I have been going to the same car wash for 8 1/2 years (yes, I am old, and no, I don't like change). In that time, less than a dozen vehicles I've driven there have been special enough for the staff to park them out front while toweling them off. Most vehicles are banished to the side lot, which is only visible from a side street. Our 2008 Smart Fortwo is by far the slowest, least expensive car that has ever been bestowed the "out front" honor.
In other news, I continue to drive the Smart with abandon, even at the risk of upsetting freeway mates and blog participants. However, during 120 miles of driving over the weekend, the car averaged only 26 mpg, which is directly attributable to my driving habits. As seen in Edmunds' Gas Sipper Smackdown, in the right hands, the car is capable of much better numbers.
I also decided that one reason I enjoy the car is its excellent driving position. Considering the minimal adjustments (fore/aft, recline, no tilt wheel), I can sit the way I want to in the Fortwo and I have an excellent view in all directions.
But, and yeah, there's always a but with this car, it's noteworthy that I am of very average size for an adult, so if the Smart didn't fit me, it wouldn't fit anybody. Also, given how defensively one needs to drive this car, it would be a crime if it didn't have a good driving position.
Erin Riches, Inside Line Senior Editor @ 9,333 miles
jriz says:
02:58 PM, 09/15/08
As one of the "right hands" in that fuel sipper test, I must commend Erin for her gloriously reckless fuel useage. Now it all makes sense. When I went down to the garage this morning I discovered Erin putting the Smart in neutral, place a cinder block on the accelerator, then locking the car up for the day. I assume this is her typical parking ritual.
-JR
carfreak8394 says:
05:49 PM, 09/15/08
That interior is bright! It's like BAM!
hondacura4 says:
05:55 PM, 09/15/08
There is just something about a big coupe Benz.
dougtheeng says:
05:56 PM, 09/15/08
26mpg is possible in this vehicle? brutal. I like the interior look, it reminds you you're in a unique vehicle.
billt9 says:
08:27 PM, 09/15/08
high revs don't pay mpg.
Accept its 0-60 time, and don't red line it just to get 9 seconds. Whether it was born to do a comfortable 0-60 in 12 seconds, 15 seconds, or 18 seconds, let it live its life the way it was meant to be, amen.
tryan says:
03:33 AM, 09/16/08
I still can't believe I see these things on the highways of New England - I imagine they will hibernate for the winter season...
One of things I didn't like about the Smart was it's driving position, actually. Yes, it is upright and gives you a great view, but at 5'11", I kept knocking my knees on that bright orange boar that runs across the lower dash - extremely annoying.
I know it's been trashed time and time again, but that transmission really sucks the fun out of the car, as well. Fix those two things, lower the price to Yaris levels and I'd buy one for around-town use...even if the fuel mileage is dismal relative to it's engine size and curb weight.
sgude says:
06:33 AM, 09/16/08
tryan -- does that "bright orange boar" stab you with its tusks? If you kill it, it may taste good barbecued.
:-)
wallyballs says:
08:13 AM, 09/16/08
I'll give the Smart one thing...the instrument panel is where it is supposed to be. None of that 'middle of the dash' nonsense. Plus, managing 26 MPG during Crazy Lady (i keeed, i keeed) driving is admirable.
Maybe I should take down that "Smart Car Southeast Production Facility" sign our techs hung up over the toilet....
greenpony says:
11:49 AM, 09/16/08
You must have been driving very aggressively. For perspective, my Mustang GT has topped 26 mpg on only a couple of tanks, and my Focus hasn't even come close to 26 mpg (lowest at 29.7). But really, 26 mpg isn't that bad.
tryan says:
03:25 AM, 09/17/08
sgude - I don't know if I'd get close to a boar that is colored bright orange...perhaps it spent its vacations in sunny Chernobyl.