The Smart Car Falls Short in Size and Quality

The Smart Car has finally arrived in the U.S. to save our citizens from the fuel crisis. With good gas mileage, the Smart Car is aimed at saving you big bucks on fuel costs. However, there is a price to pay for all that savings.

The Smart Car is tiny. This is essential in keeping down the weight, thus reducing gas mileage. The Smart Car also comes with a tiny engine. The miniscule 3 cylinder engine provides a mere 70 horsepower. Even with the Smart Car's tiny frame, this only allows it to achieve a maximum speed of 90mph. Granted, most people never have to drive 90mph, but it is not uncommon to drive 75mph on an express way, and even at these speeds you will be pushing the limits of the tiny motor. This may limit your driving to low-speed and residential areas.

Perhaps you only plan on using your Smart Car for short trips, like going to the grocery store. This would be the ideal use for the Smart Car, as long as you don't plan on buying too many groceries. At 3 feet shorter than a Mini Cooper and no back seat, your storage space is very limited. As long as you aren't buying any bulky items, and you don't plan on bringing a passenger, you may have enough room for your milk and eggs.

"But they are so cheap!" you say. Are they really? With the cheapest Smart Car model starting at around 12,000 dollars they are certainly at the low end of the spectrum for brand new cars. However, we are still talking $12,000! That is still a lot of money, especially for the types of people who will be most likely to purchase this type of car. This is only the starting price. You will have to spend more if you want other luxurious add-ons such as power steering ($450), air conditioning ($600), or a radio ($350). Yes you read that correctly. They don't even come with a radio.

"But I will save so much on gas!" you say. Will you really? The EPA estimate for the 2008 Smart Car puts its fuel consumption at 33city/41 highway. This is better gas mileage than most cars, but it is still not that good. If you are filling up with the manufacturer recommended Premium gasoline, you can kiss your savings goodbye. Also, it would be difficult to only drive a Smart Car in today's world due to its many shortcomings. This means that you would probably have to own a second car for longer trips or for moving bigger items. That means you have to pay for fuel and upkeep on two cars now instead of one.

The bottom line is for the Smart Car is big sacrifice for little savings. If you can do without space, power steering, a radio, or having a normal looking vehicle, then by all means get a Smart Car. However, if you need something more than an over-hyped golf cart, I suggest researching some alternatives.