smart review

ForTwo fits urban drivers
Passenger space a plus, but cargo a squeeze in Smart compact coupe
Kelsey Mays, Cars.Com, 2/18/08 via bostonglobe.com

There is nothing else on the market quite like the Smart ForTwo, which just hit showrooms in the United States. It's nearly one-third shorter than the next smallest car around, the Mini Cooper, and it comes nicely equipped for around $13,500.

But before you rush out to buy one, consider some inherent limitations. The ForTwo is no substitute for a subcompact Toyota or Hyundai - it's a two-seat runabout that's groomed for urban driving. US testing agencies haven't yet conducted crash tests on it, and the mid-30s gas mileage estimate carries an asterisk: Smart recommends premium fuel. Still want one? Get in line - the waiting list is months long. Its maker, Smart, is a subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz.

There's nothing smart about premium.

I would have to agree with Mays' assessment of the brakes:

"Standard antilock brakes use discs up front and drums in back. I found the pedal rock-hard, imprecise, and not all that powerful."

I thought that the abruptness/stiffness/sensitivity in braking was due in part to my leg being a rebuild or from me being so used to driving the Camry.

Other bummers:

The steering wheel is in a fix position and cruise control is unavailable.