2008 Smart Fortwo: Rose-Colored Glasses Are Off

You are what is known in the parlance as "jaded." But I do understand what you're talking about.

Agreed with carguy, just tell them the way it really is.

It is extremely disapointing, because the idea behind the Smart is appealing; a very small, personal city car that can fit in any space and is efficient. However, the execution of it is poor. If it had a better (or just a standard) transmission and didn't require premium, it would be much easier to live with. But as it is, it's a tiny car that has an annoying powertrain that isn't so economical in these tough times. I hope that the upcoming Toyota doesn't have these issues, but still retains the Smart's strengths

Why people would buy this car and not a Fit or even a Mini is beyond me. The wheelbase reminds me of the old Suzuki Samurai. I live in San Diego County and there are tons of them around lately.

Given that you folks have proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that the Smart is a total POS, why don't you end the long term test and sell this turkey while others are still paying a premium to buy it? Six months from now, you might regret not doing so! Replace it with another economy minded vehicle that we might actually want to buy please.

Maybe they should have brought over the 97 hp Brabus engine instead. It wouldn't be a scorcher, and certainly not worthy of the Brabus name, but it may have better suited Americans' taste.

To add to what tantan73 said, as I recall when the Suzuki Samurai came out the editors of Auto Week were touting it as possibly the world's first disposable car.

Cheap to buy, not much fun to drive, and if it broke you could just leave it where it was and go buy another.

If a Smart broke and you left it in the parking space, could you fit another Smart next to it while still taking up only one parking space?

"If I use the manual then I can probably jump in front of a car that's several car lengths away when in 1st gear, but I still wouldn't chance it."

So, by nature, it's downright dangerous. Maybe more dangerous than any car you could care to mention. If it can't merge with traffic or get out ahead of cars on DTLA streets, and you have to "time" your entry, then how good is it at collision avoidance? Not only is it woefully underpowered,it's tiny wheelbase and high center of gravity, makes it an accident on wheels.

Oh, and it's ugly too :)

I would rather have an Accent 3-Dr sport over this thing, at least the Hyundai is good looking(in SE trim)

I can't believe the dude in the Mickey costume talked to you! that's a cardinal sin around there nowadays.

The Smart doesn't need a 97hp engine, it just needs a decent tranny. Even my lawn tractor has a better transmission.

I'd say that I'm surprised Diamler would produce something this bad, but I'd be lying.

It needs the diesel back too. 70 mpg makes it cool to be cute.

brn it isn't Daimler anymore, that is just the umbrella name used for stock purposes. Maybach, Smart, and Mercedes-Benz vehicles all fall under the name "Mercedes-Benz Cars" nowadays.

Also, while I have never driven a US Smart, I did drive a 5-speed manual, diesel-equipped ForTwo last time I was in Germany. It was decently quick, exceptionally fuel efficient, and dare I say even a little fun. I do not think the ForTwo is a basically terrible car, I just think the packaging is all wrong.

I'd agree, the US spec Smart is the poster child of good idea, bad execution. We certainly could use more ultra-compact city cars, but they should have fuel economy that matches the small size, and at least enough refinement where the tranny doesn't alternate between stranding you and ripping your head off your shoulders.

"But it vibrates a lot, even when stopped. When I press the brake (which you have to press firmly all the way down so the car doesn't creep) and am just sitting there, the Smart jerks as if someone has bumped it from behind. I don't know why it does that."

This is a very simple phenomena to explain. It is rare but speaking from an engineering point of view, very easy to explain:

The vortex into 100% suckdom sits just in front of the Smart car at all times. The suck factor of the Smart is so great that SUCK actually takes the form of gravitational pull.

I live in Geneva Switzerland. You would not believe how many 1 year old used Smarts are on the market and going for half the price of new.

My wife absolutely wanted one, but after a test drive in which we almost died a few times, I had to use the power of veto on buying one.

I was scared to return to the dealership with it because I thought we broke the transmission. Apparently that is just how it is.

I bought her an Opel Tigra convertible instead. Same gas mileage, similar size, but has a real engine and transmission.

I am driving a smart car loaner right now, and after just an afternoon, completely agree with you.

You forgot to mention the shifts that are on par with the shifting technique of a person unfamiliar with how to use a clutch...which might be acceptible if this wasn't an AUTOMATIC.

I totally agree about having to make a decision to wait before darting in front of oncoming traffic -- the I looked at the engine information and was reminded that this is a 70-horsepower, 1-liter, three-cylinder engine. I've driven lawn mowers with more power.

specs on the smart: MSRP: $11,590 - $16,590
City MPG: 33 MPG
Highway MPG: 41 MPG

specs on the Honda Fit: MSRP: $13,950 - $15,270
Invoice: $13,467 - $14,734
City MPG: 28 MPG
Highway MPG: 34 MPG
1.5L I-4 109 HP

for the difference in price and the two extra seats, I'll take the Fit anyday.

why couldn't they just drop in a good old fashion 5 speed manual or a 4 speed auto? what's with all this fancy paddle shift nonsense?

mercedesfan, you may be correct about Diamler vs Mercedes. I can't say for sure, but I got my info from the following:
http://www.daimler.com/dccom/0-5-7163-1-633118-1-0-0-0-0-0-8-7163-0-0-0-0-0-0-0.html

Your experience with a stick helps back up my point. Right now the number one complaint about the US Smart is the automatic transmission. That seems to overshadow any nitpicking that one might do.

"Why people would buy this car and not a Fit or even a Mini is beyond me."

Because right now you can't easily buy either? The Mini is sold out well into next year and the Fit is about to undergo a model changeover. I do agree that they're both vastly superior cars, although the Mini's upward price march over the last few years is worrying.

As far as Smarts go, our local dealer has nearly a dozen brand new models on the lot. Apparently ordering a car for 99 bucks with no obligation to actually *buy* it once it's delivered has resulted in a glut of orphans. They're not even trying to sell them above sticker.

The transmission is why I did not buy a Smart. I could not live with that bucking bronco shifting every day. A CVT or automatic is the way to go. Even Mitsubishi uses a 4 speed auto in their I-car.

Has any chipmaker created a reflash to speed up/smooth out shifting?