Consumer Guide rates the for two.

[spdickey]

Originally Posted by valbeck

Did CR drive the Canadian Smart or the North American Smart?

And now the confusion begins.... the original post here was for Consumers GUIDE not Consumer REPORTS. CR hated the Canadian version over a year ago. CG I think drove the US version.

[MicroNut]

Originally Posted by valbeck

Did CR drive the Canadian Smart or the North American Smart?

Here is Consumer Reports' latest pronouncement (from the LA Auto Show), based on the NA-spec smart, not the old Canadian diesel version:

What’s new and notable? All Smart cars in the U.S. will benefit from standard stability control and a roadside service network, two surprising features to find in such an inexpensive car. Still, the impressive Honda Fit retails for not much more than a nicely equipped Fortwo and is much more spacious and practical as a daily driver, but it gets 31 mpg overall with the automatic.

Full article

[spdickey]

A couple of more "interesting" slams from CR:

Originally Posted by consumerreports.org

Although it doesn’t look it, it’s been redesigned and this time it also meets all U.S. safety and emissions standards...

...We tested the 2006 model which we bought in Canada, and other than being a conversation piece and an urban fashion accessory, it proved to be a miserable car.

Since CR couldn't notice the numerous differences between the 2006 and 2008 I would rather doubt their other opinions.

[StevenM1TX]

Originally Posted by spdickey

A couple of more "interesting" slams from CR:



Since CR couldn't notice the numerous differences between the 2006 and 2008 I would rather doubt their other opinions.

They are great if you want the same people who review your toaster to review your car. Personally I don't have a lot of faith in them either.

[sharonlee]

Originally Posted by sisyphus

Sharonlee, sounds like you've made up your mind in favor of our little smarties! Good for you!!

Consumer mags like these should stick to testing toasters.

Yup...I'm sold...a lot of the reviews on the American version have been pretty good. Almost every other car on the road is just a car..is a car...is a car. The few that aren't cost a couple of arms and a leg. For my needs the Smart is just perfect.

[rrrucke]

I really think some mags are in bed with the big three motor companies just like lobbyist are in bed with a lot of big firms. If you spend enough money, you can quash just about anything. But the one thing they can't quash is the appeal of this car. It makes more people smile regardless of the bad press or ok reviews that come out. I'm very happy it's also a good reflection of a great eco-decision. Here's to smart! Thanks, Regina