Two reviews, pro and con

Last update: May 6, 2008 - 6:57 PM

From Paul Eisenstein at CarConnection.com, July 2007:

We're not quite ready to buy [the idea that it] drives like a Ferrari, but it's certainly not the cheap and less-than-cheerful econobox other makers have dumped into the market over the years. While no rocket, around-town acceleration is surprisingly good; our coupe was able to keep up with all but the most aggressive drivers when launching off from a stoplight. ... It's easy to manage and offers a lot for the money. If we were empty-nesters, largely limiting our travel to a major city or suburb, it would be easy to imagine owning.

From Scott Burgess of the Detroit News, April 2:

This quirky space saver with a name that looks like a website address will undoubtedly live well in a diminutive niche of eco-narcissists unable to afford a hybrid and people who find parking in tight spots more exhilarating than driving. But there are just too many other tiny cars for the same price that provide more utility, more space and significantly better performance on the road than the Smart. ... This is not a car, it's a fashion accessory, and will go the way of flared jeans and puffy skirts.