Are we going to need to put this disclaimer on every post from now on? And if we don't put the disclaimer, would that imply we meant to defame, demean, or insult someone?
Hey, I've learned my lesson and don't want to take any chances.
I didn't know one could get the ESC to disengage by jiggling the wheel: this could be very useful knowledge! Does it work in all cars?
I don't know if 'one' can, but 'I' can in my Commander. I don't know whether or not it works in all cars, as I don't drive all cars ... just alot of cars.
When I say it 'disengages' I mean that it gives me back my brakes and my throttle, two things that I consider pretty important to have whilst driving.
Quote:
Originally Posted by vwW12
I have a big ESP OFF button smack in the center of my console in the other car, but frankly I had not focused until today on the fact that this button seems to be missing from my smart!
I have one of those buttons, too. If I push it, it says the ESP is off ... but then it will still engage. If I push it and hold it, it also says the ESP is off and it's not supposed to engage ... but it still does. There's nothing wrong with the button (I've had it checked), but there is something fishy with the way Jeep implemented the system.
Oh ... and if you lift a Commander beyond 2.5", the ESP fails.
In either case, just like a bad toilet, if you jiggle it it works. Miracle of modern technology.
Consumers Reports is an interesting read, but does not replace individual experience. It rated my old Geo Tracker and Geo Metro as two of the worst cars you could possibly buy. I loved both! It recommended a Honda Civic... I bought one and it was a piece of junk that had to be towed on more than one (or two) occasions due to breaking down. As for the Smart... I think it's one of those cars that will be a classic in its own time... a cult car. You either love it or hate it. Part of the quirky charm is the very essence of what makes it stand out in a sea of boring Camry/Accord/Sonata/Lucerne/Malibu etc. clones that are as unique as corndogs at the country fair. The Smart, in similar terms, would be like serving a delicate crepe with Snicker bar filling! (Notice the French reference). It's odd. It's quirky. It's yummy! CU will just never grasp this factor, so don't sweat it.
I would add, Consumers Reports can be helpful, BUT it's not the final word on everything. After all, how can they rate the feel of the car for everyone, seeing as we are all different. What we are seeing is the feeling of the reviewers, who will give their own point of view to the conclusion. However, not everyone judges things the same way they do...
I'm proud to say that Consumer Reports has never had a nice thing to say about any of the vehicles I have ever owned. And most of them I have absolutely loved or I would never have bought them. If CR had nothing but adoring prose for the smart, I'd have to consider selling it.
I have one of those buttons, too. If I push it, it says the ESP is off ... but then it will still engage. If I push it and hold it, it also says the ESP is off and it's not supposed to engage ... but it still does. There's nothing wrong with the button (I've had it checked), but there is something fishy with the way Jeep implemented the system.
Heh! Just yesterday I was reading a comparison report between the Mercedes Benz SLK and the Porsche Cayman on a recent "evo" magazine... and they complained of the exact same same thing: they turned off the ESC on the SLK and the thing still remained engaged while lapping on the track, resulting in overheated brakes and nauseous reporters.
Heh! Just yesterday I was reading a comparison report between the Mercedes Benz SLK and the Porsche Cayman on a recent "evo" magazine... and they complained of the exact same same thing: they turned off the ESC on the SLK and the thing still remained engaged while lapping on the track, resulting in overheated brakes and nauseous reporters.
Jeep and Mercedes both have the same computer, more or less.
I don't know that I necessarily agree with any of that - other than the seatbelts being a good idea.
Airbags, ABS and ESC have lulled drivers into a false sense of security as far as I'm concerned. Back in the bad ol' days when drivers actually knew how to drive there were some pertty severe accidents.
Some.
Nowadays, EVERY accident is a car ripped in two, flipped over, mangled beyond recognition and they all look like just so much crumpled up paper. The only benefit to the new devices is that - when the driver dies in the car - the airbag usually neatly covers them so the gawkers don't get a peek as who's dead.
Actually - while I see the totalled-outcars in accidents, I usually also see the occupants standing around in a daze looking at the car and wondering how they survived. These days, the car takes the energy of the crash gets folded, spindled, and mutilated, all in the name of saving the passenger compartment. Don't judge an accident by the state of the car afterwards.
I used to subscribe to Consumer Reports. I found myself buying the opposite of their recommendations on just about everything. I don't subscribe anymore.
I think their infatuation for "Japanese" cars is unhealthy. I think in general most Fords & Chevys are every bit as good today as any "Japanese" cars. Many of the cars I have had have been very low rated, but have provided years of problem free service for me. I think they are blinded.
I have used Macs for over 20 years. Consumer Reports has still not recognized Macs as a viable alternative to Microsoft.
What they value is not what I value. From my perspective they get it wrong more than not.
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1976 Rover Mini
2003 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
2007 Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec (SOLD)
2009 smart Passion (Gone)
2011 smart Passion
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