Car and Driver Review

[Mitspowered]

I don't think this has been posted yet:

http://www.caranddriver.com/previews...rt-fortwo.html

Pretty good and fair review I would think. I used to subscribe to this mag years ago and got a bit tired of them razing on anything not deemed sporty enough. And a couple of of writers always seemed to be writing columns that seemed to mock the idea of [gasp!] fuel efficent cars. I wonder if they're still kicking around.

[spdickey]

Just look at the Toyota Yaris, a similarly priced car with slightly inferior fuel-economy numbers that has a back seat for those occasions when the whole family goes to dinner. The Yaris isn’t one of our favorites, either, but the execution is much better. Schembri points out that the Yaris isn’t the kind of car your neighbors will come over to talk about, which is true. We guess it’s a question of how much you like your neighbors.

Oops, busted. They found out why I was buying the smart. Chick magnet and talk with the neighbors. I'll never mind how good it goes and stops. Gotta love it!

[mr_Cash]

compares it to lamborghini, and ferrari.
that cant be all bad.

generally, its a pretty enthusiastically positive writeup.

some great photos of the red/silver/red, seldom photoed with top down.

it would be interesting, to know how much money could be saved, if they put in a stardard smooth manual transmission. and how much the mpg could be boosted.

wonder if there is a space problem, or ?, as to why they didn't offer the manual with clutch pedal. other than, they thought too few americans knew how to drive a manual with clutch.

seems the std manual would be a treat to drive.

[SmartBob]

Funny, despite all his wise ass remarks the Smart still came out smelling like a rose. A good, objective review I think.

Mr. Cash: IMHO I still think The Auto/Manual tranny is the best idea for what they are selling as a city/commuter car. No one wants a stick shift in the city. Maybe down the road (so to speak) when our Smart gets a foothold in the market.

[jwight]

Good review overall, especially from C&D. Some great comments about design, fit and finish and execution. Didn't like the brakes, transmission or acceleration.
Well, it's an urban commuter car by design, so the low power is to be expected and is necessary for good mpg. I agree with their comments that for a second generation car the brakes and transmission should have had the kinks worked out. We will have to drive the car accordingly. Same for the problem with crosswinds; the smart isn't meant to be a highway cruiser but even in our cities we have to get on an Interstate stretch occasionally, so plan for windy days.

[eqwalker]

I wonder if the car they drove was an actual US version, or one of the euro ones that was used in the tours?

[jwight]

Originally Posted by eqwalker

I wonder if the car they drove was an actual US version, or one of the euro ones that was used in the tours?

Looks like US version - speedo in mph, twin back up lights; but I'm no expert.

[lhoboy]

Were you guys reading the same article as me? They slammed the transmission, braking and high speed handling pretty thoroughly.(Not much left but the engine, and, other than the '81 Peugot Diesel comparison, they gave us a by on that one because of the fuel efficiency).

In the past, the opinion of the C&D writers has aligned fairly poorly with my own. Without adequate driving experience in the Smart, I can't comment on their opinion this time. I have found Motor Trend, typically, to be much closer to the mark. Anyone see a Smart review from them yet?

[Ranger63]

We've friends who live across the border in Ontario and have the diesel SMART (or,had)and I have to say; I was dismayed by CDs review of the americanized version. The review of the transmission and brakes seem to mirror the real life Canadian version.
We put down the $99. pre order fee but are now looking at holding off untill we see if the glitches are worked out. Fuel economy is but one part of the equation (YUGOs had good fuel economy)

[lhoboy]

Originally Posted by Ranger63

We've friends who live across the border in Ontario and have the diesel SMART (or,had)and I have to say; I was dismayed by CDs review of the americanized version. The review of the transmission and brakes seem to mirror the real life Canadian version.
We put down the $99. pre order fee but are now looking at holding off untill we see if the glitches are worked out. Fuel economy is but one part of the equation (YUGOs had good fuel economy)

Given the long lead time, you should put your $99 down just to have a chance at getting one by the end of 2008. If you subsequently decide the Smart isn't for you, they will quickly refund you your money.