Really bad review of the smart in todays Detroit News

[SharonRB]

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll...=2008804020308

I listen to how much people here love their cars and then I read something like this. I'm supposed to take delivery in the next couple of weeks. I really hope I'm not making a mistake.

Smart looks, poor manners: Fortwo is small on performance, ride ** but great for parking


I wanted to like the 2008 smart fortwo.
This cute and cuddly deux-seater from Mercedes-Benz has charisma and a certain kind of charm.
It looks like it drove out of a cartoon with its Lego block colours. It's so darn cute; the pixie of putt-putts.
I'm sorry, Mr. Penske, the man who has done more for Detroit without facing felony charges and the mastermind behind bringing the smart car to America; truth be known, the fortwo may look like a micro-champ, but it performs like a XXL chump. Please don't cancel the Grand Prix at Belle Isle.

<snip>


Now, I know hordes of people are lining up, putting down $99 and waiting a year for their own little bundle of joy to arrive from Hambach, France. But that waiting list will dissipate quickly ** as more drivers realize that the fortwo was built to fit into most Dumpsters for a reason. This is not a car, it's a fashion accessory, and will go the way of flared jeans and puffy skirts. Hopefully sooner, rather than later.

<snip>
It's joyless to drive

When I first sat inside the smart car, I warmed up to it quickly.
"Hey, maybe this micromajig ain't so bad," I was starting to think.
That instantly changed as I sputtered away from smart's Bloomfield Hills headquarters.

After a few days of driving it, I found myself dreading the walk to my garage. The smart fortwo made me yearn for the Toyota Yaris, which is not a compliment.

<snip>

Ride is loose, loud

The ride is bumpy and loud. Both models I tested hit 80 mph, and smart says the car's top speed is 90 mph, but that must require a strong tail wind, a steep downhill run and earplugs. Wind noise and rattling drowns out the stereo the faster you go.

<snip>

This machine may attract a lot of attention while parked, but don't be fooled. If you enjoy driving, the smart fortwo is not an intelligent choice.
Scott Burgess is the auto critic for The Detroit News. He can be reached at (313) 223-3217 or sburgess@detnews.com.

[jwight]

Well, he thoughtfully provided a phone number and e-mail address.....

[4-2NV]

Harsh. Really harsh.

[rrrucke]

Of course they pinned a bad review. This city is the heartland of the SUVs and the big auto industry. Thanks for sharing but I'll pass on reading it, Regina

[Dave Van]

While it does not match my opinion AFTER driving one.....it does echo the thoughts of some on other automotive BB's I visit. I was bashed to no end when I posted I had a Smart on order...most times by people that had never even seen one in real life. I do not know why this car angers some people. I think the thought that the USA does not NEED huge SUV's in every garage is disturbing to some people. This review sounds more personal than factual to me....

[SmartAzz]

Originally Posted by rrrucke

Of course they pinned a bad review. This city is the heartland of the SUVs and the big auto industry. Thanks for sharing but I'll pass on reading it, Regina

My thoughts exactly - I think his bias is showing

[SmartAzz]

Originally Posted by Dave Van

...most times by people that had never even seen one in real life. I do not know why this car angers some people...

Yeah, I am constantly amazed by the strong opinions held by people who haven't even driven the car - they state misinformation with authority and parrot back the bad reviews. Strange.

[markitect]

Call up your nearest dealer and make an appointment for a test drive. Then you will know what you think of it as opposed to people that love their HUGE V8 SUVs. As for me I love the little thing.

[MichaelJ]

Originally Posted by SmartAzz

...they state misinformation with authority and parrot back the bad reviews. Strange.

Not so strange - it's a lot less work than actually thinking.

And most people can't tell the difference

[tnt0604]

Sharon - If you have doubts then don't buy it. The last thing you need to do is buy a car you will regret. Just why did you decide to get this little car in the first place? Examine your reasons. If you wanted a performance car - well, this ain't it. If you wanted to be able to tote around a washer & dryer - again this ain't it. If you wanted a commuter car the gets good mileage, takes up little space, has a small footprint on the planet, and is very reasonable priced - THEN DON'T LET THEM WIN !

I picked up Klaatuu on Feb 29th, have driven in several snows, drove down I-75 to Menards and spent $100 and still had room left in the back, get taken out to lunch in exchange for a free ride in the Smart, and have to fight my husband for the keys all week-end long. We feel safe and secure, and it has plenty of gitty-up. Only you can decide what is best for you. Terry and I know that we made a good decision.

PM me with your number if you want to talk more - See you on the 19th!

Theresa