Power Steering or NO

[El Kabong]

Finally got my confirmation email tonite. I thought I knew exactly what options, but now I'm really not sure about power steering. I've driven two so far; a Passion, and a Cab. Both of them had power steering and it was fine. Unfortunately, I have nothing to compare it with. Don't know if I'll have a chance to test drive one without power steering in the next several days. So, I'm looking for help making that decision. Suggestions from those of you with seat time in both versions would be greatly appreciated. Yes, I've done a search, but want to be extra sure.

[Karl Roth]

Got it with the comfort pacage still has nice feel not way overboosted like some. Very liveable.
karl

[cmjars]

Buy it. You will be very happy you did. I have also read the forums and I tried both. I have power steering and it's better than not.

-Christopher

[BandSofC]

My theory, and why I deliberately didn't order power steering:
Over the years I've had several small cars that didn't have power steering. Compared to my last small car that had PS (03 Civic Si), all the others had much better steering feel. I hated the power steering on my 03 Civic. It was so numb, I've had better feel from an RC car! It was electric - like the smart. I know it's tough to compare different model cars and conclude the PS was what made the difference.

The fortwo is so light, and the front tires so skinny - I figured going without power steering was a safer choice for my taste. Also, it's a whole other hydraulic system with a motor, pump, hoses, and actuator(s) that I won't have to maintain down the road. I think the fortwo SHOULD be a simple car to own and maintain. Power steering (and the ridiculous standard transmission) detracts from that goal.

The only time there is any steering effort needed is at zero speed. I do not, in the least, regret my decision to skip the PS.

[OneThinkingGuy]

My Passion does NOT have power steering . . . and frankly, I would NEVER know it. There's so little weight over the front wheels. Perhaps the only moment one might notice is when parking in a tight space. It's not a question of effort - if anything, it's more natural, less artificial feeling. One less thing to go wrong and not having the PS adds to the fun. My 2 pennies! Pete

[SiestaSmart]

I agree with OneThinkingGuy - My Cabrio does NOT have PS either and I don't notice it isn't there! And yesterday, I saw a fellow smart on the street. The first one I have seen that I am not sitting in! I am not alone!

[a2jack]

We are now at 1400 miles and I can now say this is best feeling PS I have ever experienced.

It is all electric, no pumps, no hose etc.

As a factory installed option the price is right. If in doubt buy it, it may help re-sale.

A2Jack

[BandSofC]

Originally Posted by a2jack

It is all electric, no pumps, no hose etc.

I stand corrected about that. And you are also right about resale.

[Westfield 11]

Simply because the smart is so short and light, it must have been difficult to balance light effort when parking with high effort at speed. You don't want the car to be twitchy on the freeway nor do you want it shooting into a ditch if you sneeze while driving over 60mph. With power steering you can have lots of boost to assist @ low speed and remove boost as the speed increases to decrease sensitivity and prevent PIO/DIO (Pilot Induced Oscillations).

[SmartAzz]

Have had the car a short time and can say I am happy with the feel of the power steering. Many say you don't need it but as I live in hilly city here and often negotiate tight spaces on inclines I am glad to have power assisted steering since I am far from a bruiser The comfort package has been just that.