smart car top 10
Is this the Smart Car?
Yep. I own a 2008 ForTwo Passion Coupe. Silver on black with black leather interior.
Isn't it awfully small?
That's why I bought it. Small yes, cramped no.
I know but isn't it too small?
No, not at all. The 2008 Smart Car is made to be a two seater. Only a two seater. Some other small cars pretend to accomodate two people in the back but by then no one in the car has enough room. The Smart car is surprisingly roomy and comfortable when you sit in it.
I love putting people in behind the wheel. (Shhh... don't say anything but I always put the seat all the way back before I do. That way they have to move it forward, proving to themselves that it isn't too small.)
Do you feel safe in it?
Absolutely. Read about the Smart Car's crash test results. They're pretty impressive. The Smart Car has a great safety cage constuction model and four airbags. And before you say anything, if almost any car hits a semi on the freeway, the truck's going to win. Don't fool yourself. Just because you flunked physics doesn't means the laws aren't true.
Yes, the Smart Car is small. Yes, that puts it at a disadvantage against heavier vehicles. More of us should drive smaller vehicles and in addition to saving gas, those same pesky laws of physics guarantee us all better crash survivability. Duh...
How fast does it go?
Top speed is said to be 90 mph. I can attest to the fact that 91 is not the top speed. Worth the ticket especially if I can capture the whole experience on my camcorder.
Is it electric/biodiesel/hamsters?
No, it burns gas. Just less of it. The Smart Car is not a muscle car; it's a right-sized two person vehicle. My goal is the lowest possible fuel consumption when i drive. I'm averaging 40 mpg overal. I love to coast...
What's under the hood?
Nothing. Well fluids but not the engine. It's in the back under the storeage area. My car has a 1 liter 61 cu inch three in-line cylinder aluminium block 71 hp engine good for 70 hp @ 5800 rpms max. torque 68 lb ft @ 4500. Automated manual five-speed transmission with paddle shifting.
I dunno. It's too small for me.
We've already established that the Smart Car fits two full-size adults comfortably.
Need to carry things?
It's not my only car and I don't expect to take it when I need plywood & 2x4s or picking up two people at the airport with a week's worth of luggage. But how about a round of errands including herbs and a planter from the nursery, three bags of groceries from the food coop and two 12-packs of beer? All stashed behind us with room to spare. AND you'll notice that the stuff doesn't obscure my view at all. Long weekend for two? Room to spare.
Sorry but I have to ask. How much did it cost?
I bought 2008 Passion Coupe with pretty much everything (stereo, heated seats, various warranties, etc.)Total delivered: $16K Not a big ouch in the budget.
What's it like to drive?
It's a blast! It keeps up with traffic on the freeway, passes with ease, and handles like a dream. Parking? It's almost too easy. Before you ask, no, it doesn't really park perpendicular to other cars. It's not that small.