Smart Fortwo sales plunge in 2009 in U.S.

[KITT222]

The Smart is cute, but very unpractical. With them starting at the same price as a Corolla/Cobalt/Aveo/Fit/Yaris, and since they're so unsafe, nobody wants one. Sure, 40HWY, and 32City is good, but when you come down to it, you can get a larger car that gets the same if not better mileage for nearly the same price. You could call it a city car, bu its a tad expensive to be a city car.

[Christ]

Originally Posted by KITT222

The Smart is cute, but very unpractical. With them starting at the same price as a Corolla/Cobalt/Aveo/Fit/Yaris, and since they're so unsafe, nobody wants one. Sure, 40HWY, and 32City is good, but when you come down to it, you can get a larger car that gets the same if not better mileage for nearly the same price. You could call it a city car, bu its a tad expensive to be a city car.

I have a feeling you're not going to cite a source for that refutable safety claim. Am I correct?

[MadisonMPG]

Originally Posted by Christ

I have a feeling you're not going to cite a source for that refutable safety claim. Am I correct?

I saw this coming. lol

[NeilBlanchard]

I think the safety of the Smart is fine, and if this is the reason they are not selling, it is perception that they are not safe.

One only has to look to the Toyota iQ, or to the Canadian/European version of the Smart to see how much better they are: they get much better FE (60-70mpg). And the iQ has a five star crash rating in Europe -- it is also quite safe.

[luvit]

Originally Posted by Christ

I have a feeling you're not going to cite a source for that refutable safety claim. Am I correct?

it's all over the net. you tube demos, etc.
the safety is fair, but lower than then larger cars that perform the same.

i would want one, not all for the mpg, but for slipping into the parking spots where the car on each side is just on the line. and for slipping between cars enroute.
i'm sure i would be quite comfortable inside one.

[Christ]

Yep, there's also a bunch of uncontrolled data out there, as well.

Something about "ZOMG! MY SISTER'S BEST FRIEND OWNZ A SMRT AND HITTED A PEEBBLE IN DA ROOD AND IT POPPED HER HEAD OFF!"

The fact is, the car has to pass minimum safety standards to be sold in the US as a highway capable motor vehicle. The Smart is much safer than a late model Ford F-series, I can tell you that much. 35MPH in a Smart, you walk away with a stiff neck... 35 MPH in a F-series, you get prosthetic legs, if you're even alive.

[Frank Lee]

Or, Lookit dis offal crash- see dat pancake dat yoosta be a Smart! (Even though that "Smart" has Chevy wheels )

[luvit]

i was talking about credible data. -- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tests...
it took a whole 20 secs to find it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mz-s1sIoLhU

[Frank Lee]

I'm still having difficulty with the notion that "safety" is the biggest hang-up for people.

After all, these are the same people that go 20 over, blow red lights, cell and text while driving, are seemingly incapable of putting air in a tire, etc., etc.

[luvit]

i think people simply make stupid excuses because they don't want to admit to the real reason(s).
recently i heard a girl say she would buy a prius if it offered a sunroof option. but she won't buy one because of that.
i told they do for 2010. then she kinda stammered.