Edmunds.com | Inside Line | Auto Observer Your Account | Help | Directory
You are here:
![[F]](http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/townhall/webxicons/site.gif){kind=small}
Forums
Hatchbacks Smart Car Smart Fortwo
491 messages, Last post on Oct 07, 2009 at 6:46 AM
You are in the Smart Car Forum. Your Host is pf_flyer
|
"By analyzing crash test results published by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, as well as what hundreds of auto critics have written about today's most popular cars, we created a short list of dangerous vehicles that you should think twice about before buying for your young driver. And, in the interest of compromise, we provide a safer alternative that both of you can live with. Smart Fortwo Sure it's cute, cool, and economical, but the Smart Fortwo isn't safe for everyone -- let alone inexperienced drivers. Because it's much smaller and lighter than most vehicles on the road, auto critics doubt it can hold its own in a serious crash. Many also note that strong gusts of wind can make controlling the Smart on the highway a difficult task. And while the IIHS rates it well in both frontal offset and side impact crash tests, NHTSA has issued a "safety concern" for its poor performance in side impact testing, in which "the driver door unlatched and opened." What's more, the Fortwo's debut was mangled last year when Smart issued a recall after an adhesive problem caused some drivers' windshields to fall out. A Safer Alternative: For a ride that's just as quirky-looking, but performs better in crash tests and features loads of standard safety equipment, consider the MINI Cooper. It's a bit more expensive, but is probably a safer bet for a new driver." http://clubsmartcar.com/index.php?showtopic=17626 |
|
|
Replying to: priggly (Apr 28, 2009 5:58 pm) 
|
|
|
Replying to: priggly (Apr 28, 2009 5:58 pm) And, while the "Safety Ratings" are excellent, the "real world" is the most important. I suggest that everyone check out the "Safe And Smart" website (http://www.safeandsmart.com) and read about the actual experiences from owners.
|
|
|
Replying to: dstrom (Apr 29, 2009 5:01 am) You can be quiet now.....
|
|
|
Replying to: dstrom (Apr 29, 2009 5:01 am) I wonder what the test would be with the Smart versus the Accord. I bet it would be ugly but easily survivable.
|
|
|
Replying to: plekto (Apr 29, 2009 4:28 pm) We all make our choices. Every situation has its drawbacks. Most accidents are not headon collisions, so people will draw their lines on vehicle size, mpg, footprint, and equipment in different places--based on probabilities, preferences, driving skill, needs, etc. Being in a smart is safer than being in a 2006 Aveo. Maybe all small cars and all cars without side airbags and stability control should be banned. But on the other hand, so what? A certain type of car is no more likely to be banned than personal firearms, here in the US. This forum really is for owner discussion, not owner bashing. However, I doubt appealing to either reason or decorum will get these anti-smart crusaders to stop. Perhaps it is best to be amused by the behavior. |
|
|
I am currently looking into buying a smart and seeing all the debate about its so uncalled "safety issues" made me go to a standard in the automotive industry...I know throw facts out there....really odd. Take a look at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) website. http://www.iihs.org/ratings/ratingsbyseries.aspx?id=632 This gives really all you need to know about it. Thanks! |
|
|
Replying to: dunepearl (Mar 18, 2009 11:38 am) 
|
|
|
Replying to: kelly1st (May 29, 2009 7:43 am) |
|
|
|
|
I just got my Smart Fortwo that I've been dreaming of for over 2 years. I haven't put much mileage on it yet since I've only had it for a little over 36 hours. But, the little driving I have done has been so much fun!!!! Because the seats are high, you do not feel like you're in a tiny little car. The only thing I will need to get used to is the reduced rear visibility when the Cabrio top is full lowered it blocks the rear view about 50%. So I will need to rely more on side mirrors and actual looking back. I wanted it in PINK but that would have cost me $1000 more on the sticker - which btw, no dealer will "haggle" over. The price is what you pay..period. I thought one dealer was gving me a line seeing as I was a woman but after visiting more than one dealer, I found this to be the case. Your only haggling room is in your trade-in allowance if you have one.
|
|
You are here:
Forums
Hatchbacks Smart Car Smart Fortwo
New? Join Now!
Forum Tools
Search Forums
Browse by Vehicle
2009 smart fortwo
Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
Today's Chats
