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Hatchbacks Smart Car Smart Fortwo
491 messages, Last post on Oct 07, 2009 at 6:46 AM
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The Smart only makes sense in an urban environment where parking space is at a premium, and parallel parking is the norm. They don't make sense for most of America, or even in most American cities. Dallas, (where the Lokki's roam) is a large city, but as is typical in American cities, different locales in the city are reached by high-speed transit on the expressways. The Smart gives no advantage here. Nor does it give an advantage in parking since most Americans are never required to parallel park, and a Smart takes up a whole 'head-in' parking space. I have some personal knowledge and experience in this area because of my time spent in Japan. In Japan, the (tiny) Smart car concept makes sense. Distances are short, speeds are low, parking is always a problem. The Japanese make an entire class of cars that are 'Smart' competitors - the Kei class. They're quite efficient and comfortable. However, they're not intended for high speed work and generally don't attempt it. Her's an example from Toyota that I'd prefer to a Smart, I think, for use in the Same circumstances. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_iQ The Smart car is really only suited to a few niche markets in the states - New York City, San Francisco, and perhaps (the old) New Orleans. As far as the environmental impact, the fact that the Smart is recyclable is rather irrelevant in the states, since it won't be. In fact, since the United States IS set up to recycle steel cars and not plastic cars, the Smart is LESS likely to be recycled. Having said all this, I like cars, and I like innovation. If I were in a location where a Smart was at all practical, I'd consider one....they're very cool... but in truth, I'd much rather have a Suzuki Cappuccino cause it's closer to who I am. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzuki_Cappuccino |
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I have had a Smart car in Denver, Colorado now for a year and it is great on the highways!. I reguarly run 80 to 90 mph on my way to work and it is smooth and stabile. It is the best commuter car I have ever had. I average 43 to 45 mpg every week. Always the same. I pass many cars on the hills and they can't believe it when I shoot by them especially if they have a BMW or some sport car. You do not have a Smart car if you are knocking them because you have never drove them for along period of time to see what a great car they are. The Toyota IQ is just a shortened FWD Yaris that they will charge $20K for. The Smart is rear wheel drive, it has Stability Control, ABS, traction control, and of course the Tridion Safety cage construction. The Smart is also a foot shorter than the IQ. Being small is a BIG advantage. You really do not need a two ton car to carry your butt to work. Take my word for it. Americans need to wake up! Dennis |
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Replying to: priggly (Nov 21, 2008 6:10 pm) |
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I thoroughly enjoy all those who "know" about the smart cars, highway safety, automotive "needs", etceteras, and their eagerness to share with us what we and society "should" do (I say that we've all been "should" on long enough). And both "sides" seem to think that using expletives and calling names helps emphasize and strengthen their position. All this seems to me to beg the question, "What's the difference between a fact and your opinion and how do you know the difference?" I am the very happy owner and driver of a smart ForTwo for seven months now. I live in a rural area, am averaging 50.6 mpg for over 7,200 miles, and prefer to drive my smart over my Honda Ridgeline or VW Eos. I find the safety test result FACTS from the the NHTSA, IIHS, and Euro NCAP as well as the extensive safety features of the car (including standard "Stability Control") quite reassuring. I'm proud of what owning and driving a smart as opposed to virtually any other vehicle does for the environment. As a longtime "car guy" (45 years in the automotiove business) and enthusiast, I thoroughly enjoy driving my smart. And. by the way, the latest issue of Consumer Reports lists the smart as one of the "Most Reliable" small cars and the Toyota Versa as "Least Reliable." I believe (my opinion) that we all have the right to hold and express our own opinions but we don't have the right to represent them as facts. What do you think/believe? Enjoy 
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Replying to: gregg_vw (Nov 22, 2008 11:29 pm) Have you talked to everyone who has bought one? If not thats just your misinformed opinion. I have talked to many Smart car owners and everyone loves their car. We must keep up our will to wipe out any thought that this car could work for anyone. So basically you want to wipe out the truth? The truth is this car would work for millions of people. How many people drive a commuter vehicle and never have more than one other person in the car? there are many that fit that bill. It is dangerous! So is a motorcycle, so is a Yaris. Lets face it, unless you are driving an armored truck driving is dangerous, the Smart is no more dangerous than any other small car and safer than a motorcycle or a scooter.
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Replying to: snakeweasel (Nov 23, 2008 7:38 am) |
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*I* got the satire, but remember that thta's one of the hardest things to do on a message board... have everyone take what you say the way you mean them to. Honestly, I was going to go test drive a smart just to see what they were like, but our local dealer stopped having them. I'm not trying to "save" anyone from buying or driving a smart. That's the great thing about cars. We can all choose what we like for whatever reason. I just shake my head sometimes at the hyperbole when it comes to safety of ANY vehicle when people make statements like "it's so light it would probably bounce off the 18-wheeler instead of crush". Sort of strains common sense a bit! Might be interesting for some of us to keep a log of our driving for a week and see how much car we actually use or need. It might even surprise me, but thinking back on this last week there were about four times I was in the car with less than 3 people on board. Still might be an interesting exercise once I get over this head cold 
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Replying to: gregg_vw (Nov 22, 2008 11:29 pm)
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Replying to: dstrom (Nov 23, 2008 5:56 am) |
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Replying to: priggly (Nov 23, 2008 9:09 pm)
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