Daimler-Chrysler may bring this to the US, but would you consider buying one?

[sanddrag]

I've already seen a few of those here in SoCal. There are much much uglier cars already selling here. So, I don't think looks on this one is a problem. If I could fit in it, I don't think I would mind having one. The only thing I'd worry about is getting hit by a large heavy vehicle.

I can't wait until E85 starts selling over here though. My truck is a flex fuel vehicle so it can already run on it with no modifications. For those of you who have E85 where you live, is it cheaper than gas? If so, by how much?

[Katie Reynolds]

Let's see ...

2002 Saturn VUE (my current vehicle)
+ 5 star frontal and side crash test rating
+ Steel safety cage
+ 5 Passenger
+ Loads of cargo space (63.8 cu. ft.) - great for moving back and forth (home to college) all the time.
+ 250 HP 3.5L V6 engine
+ All-Wheel Drive
+ Weighs 3300 lbs. (good for winter driving)
+ 15.5 gallon fuel tank
+ Able to tow 3500 lbs
- 28 MPG Highway, 22 MPG City

2007 DCX Smart Fortwo
- 3 star crash test rating
+ Tridion "safety cell"
- 2 Passenger
- No cargo space (12.8 cu. ft. with the passenger seat folded up)
- 75 HP 4.7L turbocharged 3 cylinder engine
- Front Wheel Drive
- Only weighs 1600 lbs
- 5 gallon fuel tank
- Goofy Looking
+ 40-60 MPG Highway (depending on the source)

If I lived in a big city it might be practical. But for where I drive, and with what I use my car for, I'll keep my Saturn, thanks. It's much more pratical for me.

[DCA Fan]

Most definitely. I've been wanting one since I saw them in Europe.

[Koko Ed]

Heh.
I saw one of those behind me on the QEW on the way to GTR. I was wondering if that was capable of keeping up with the bigger vehicles on the freeway.

[JohnBoucher]

Do you really want to be in the smallest and lightest car on the highway?

Been there... Don't ever want to do it again.

[KenWittlief]

I think this would definately be someones second car, used for short commutes within the city.

Highway in the city at 8am never gets much above 10mph.

I commute about 25 miles a day, on secondary streets across town. If I could actually get 60mpg with it, then I would consider it

(if the price was less than, oh..... maybe $7,000?)

There is no way I would get one if it were going to be my only vehicle.

[DonRotolo]

Originally Posted by JohnBoucher

Do you really want to be in the smallest and lightest car on the highway?

Been there... Don't ever want to do it again.

The car is surprisingly crashworthy for its apparent size. The passengers sit relatively high up, and the passenger cage is extraodinarily well designed for protection. Of course, the heaviest vehicle often wins - simple physics - but your survivability in a smart ForTwo is better than in a 1972 Cadillac Eldorado - even against each other.

Originally Posted by joshs

Although this car gets great gas mileage, how short do you have to be to fit in it? I am roughly 6'-6" and can squeeze into a Focus but this car looks like a Hot Wheels on steroids. I just can't see this thing doing to well.

You'd fit in it with room to spare. Unbelieveable, but true. I am 5'11" and could adjust the seat so that I couldn't even reach the pedals!. I also had another 6" of head room at that moment, and could get more by lowering the seat adjustment. I was sitting upright, as well. More room than a big Mercedes.

the very coolest is that you can park it in a parallel parking space - nose in! It's under 9 feet long, and so fits nose in against the curb.

The only downside: Not much cargo room. If you sit in it and face forwards, it is one of the roomiest cars you have even experienced. It's a bit disconcerting to back up, though: Normal practice is to swing your body around and look behind you - - and the rear glass is about 6" from your nose. I never did get used to that.

Don

[JoeXIII'007]

I need something to replace my bike for what little travel I plan to do going into the college years... this will do the trick.

[JVGazeley]

Smart to be sold over there then? They are cool little things, shame they've stopped making the Smart Roadster.

The Mini sold well from what I heard so I think the Smart should too. However there are more economical cars over here. I think the VW Golf can do over 70 miles per gallon for example.

[Pat Fairbank]

Originally Posted by Koko Ed

I saw one of those behind me on the QEW on the way to GTR. I was wondering if that was capable of keeping up with the bigger vehicles on the freeway.

I was driving at about 110 km/h on the freeway here in Montreal one time, when a Smart car whizzed past at 130 or so. So if that's any indication, Smart cars can hold their own on the freeway (although I'm sure they'd literally go flying if involved in a collision).

[David Kelly]

Originally Posted by sanddrag

I can't wait until E85 starts selling over here though. My truck is a flex fuel vehicle so it can already run on it with no modifications. For those of you who have E85 where you live, is it cheaper than gas? If so, by how much?

Ever since they started talking about E85 6 months to a year ago, the price has shot up. Its been more expensive than regualar petrol recently in Indy, but I think now it's 10 cents cheaper now. (regular unleaded at bp cost me $2.78 two days ago).

I understand that it does not get as good of gas milage so it comes out as NOT being more economical than regular.

[John Gutmann]

What is the advantage of having a 3-cylinder in it compared to a bigger V-twin. They perform fine in motorcycles.

[Billfred]

The only thing (other than money) that would keep me from switching in a heartbeat: One of those can't hold a robot. If I could figure that one out, game on.

[KenWittlief]

Originally Posted by Billfred

The only thing (other than money) that would keep me from switching in a heartbeat: One of those can't hold a robot. If I could figure that one out, game on.

Roof Rack!

[JaneYoung]

wonder what the horn sounds like -
it would be cool if it was a major honkin' horn
not a little meep beep

edit: when I was in college I had a Rambler. I ordered and installed a horn that sounded like aa-oooo-gah. It was great. If I were to have to give up my big truck, I would want to have a big honkin' horn. Esp. if the robot is on the roof rack.