Is this Consumer Reports (w/ vid) ludicrous?!? if tru, no smart 4 me!! ;(

[jacobzcool1]

Hey, I found this about the fortwo on consumer reports! I looked at it and the video about mid in the links web pag ...it scared the heck out of me!

but then i looked at what the engine fact were on the car they tested it didn't seem to match w/ the American version...plus i think he said deisel in the video...is it just that the overseas version stinks horrible?!?

http://tinyurl.com/yxdypg

IM CONFUSED!!!

[bradgarbus]

This was done in 2006. The new US models(2008+) have a gas engine also with more HP and from what I understand a slightly longer wheel base.
My understanding is the 450 and 451 are fairly different animals... (from what I have read and seen)
I hope this helps...

[JPaul]

This video is with the "older" 450. We get the "newer" 451 that has been "americanized". Meaning that all requirements for US have been included. A large % of the car has been redesigned...

[jonnysan]

That report is years old and the present 08 smarts have been very much improved over that version with the exception of the very fuel efficient diesel engine.
You need to do more reading up on the present day smart that is being driven and sold in the US and other countries.

Do yourself a favor and go talk to a dealer and drive one and then make you own conclusions rather than listen to some biased reporter who probably doesn't like small cars of any kind. If after doing that you still are confused, check in here with some of us smart veterans who have had our cars for a few thousand miles or more and we can answer most all questions you may have.

[saskdiesel]

CR has given some awful reviews on the Smart.
That said, I don't think they are comparing apples to apples here. They need to compare it to another micro-car, of which there are no others currently available.
But that will change in two years. Big things are going to be happening in the domestic market.

[msjohnson1974]

But if you are one to read an article/review and make you decision or you expect the smart to be the perfect americanized road cruiser you probably don't want it. It is however fun, eye catching, economical, and assuming the numbers are correct cheaper to buy and put gas in for 100K miles than a Prius. The extra gas mileage on the Prius doesn't make up for the 10K+ in price difference.

Its not perfect, it doesn't like potholes (but dodging them is fun), and yes is quirky. But there is NO WAY I'd give mine up.

[bgcat57]

The funny thing about this review is that when I compare what's said in the review to my own experience, they were wrong on most every count.
This review is completely irrelevant.

[mdfortwoguy]

CR needs to stick to reviewing toasters, and leave automobiles to the real publications.

[Smart Car Geek]

Originally Posted by bgcat57

The funny thing about this review is that when I compare what's said in the review to my own experience, they were wrong on most every count.

What do you expect, it was "tested" by consumer reports, you know, the same people that "tested" the Bose 901 speakers without even listening to them

[Gentrification]

LOL, we remember that report well over at CsC. The morons took a brand new diesel 450 car and tested it during the break-in period while the engine map imposed slower shifting and higher fuel consumption.

It talks about 43 MPG, when most of our club are getting 60 to 70 MPG now (or better). They could have tested a base model at $16,000, but didn't.

Consumer Reports is ineffective at reviewing automobiles. In addition to that they are infamously influenced by lawyers with agendas. Don't use them.