SMART car - you can't put it on the roof

Advice
#61

A review

– Last Updated: May-13-08 5:59 PM EST –

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/11/automobiles/autosreviews/11-smart-fortwo-ny.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/11/automobiles/autosreviews/11-smart-fortwo-la.html

#62

MPG sucks
its 32. For that, you could get a way nicer car. such as a Fit. Thats what I want.

#63

Real world mileage
Perspective.

I have tracked my fuel mileage for years here are some of the results

I have a Acura RSX-S std trans, 210 hp motor. I average 29mpg around town and with nothing on the roof regularly see just over 35mpg on the highway.

I have tracked my mileage for the last 45K miles and it is a pretty predictable consumption rate. I do not drive for super economy but am not hitting redline everywhere either.

My Wife’s same year/mileage auto trans Corolla is lucky to average 28 in town and is low 30’s on the highway. Plus it has a very vague and unsettling rubbery feel and not at all confidence inspiring.

My 93 Civic Si with 175K would get upwards of 40mpg on highway trips with a few 44mpg surprises and @32-33 in town (I did drive that car pretty hard)



If I was buying now I would buy a standard trans Fit. Plenty of real world room inside. Roof long enough for Kayaks, Honda build quality and safety and I figure it would have similar economy as the 93 Civic. Wished they had been available when I bought the Acura.



Just to annoy here are some of the motorcycles.

07 DRZ400SM that gets 60-61 MPG. I spank it like a bad teenager and make lots of short trips.

01 GSXR750 45-58mpg with some 65mpg tanks on highway trips (lots of LEO around for that trip)







Not having 4 seats won’t solve the professional moocher problem, but sounds like you are starting to figure out what will;)

#64

well,
the mileage is good overall, but for a car nearly half the length of my kayak, its pathetic. Youd expect it to get at least 50, I mean, the Fit, Civic sedan NON-hybrid, versa, Accent, Spectra, all get similar MPGs but have more pros-safer, seats 5, logical size, highway capable, ETC…wouldnt you much rather have a 13’ long fit than an 8.5’ long smart?? Its win win here.

#65

SMART gets a “good” on crash rating
Not really a big (or little) fan of this car, but ran across this article & remembered this thread.

So, heres what they are saying about the crash test ratings:

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/05/14/tech/main4094791.shtml



Firekayaker