Sales of New smart fortwo Hit 100,000 in First Year

[MetroMPG]

Via GCC:

Sales of the new smart fortwo are up 80% worldwide over the previous version of the car.

US sales in March were 1,734 units.

Sales were up most in Germany and Italy - 2/3rds of the total purchases.

In February 2008, experts from the German automotive club ADAC and from various automotive magazines ranked the smart fortwo the most economical car on the German market ...

In addition to evaluating the operating costs, the experts took into account fixed costs including insurance premiums, taxes, service center fees, and value depreciation over time.

[AndrewJ]

I just saw one on the highway yesterday! I'm gonna have to keep my eyes peeled for it around town.

[Arminius]

I drove my coworker's car. The fit and finish on the car is excellent. It's quality all around. The only thing is that there is a HUGE lag between gears, and that's enough to drive a good percentage of people away.

I would gladly put up with it, however.

[Will]

Honestly I don't really like the Smart car. I just don't think it's enough economy given the results people on this site are getting with Aeromods alone. I know the adjustment of the "nut behind the wheel" is the biggest gain, but it seems that people are doing better with aeromods than the car makers are doing...... Maybe I am wrong, and just want to rage against the corporate machine.

[garys_1k]

Consumer Reports pretty much panned that car, they hated the transmission's shifting and said it rides HARD on uneven pavement. Sounds like it needs some refining for the rest of the world.

[cfg83]

garys_1k -

Originally Posted by garys_1k

Consumer Reports pretty much panned that car, they hated the transmission's shifting and said it rides HARD on uneven pavement. Sounds like it needs some refining for the rest of the world.

Definitely needs a real manual transmission.

CarloSW2

[Cd]

Thirty six MPG combined ???... um....no.

Not so smart.

[Arminius]

Well, the electric one will be worth it when it comes out, as well as the diesel. I've driven the gas model and thought it was great, except for the transmission and the fact that it requires premium gas.