Crash testing - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

SmartAzz · 01-16-2008, 10:31 AM

I was just wondering - doesn't the car have to have NHTSA testing results published before it can be sold? I searched on their site and didn't find any 08 Smart info.

bmx43 · 01-16-2008, 10:33 AM

i know it's been tested and it tested very well. not sure if it was in print or on TV where i saw the report. now i remember, it was a report just the other day talking about the new China cars trying to come to America. they showed some in the crash test and they failed miserably. complete collapse. they then showed the crash of the smart and said it did very well. i believe it got a 4 if i remember right.

SmartAzz · 01-16-2008, 10:38 AM

I've heard good things too but have never seen anything solid beyond some old European footage, I'd really like to know how our 08 fared.

I'd also love to have the test results and reports if only to show people that keep saying how unsafe it will be (guess I get sick of seeing the remarks and attitude on other forums

).

Old smart · 01-16-2008, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmartAzz

I was just wondering - doesn't the car have to have NHTSA testing results published before it can be sold? I searched on their site and didn't find any 08 Smart info.

The car only has to carry a certification that the car was tested to the government standard. It is tested by the manufacturer not the gov't, though the gov't does have a facility in Ann Arbor, MI to verify test results or whatever they need. IIHS also tests but it is only informational; it isn't required for the sale of a vehicle, and they only test selected vehicles.

Euro NCAP also publishes test data, but like IIHS, it is only informational, though seriously considered. http://www.euroncap.com/tests/smart_..._2007/303.aspx

SmartAzz · 01-16-2008, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishrdnc

The car only has to carry a certification that the car was tested to the government standard. It is tested by the manufacturer not the gov't, though the gov't does have a facility in Ann Arbor, MI to verify test results or whatever they need. IIHS also tests but it is ony informational; it isn't required for the sale of a vehicle, and they only test selected vehicles.

Interesting, thanks.

Lewis · 01-16-2008, 10:47 AM

When i hear those comments i simply say smart buyers are comfortable with the concept that life is not risk free if you attempt to enjoy it.

Our smart cars carry all types of risks - i.e. 1. new model (reliability unknown), 2. ultimate acceptance in the marketplace in the USA thereby affecting our resale values, 3- a trade off in safety for greeness and fun factor (although not as great a trade-off as they think) and finally 4- the risk of being socially different.

All in all smart owners and soon to be smart owners should not, IMO, justify our purchases to others- ultimately who cares about others' opinions- we are the dictionary definition of self-motivated people and should be proud we think for ourselves, not apologetic.

p.s. this goes as much for the folks who praise us as diss us.

SmartAzz · 01-16-2008, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lewis

When i hear those comments i simply say smart buyers are comfortable with the concept that life is not risk free if you attempt to enjoy it.

Our smart cars carry all types of risks - i.e. 1. new model (reliability unknown), 2. ultimate acceptance in the marketplace in the USA thereby affecting resale our values, 3- a trade off in safety for greeness and fun factor (although not as great a trade-off as they think) and finally 4- the risk of being socially different.

All in all smart owners and soon to be smart owners should not, IMO, justify our purchases to others- ultimately who cares about others' opinions- we are the dictionary definition of self-motivated people and should be proud we think for ourselves, not apologetic.

p.s. this goes as much for the folks who praise us as diss us.

Oh, don't get me wrong, I am not concerned about what they think and am not apologetic, it is merely the fact that I'd like to have information to share regarding it vs. seeing misinformation and groundless fear mongering opinions spread. You are talking to a former bread box M Coupe owner, clearly I don't really care if some people do not have my refined sensibilities when it comes to vehicle choice

Plus sometimes I simply like putting my .02 in the pot too ;)

Lewis · 01-16-2008, 11:04 AM

SmartAzz- as a breadbox owner I hereby certify you as a man who marches to his own drummer!

kmeinhold · 01-16-2008, 11:04 AM

The manufacturer certifies that cars meet US standards. US spec cars are not tested by NHTSA until they can walk into a dealer and pull one off a lot. (hope thats not my car). Some luxury/low volume vehicles are never tested by NHTSA.