Underdog

[tishpit]

I've read many reviews of the Smart Fortwo with the usual tirade regarding the funky transmission, noise levels, and rough ride. Some mention body roll during cornering. I drove my first Smart Fortwo last week, though it was only around the dealer's lot which did not allow a true "taste" for the car. I did agree that the automatic mode in the tranny takes some getting used to and finesse at getting smoother action (ah-ha! a challenge!).

But it reminds me of another car that was kicked around by every reviewer including some nasty blows by Consumer Reports and other "consumer" magazines. That was the Geo Tracker/Suzuki Sidekick. They said those cars rode like tanks, handled sloppily, poor mpg, and noisy as the next door neighbors drunk on Boones Farm wine and scrapping over custody of Uncle Flem's fighting rooster.

Well... I guess I'm a sucker for the underdog. I had a Sidekick as a business car and just fell head over heels for it. After the biz went bust and I had to turn in the car, I bought a 4x4 Tracker and absolutely LOVED that car! Sure, it rode rough and I yipped out a "YEE-HAW" every time I hit a pot hole and a loose filling would pop out of my mouth. It handled fine... especially in deep mud or flooded roads (YEE-HAW!). I put on over-sized tires and only got 18 mpg, but flip back the canvas roof and it was the most fun on four wheels! O.k., so it was a tad noisy... just turned up the stereo to drown out the engine roar. But it had a unique CHARACTER not seen on other cars of the day. Couldn't even compare that to another SUV, like Chevy Blazer or Ford Explorer or Nissan Pathfinder... just a different breed of puppy!

This is how I view the Smart... a trampled-on underdog that most reviewers snarl about and spit on without getting to know the "character" of the little car. I will say, I left the dealership test drive a bit disappointed, but the drive was so limited, I realized later I never had a chance to get a "feel" for the bugger. So, after reading owner's comments in addition to reviews from "professionals," I am now considering that the Fortwo may indeed nuzzle its way into my heart as did the little Tracker of yore. Viva the underdog!

[stevenvillatoro]

Not sure that 'underdog' is the best moniker for a car that has a 2-year waiting list and a public that smiles and gives a 'thumbs-up' whenever a smart is spotted on the street. How many cars have such instantaneous and universal endearing appeal?

Early derogatory comments regarding transmission are proving unfounded by most who spend time with the car beyond its break-in period. Quietness and ride quality are generally applauded even by the press.

Viva the smart!

[RVGRINGO]

The 'feel for the little bugger' will improve as the computer learns your driving style and other things, like road conditions, etc. Until then, it may feel strange, even 'clunky' until, one day, you realize that it shifts without you noticing and that you aren't pumping the accelerator any more, etc. It will even stop setting off the ESP on those speed bumps in your neighborhood. Familiarity breeds love.

[Kermit]

I see where you're coming from on the Sidekick. I had one brand new in 1991. It was a Japanese optioned American spec. JX. Chrome wheels, auto locking hubs etc. The first HOUR I owned it I dented it! Went straight from the dealer to the beach then driving through trails that went from jungle to beach to jungle again. I went over some BIG rocks and the clearance was too low - dinged it. It was VERY nice and we loved it EXCEPT for the mileage. It was an auto and got horrible mileage - this was before I learned how to drive for efficiency.

I've gotten remarks from people that and you'll see plenty of others here on the forum that get it. Sometimes I ask if they actually keep logs and calculate their mileage - most of the time it's "Well, uh, no". Then I ask if they are REALLY sure then since they don't do that, then I mention they should manually calculate it just to double check and see how well they are really doing. Most people leave with a smile and say "thanks, good idea".