The local Benz dealer sponsored the Smart car's apperence here in Annapolis.

I was so excited, as was Paul. We stood in a long line to get our chances to take a test drive.

We were both sadly disppointed. The (auto, with a tiptronic option) transmission was very jerky. The gears pop, instead of changing smoothly. One gets mild whiplash from all the back and forthing.

The steering was slow, with tons of play in the wheel.

One had to drive with a Smart rep in the car and I had a nervous nellie who wouldn't let me really put the car through it's paces. Perhaps when the car actually arrives at a dealership, I can try again.

Mercedes-Benz had a chance to make this car as snappy as it looks. Granted, it's only 71hp, but they could've made it fun to drive.

We're rethinking our purchase, now. We'll give it another chance when the actual cars arrive in the 1st quarter of '08. The cars we drove today were the European models...hopefully, the American versions will be a lil different.

All in all, a disappointing experience <sigh>.

 

You might have to wait and try this bad boy.

Brabus Smart For Two



Might be a little more interesting though.

 

I don't think these will be avalable in the US. Sure seem very cool, tho'...

Oh, I'm sure one could buy a Brabus, but at a premium price...and who would service it? Not any Benz dealer

annnd...

Paul would probably want to autoX the poor lil Brabus... We were thinking of getting a Smart for commuting only.

 

heh, I was at the Annapolis Harbour Center the other day and I saw a red and black smart driving out of the parking lot as I was driving in! I was shocked to see one!

-Chase

 

it was probably one of the group we saw today. They will be in Baltimore, starting tomorrow, for 2 days.

The cars are being hauled all over the country for an introductory tour.

 

They had a cool looking roadster a few years ago.

 

I was almost there earlier, but something came up and I couldn't make it, maybe I'll check it out in Baltimore this weekend.

 

We have rented Smarts for several years on St. Barts. They are cute cars and kinda make sense as a commuter vehicle but there is no performance "kick"....

 

I have driven many smart cars and as above, they are not designed for performace. They are nice little communter cars that fit well in tight parking situations like most european cities. Honestly, I love them as they do what they are really designed to do. I just don't know how well they are going to do in the USA. I think that it will be a flop.

 

That sucks, I thought they would be very nice to drive too.

 

Fred - I knew I recognized that sweet little dog! While doing a general search for St. Barth's one day I came across a bunch of your pics. Great stuff and it really took me back there! Loved your pics of all your different Smart cars you've had on the island (trying to keep it on topic...)

The DH and I have only been once, but it left such an impression we swear we're going back (as soon as we can save up again!).

Ok - now back to the topic at hand...the failings of the utterly adorable Smart Car...

 

My husband drove the 08s when they were out here and he didn't report any issues with the jerkiness of the transmission like that, so perhaps it was a problem with that car? The car he did drive didn't have power steering though and thus it was really tough to get a sense of the car since that set up was not great (we'd want the power steering for sure). They also kept the ride super short and the people hosting it apparently didn't know anything about the cars, so all in all the whole event was kind of a bust.

Based on positive reviews of the 08s and how they say it is improved over the prior model I have hopes the car will not be terrible; a Brabus version for errands around the city sounds good

 

As the Robin Reliant was the enemy of Mr Bean's classic Mini, I proclaim the Smart car to be the enemy of the new Gen Mini ! WHO'S WITH ME!!!!!!!!!!! YAHOO LETS RIDE EM OUT OF TOWN PARDNER!!!
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Or should I start a new thread?

 

You mean this-


That would be Todd from WRR "interviewing" ('Cause it's a "Smart" car get it?) the Smart Roadster at the Montery Historics last year...

 

I wish they were going to bring that to the States....

 

Let's back 'em out of the parking garage! Intimidation with a MINI! Yea! And while we're at it, we'll show those Hummers a thing or two!