smart car - big deal! or big deal?

[spdickey]

http://www.aiada.org/newsroom/newsDe...30&cmd=article

Originally Posted by American International Auto Dealers 12/06/07

...Our ride and drive was broken into three parts, with my partner taking the wheel for the first stage... we were about to enter the 280. “Opps! or a another four letter word,” said the driver, who is an amateur racecar driver. “This thing seems to stall or nose-dive and lose power just when you need it to merge!” This is not really a good thing and for many will be a big deal.

After merging, the ride was pleasant, comfortable and smooth...

...Now, it was my turn behind the wheel and I too experienced the loss of power nose-dive, when I used either the automatic drive or the paddle shifters when trying to merge onto a freeway. But driving in Northern California from the collegiate and corporate burbs to the hills and tiny streets of San Francisco was simply great.

...If one enjoys drawing attention to themselves and feeling like a celebrity, the smart fortwo is the ideal car. Driving or seated in the little car drew attention everywhere we went. Heads turned. People took pictures. Kids said, “That’s so cute.” Cops waved hello. Even BMW owners gave us a wave of the hand.

The smart fortwo is a little car with very big, bold and ballsy ideas. Everything seems right: It’s cute, small, fun, economical, fuel efficient, well-made, has safety built-in, and is priced right. I predict it will sell well the first year – it’s the time beyond the initial sales period that will tell the tale. I’m looking forward to the Big Deal!

Okay the tranny is funny and the car is a chick magnet... nothing new here!

[JetJazz]

A fun review of a fun car!!!

[gamernotwatcher]

Yes, but he made no mention that the use of the paddle shifter reduced the nose dive, which in previous write ups have lead to. He must need more practice....novice.

[SmartBob]

He must need more practice....novice.

Amen! I think most similar complaints are just lack of experience, period.

[a2jack]

"Now, it was my turn behind the wheel and I too experienced the loss of power nose-dive, when I used either the automatic drive or the paddle shifters when trying to merge onto a freeway."


As most test drives from the tour were on a short closed course, few of us experienced this nose-dive, while merging problem.

My wife and I both ran into this on our test drives in Bloomfield, as we we had to merge from a rolling stop, into fast moving traffic (50-60+ MPH).
I posted about this on this forum in July.

I can't believe they didn't fix It.

A2jack.

[lhoboy]

Originally Posted by gamernotwatcher

He must need more practice....novice.

Sounds like he's had more practice than any of us. I'm still leery.