Toyota IQ VS SMART

[MPrice2984]

One of my co-workers has a Yaris S sedan and it is a terrific car. He gets the same mileage as my smart with a back seat to boot. I think Toyota has taken enough of a beating the last year or so that they will quickly fix things to get right with the public. smarts biggest problem is the manufacturers arrogance and lack of commitment to making it a main stream brand. I love my car but an economy car with just 70 dealers is kind of pathetic, no wonder they stopped selling.

[mdfortwoguy]

Originally Posted by MPrice2984

One of my co-workers has a Yaris S sedan and it is a terrific car. He gets the same mileage as my smart with a back seat to boot. I think Toyota has taken enough of a beating the last year or so that they will quickly fix things to get right with the public. smarts biggest problem is the manufacturers arrogance and lack of commitment to making it a main stream brand. I love my car but an economy car with just 70 dealers is kind of pathetic, no wonder they stopped selling.

Really? You consider smart arrogant but not Toyota? That's about a laugh... Toyota is built on arrogance - cultural perhaps, but arrogance nonetheless.

[forestacademy]

Originally Posted by SJ2000

Fellow Smarties,

Do we consider this car a threat?

We cannot blindly assume it doesnt fall in our category. As far as micro city cars go, this and the smart are bumping heads.

SJ

It can't be a threat until it's real with a US spec. Right now, it's just a ghost.

When I see US Crash test by both the US Government and the IIHS + a listing on Fuel Economy I'l Give an opinion on this product.


Remember, the years and even months leading up the the full US release of the 451 folks in the us were talking about how the smart would get 55MPG+

[vwW12]

Originally Posted by forestacademy

When I see US Crash test by both the US Government and the IIHS + a listing on Fuel Economy I'l Give an opinion on this product.


Remember, the years and even months leading up the the full US release of the 451 folks in the us were talking about how the smart would get 55MPG+

For at least some consumers (such as myself), it is not about whether the car does 55, 45 or 35 mpg. It is about an easy to use, safe, lovable, modern city runabout.

In this regard, I find the iQ extremely attractive, as it is supposed to have all the modern gizmos the smart does not have, including nav, parktronic, LED lighting, 9 airbags, iPod management, etc.

Having said that, Toyota hasn't announced a convertible version. That frankly kills it for us and makes it rather unlikely that we would purchase one.

With regard to safety, the iQ got 5 stars on the EuroNCAP, the smart got 4. 'Nuff said.

[forestacademy]

What I'm saying is, until we have those items, And a final price, we don't have a US spec.

The only one I know of that has shown up at a US auto show was one with all sorts of after market mods including body panels. So we still have no idea if they will bring it into the states yet. And if they do and its priced competitively, how it the Yarns going to hold up on the same dealer lots.

[Kermit]

Originally Posted by MPrice2984

One of my co-workers has a Yaris S sedan and it is a terrific car. He gets the same mileage as my smart with a back seat to boot. I think Toyota has taken enough of a beating the last year or so that they will quickly fix things to get right with the public. smarts biggest problem is the manufacturers arrogance and lack of commitment to making it a main stream brand. I love my car but an economy car with just 70 dealers is kind of pathetic, no wonder they stopped selling.

I've got a Yaris 3dr, a good comparison to the smart and it gets consistently 4mpg worse than the smart. It does have a huge back seat that sits 2 adults extremely comfortably. Pickup is considerably better than the smart too. The smart handles a world better than the Yaris and is much more comfortable for the driver and passenger as well. Don't get me started on bells and whistles...the smart wins hands down. I do still love my Yaris.

[Neonspinnazz]

Remember people, the smallest engine (98hp?) only gives the iQ a 0-60 of 14 seconds, talk about slow!

And when they weigh it down to reach US safety standards don't expect it to go any faster

But that dash, it's awful!

It looks like they've taken a 1990's Toyota and revived it in a new production car...

While on the outside, the iQ looks...stunning(to some, not including me) the interior just looks cheap in a photo!

And what, the iQ is supposed to be more expensive?


I guess I can't complain that much until it gets stateside.