:26
Scott,
That the car body was undamaged doesn’t mean a human body won’t be; even if the car is made to bounce, going 50 mph and then abruptly changing directions could kill you even if the doors open after the crash. Plus, cars don’t have rear-end ratings. Imagine getting rammed from behind by a Hummer. This car is not smart at all.
Saturday, 11 July 2009 at 20:12
You hit the nail on the head Anon. How about a head-on w/ a big rig? Maybe even just a regular joe taking his big 4×4 diesel truck and toy hauler out for the weekend…