Drove a Smart ForTwo Today

1ster · 10-17-2007, 01:39 PM

I was really hoping to like the Smart Fortwo that's coming to America. I've owned two Miatas and have always been a fan of small cars. I went to Smart's ride-and-drive with high expectations that the Fortwo might be a great little grocery getter/third car.

My hopes were dashed. That thing is a disaster. Yes, it's fairly roomy, but the steering and brakes feel like they're out of a 1979 Suburban. The transmission pauses for at least two seconds between shifts (no manual available). And the ride crashes over potholes like my old Huffy bicycle from elementary school.

Not just "no" but "hell no." Not interested.

For similar money, I'll take an Accent hatch FTMFW!

ichiban · 10-17-2007, 02:34 PM

lol, have you seen the top gear video of the smart car going around the track? ... pretty funny actually .

ducati · 10-17-2007, 02:52 PM

Wow, it must be bad to prefer the Hyundai!

Is this the new SMART, or the original ForTwo as imported by ZAP? It looks like the new one.

1ster · 10-17-2007, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ducati

Wow, it must be bad to prefer the Hyundai!

Is this the new SMART, or the original ForTwo as imported by ZAP? It looks like the new one.

Nope, it's the brand new one. Test drove it at a Merc dealership as part of the Smart road show promoting the new car. This was the officially official federalized US Smart ForTwo.

It felt like there were no shock absorbers or springs at all on the car. I've owned a Mazdaspeed Miata and currently drive a 2006 Civic Si. Those two cars feel like they have Buick Dynaride suspensions in comparison.

If all you did was drive in NYC and park on the street all the time, this thing might be fine but, seriously, I would feel safer on a motorcycle.

It's about $14,500 reasonably equipped. For that money I'll take a Scion xD, Honda Fit, Nissan Versa, Toyota Yaris, or, yes, Hyundai Elantra. I never expected to hate this car so thoroughly. I rarely have reactions quite this visceral, but the ForTwo is where driving fun goes to die.

ducati · 10-17-2007, 07:56 PM

Wow. Powerful response. I guess they'll be cheap when the hipsters tire of them?

10-17-2007, 01:39 PM	#1
1ster Large Member 164 Rep 937 Posts Drives: Join Date: Aug 2007 iTrader: (0)	Drove a Smart ForTwo Today I was really hoping to like the Smart Fortwo that's coming to America. I've owned two Miatas and have always been a fan of small cars. I went to Smart's ride-and-drive with high expectations that the Fortwo might be a great little grocery getter/third car. My hopes were dashed. That thing is a disaster. Yes, it's fairly roomy, but the steering and brakes feel like they're out of a 1979 Suburban. The transmission pauses for at least two seconds between shifts (no manual available). And the ride crashes over potholes like my old Huffy bicycle from elementary school. Not just "no" but "hell no." Not interested. For similar money, I'll take an Accent hatch FTMFW!
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10-17-2007, 02:34 PM	#2
ichiban Colonel 94 Rep 2,012 Posts Drives: 08 135i Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (2)	lol, have you seen the top gear video of the smart car going around the track? ... pretty funny actually .
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10-17-2007, 02:52 PM	#3
ducati First Lieutenant 11 Rep 394 Posts Drives: Join Date: Aug 2007 iTrader: (0)	Wow, it must be bad to prefer the Hyundai! Is this the new SMART, or the original ForTwo as imported by ZAP? It looks like the new one.
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10-17-2007, 07:56 PM	#5
ducati First Lieutenant 11 Rep 394 Posts Drives: Join Date: Aug 2007 iTrader: (0)	Wow. Powerful response. I guess they'll be cheap when the hipsters tire of them?
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