Smart Cars for Smart People

America is getting as Smart as the rest of the world in 2008

The time is almost here, yep, the Smart car is finally coming to a city near you. The Smart concept was first introduced to America at the 1996 Atlanta car show. Over a decade later, this Diamler-Chysler brand is finally due to arrive in the USA in the first quarter of 2008. Other North American countries like Canada and Mexico have been Smart for several years now. The Smart car lineup was launched overseas in October of 1998. By now, over 800,000 owners worldwide have tested this little camel of a car in its various forms.

Refined in at least 35 countries before making its debut in the USA, the Smart will come to our shores with more life experience than the average new model rolling off any domestic production line. This car is a polar opposite of the econ-boxes produced during the last 3 decades. With its long list of safety features and ample creature comfort, the Smart will impress nearly every potential car buyer. While lacking in overall size, the car is full of big car features. Able to accommodate a 6'4” person with ease, the unexpectedly large cabin area is perfect for both big and little drivers.

The two-seater Smart car couldn't arrive at a better time with gasoline prices at record highs and no real relief in sight. These basic but fun cars will fill a niche that has been void of choices in the ultra high gas mileage category. Offering hybrid-like fuel efficiency, the powerful 3 cylinder 1.0 L engine coupled to an automatic 5-speed transmission, will stretch your gasoline dollar without keeping you up at night worrying about the high cost of maintaining your hybrid. Three gasoline models will makeup the initial offering for the USA. The For-Two will come in 3 different trim levels starting at around $12,000 and peaking at around $18,000 if you opt for the Cabrio version.

A Smart looks to be a perfect complement to that SUV gracing every other driveway in the country. With a top speed of 90 mph, the Smart will get you there and back on less gas. A quick survey of rush-hour traffic finds many American cars are still carrying a single occupant, so why the need for all that extra car? Less car means less weight and less gas. You wouldn't dream of taking your entire wardrobe on vacation, so why have all those empty seats when going to work? A two-seater makes perfect sense for a two car household. Keep that SUV in the stable during the week and park with ease in those crowded work parking lots.

Owners of the Smart will not have to struggle with the pain of an $80 fill-up at the pump with it's 8.8 gallon fuel tank capacity. These 40+ mpg rides will make everyone feel good at the pump. The satisfaction of knowing that you are driving one of the smallest carbon footprint rides on the plant should be reason enough to own one. One last note, the whole car is recyclable.