CR did a review of the Suzuki Samarai and tried to get it banned since they claimed it was easy to tip over (which any suv would do if you drive it into turn fast enough). Sales of the Samarai went down where they no longer sell them. I never really cared for CR.
Like any periodical, CR tends to cater to their core readership - in this case the great dull hoard that is happy to be lead about by the nose by a magazine.
If I didn't already have my smart I wouldn't want CR to give it a good review. (bare with me) Think of all the people that live by what CR says. Now what if all those people wanted a smart? Then the wait list would be that much longer.
It comes down to this. I read the CR report before I got my smart and thought it was a horrible report because I had done my home work, test drove it and talked to people that actually had one. I made up my own mind to buy the smart and am very happy with my choice. If people don't want to do the research and pick a car from CR to each their own. But WE all know the smiles we get from driving one and the smiles on our faces.
I was wondering if anyone had read the recent consumer report review on the smart car.
Does anyone have any thoughts on the review?
I haven't read it, but excerpts listed in another thread accurately describe the car and its characteristics.
When the average driver compares it to the average car (which is twice the weight, twice the length, and twice the price), the smart is going to come up short (no pun intended). Taken for what it is...a car the size of a golf cart that can comfortably stay ahead of traffic, cruise at 85mph, provide excellent safety for its size, sporty handling, F1-type gearbox, quality materials, pricing from $13k, and better fuel economy than any other non-hybrid car...things like stiff ride, firm seats, slow shifting, and wind noise are easily forgiven (and, in the case of the ride and seats, personal opinion..I think the shock dampening is right on, and the seats comfortable).
It's extremely well engineered; some people can't appreciate it.
I haven't read it, but excerpts listed in another thread accurately describe the car and its characteristics.
When the average driver compares it to the average car (which is twice the weight, twice the length, and twice the price), the smart is going to come up short (no pun intended). Taken for what it is...a car the size of a golf cart that can comfortably stay ahead of traffic, cruise at 85mph, provide excellent safety for its size, sporty handling, F1-type gearbox, quality materials, pricing from $13k, and better fuel economy than any other non-hybrid car...things like stiff ride, firm seats, slow shifting, and wind noise are easily forgiven (and, in the case of the ride and seats, personal opinion..I think the shock dampening is right on, and the seats comfortable).
It's extremely well engineered; some people can't appreciate it.
Alan,
I like your take on this issue...
You are right, CR caters to the "Average Joe (or Josephine) America" out there. The smartmobile is like no other car out there for all the reasons you list.
I do not like CR for anything. These are guys in a lab, that are paid in one form or another by the producers of the products that they review. Dont think some of those guys dont pack home a "used" washer and dryer, fridge, tv, etc. after their "tests" are done.
I prefer a sight on the net for info about purchases, however smart cars have yet to appear Some of you may have heard of, read, or posted on epinions.com.
This sight is written by people that have actually purchased the product, use the product, and feel the need to report on the product. The articles are typically well written and the authors have no reason to tell anything but the truth as they have already purchased the product. When you post, you do get paid a few pennys, so it does make for a nice little Christmas bonus.
I typically find their reviews to be right on track
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Big Red
R2-D2 42
If people don't want to do the research and pick a car from CR to each their own. But WE all know the smiles we get from driving one and the smiles on our faces. 
Some of you may have heard of, read, or posted on epinions.com.
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