The Rise And Fall Of The Smart Car | Rise And Fall

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.ค. 2024
  • The Smart car was expected to be the future of urban mobility. Yet two decades after its launch in 1998, it was removed from North America and was losing owner Daimler an estimated half a billion dollars yearly. We explore how the innovative mainstream microcar fell so badly.
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    The Rise And Fall Of The Smart Car | Rise And Fall
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ความคิดเห็น • 520

  • @Josh-er6oz
    @Josh-er6oz 2 ปีที่แล้ว +513

    The title should be ‘the rise and fall of the Smart Car in the US’

    • @zripster
      @zripster 2 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Why specify, it's not like anywhere else matters?

    • @lucaswells933
      @lucaswells933 2 ปีที่แล้ว +68

      @@zripster Spoken like a true American

    • @ttbdrummer
      @ttbdrummer 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Just call it bag of shit shit

    • @nicopzs167
      @nicopzs167 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Are all Americans this ignorant??

    • @ttbdrummer
      @ttbdrummer 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@nicopzs167 Yup. So the irony of me saying that it’s not lost

  • @bluebear6570
    @bluebear6570 2 ปีที่แล้ว +206

    Apparently, every car which is not a sedan, is now called SUV, although most of the are neither sporty, nor a utility.

    • @baronvonjo1929
      @baronvonjo1929 2 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      For real. Their Crossovers.

    • @dbclass4075
      @dbclass4075 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @Chris I think he is referring to how most people describe body style. They think if the car has a hatch (door) = SUV. Obviously, it isn't the case, as they missed important details you described.

    • @SecretOfMonkeyIsland784
      @SecretOfMonkeyIsland784 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Apparently every car which is a saloon is now referred to as a sedan, although in the UK we dont use the term sedan or trunk / hood for that matter.

    • @everydayfun9531
      @everydayfun9531 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Corolla cross exists for a reason lol 😂

  • @mikeselectricstuff
    @mikeselectricstuff 3 ปีที่แล้ว +432

    They are hugely popular here in the UK, along with the Fiat 500

    • @ocallaghan3865
      @ocallaghan3865 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Fiat 500
      A small car for a fancy car
      Unless its older than grandma

    • @ijaen
      @ijaen 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Only because on discounts and prices…

    • @mbean7
      @mbean7 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Very true

    • @robertkester8276
      @robertkester8276 2 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      Would disagree, I hardly ever see smart cars, mostly mini’s.

    • @paullacey2999
      @paullacey2999 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Yes as a pizza delivery car or a runabout for estate agents....

  • @a-dino
    @a-dino 2 ปีที่แล้ว +245

    The ForFour definitely wasn't an SUV lmao

    • @joemacleod-iredale2888
      @joemacleod-iredale2888 2 ปีที่แล้ว +25

      I’m a bit baffled by that as well, it’s just a normal hatchback.

    • @Kekonomik
      @Kekonomik 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      It does make sense now
      Coz all I see is pseudo SUVs

    • @govinlock8568
      @govinlock8568 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Most SUV on the market today aren't SUV. Media always use SUV and crossover term interchangably, despite both of those type have different characteristics.

    • @LXW-Arts
      @LXW-Arts 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Most SUVs in usa New ones look like station wagons all long and low.

  • @emilymaitlislaptop
    @emilymaitlislaptop 3 ปีที่แล้ว +138

    Newsflash!!! The world is not the US. Crazy, I know...

    • @josephk6136
      @josephk6136 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      You are right. The US is just the only place on Earth that matters.

    • @emilymaitlislaptop
      @emilymaitlislaptop 2 ปีที่แล้ว +32

      @@josephk6136 except when it comes to irony, humility and the pain of self-awareness.

    • @baronvonjo1929
      @baronvonjo1929 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Newsflash!!! This a American platform and a American account aimed at a American audience. Crazy I know.

    • @emilymaitlislaptop
      @emilymaitlislaptop 2 ปีที่แล้ว +18

      @@baronvonjo1929 aimed at an American audience? TH-cam has global reach. Looks like this (American) channel author is ignorant of his audience. Crazy, I know...

    • @baronvonjo1929
      @baronvonjo1929 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@emilymaitlislaptop lol

  • @michaelquirke1
    @michaelquirke1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +227

    I am on my fifth Smart (3 of them Brabus), fantastic second car. US just do not get them. As the guy below says, hugely popular in UK and Europe.

    • @cactus3796
      @cactus3796 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      they are great

    • @janpokos4086
      @janpokos4086 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I am on my second one, my family has had one since 2007 and I wouldnt sell it for anything

    • @cjodigo
      @cjodigo 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I think they are cute but they didn’t get good fuel mileage when I was looking at them😏

    • @Parabueto
      @Parabueto 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@cjodigo yeah the mileage isn't great compared to slightly bigger small cars. But I live in a terrace in the UK where parking is horrific. I just bought my first car last month and it's a smart. Purely because it's easy to drive and easy to find a parking space for it.

    • @ent2220
      @ent2220 ปีที่แล้ว

      For me it's how bad their range is. If they could at least double it, I'd get 10 of these cars. Though preferribly tripple it.

  • @plainlybasic2300
    @plainlybasic2300 3 ปีที่แล้ว +191

    For what they were, and are, they are good little vehicles. It's honestly almost like an original mini Cooper, small and reasonably fun to drive

    • @ocallaghan3865
      @ocallaghan3865 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Best stick to the kei car

    • @Seri-Katil
      @Seri-Katil 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Until you get pancaked between 2 large vehicles

    • @jackpez
      @jackpez 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@Seri-Katil rare

    • @Lakillika
      @Lakillika 2 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      @@Seri-Katil just like any other car.

    • @CarterHancock
      @CarterHancock 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Not really. Compare them to a new Corolla, they get worse mileage, are smaller, and are more expensive. No wonder they failed in the US. Plus the small size isn’t an advantage in our cities since they don’t have super narrow European city streets.

  • @mistertee5000
    @mistertee5000 2 ปีที่แล้ว +30

    After driving a Fourtwo around a big city a few times, I totally get why these cars are awesome. Not the smoothest car but it's always fun and you can literally park this thing anywhere and its big enough for day-to-day basics like groceries and maybe a Costco run. Costs almost nothing to operate too. If you have a big, insecure ego you'll probably hate this car.

    • @Rudenbehr
      @Rudenbehr 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      you’re right I hate this car

  • @rogerfroud300
    @rogerfroud300 2 ปีที่แล้ว +118

    I've had two and I absolutely love them. They're huge fun to own and drive. I have no idea why they thought making a 4 door version was a good idea. That makes absolutely no sense. Why compete with every other car on the market when you're a niche brand?
    It's the perfect size for two people, it's roomy and goes great on long journeys. It's a real shame it hasn't taken off in bigger numbers.

    • @barryrudge1576
      @barryrudge1576 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      The four door version was actually a re-badged & slightly re modelled Mazda.

    • @TheAllMightyGodofCod
      @TheAllMightyGodofCod 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@barryrudge1576 no. It was not. It never was. Where did you even got that idea?!?
      First generation Forfour shared some elements with Mitsubishi's Colt/Mirage of the same time and second generation shares a lot with the current Renault Twingo. Not Mazda.

    • @mx7250
      @mx7250 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I only recently found out that they are also planning to release another suv in 2022, which is such a shame in my opinion! They've been doing great with producing small cars so why would they make "normal-sized" cars now

    • @kevinfletcher1999
      @kevinfletcher1999 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Just buy two and hitch one up like you would a caravan when you need 4 seats. 😂😂😂

    • @edwardchester1
      @edwardchester1 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Same logic as the various Mini versions. You get to a certain point of brand recognition that people want the name but not the actual car. I just don't think Smart had the brand quite yet.

  • @anthonycollins9797
    @anthonycollins9797 2 ปีที่แล้ว +48

    I’ve owned the Brabus versions of the ForTwo, Roadster and ForFour. I loved The Smart brand. It was clever, thoughtful design and the range topping models had just enough power to make them fun. The service at Smart Centres was great and the accessories range meant you could customise your car. It started to go wrong when the design standards slipped and the cars became increasingly bland. The cut backs at the dealers meant Smart Centres were hollowed out and I felt I knew more about the cars than the dealers did.

  • @michaelzeng77
    @michaelzeng77 3 ปีที่แล้ว +87

    Americans think they are the only country in the world lol. Here in Italy and most western European contries, every major city is filled with them! Plus they are mostly electric as smart only sells the electric version no. The size and convenience of this car far outweigh the dangers as we only can only drive under 30 miles per hour in cities

    • @bryanm.4869
      @bryanm.4869 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Smart has never been profitable even in Europe

    • @NWCI
      @NWCI 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Generally, the us version is heavier and not as fuel efficient and European models. Also streets in the US is much wider and speed is faster. Some cities you can go up to 60 mph (100kmh) in town and highway speeds up to 80 (130kph).
      What makes it un favorable it's about the size of the tires of Simi trucks.

    • @maxnewts
      @maxnewts 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@NWCI in that case don’t blame the car, blame the people who designed the streets that way. Clearly other countries have managed to make the Smart Fortwo work, so it isn’t the problem of the car companies, more the people who didn’t bother with making streets safe enough to use them.

    • @NWCI
      @NWCI 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@maxnewts you're not going to change a whole country's infrastructure because of one car. Actually I feel clustrofobic driving in Europe's streets, specially England

    • @louieg7676
      @louieg7676 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Marketing these small cars to US was a bad idea since it's vast thus people usually travel over greater distances and faster speed. Smart cars are just right in Europe and Asia. Add a little space for groceries and stuff and it's perfect for urban transport.

  • @fangtakahashi8686
    @fangtakahashi8686 2 ปีที่แล้ว +41

    Owning a 453, Loving it. Smart company should've focused on countries/areas with parking problems and lowered the price to make it more popular.

  • @Brainwave000
    @Brainwave000 2 ปีที่แล้ว +39

    I have one of these and a Land Rover, they're the perfect pair, where one fails, the other thrives!

    • @RFJersey
      @RFJersey 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      And they are both unreliable.

    • @Brainwave000
      @Brainwave000 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@RFJersey I have had zero problems with either I’m happy to report :)

    • @alexandersanchez9224
      @alexandersanchez9224 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@RFJersey sometimes not ALL cars people on the internet say internet are bad, the people on the internet doesn’t always tell the truth, unless your talking about your own experience with Smart and Land Rover.

    • @jackpez
      @jackpez 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@RFJersey reliability isn’t everything 😐

    • @Lakillika
      @Lakillika 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@RFJersey What makes you say that? Personal experience or personal bias ?

  • @n4osx
    @n4osx 2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    I'm one of the 'odd' fortunate few here in the US to still be enjoying my 2017 Fortwo convertible as my daily driver. I love that little car, and I'll drive it as long as I can keep it on the road. :)

    • @ffhjvbuydb78eb
      @ffhjvbuydb78eb 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I used to have a 2017 but back in July I hit a deer with mine 😢
      I just recently bought a 2016 with low miles of 17K miles. I love these little cars

  • @MichaelMorrissey
    @MichaelMorrissey 2 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    I drove one (in Atlanta of all places) for 3 years, and it was the most fun car I've ever owned. It's just a complete mismatch for the US market; that, combined with some weird dealership setups really killed it (I was not able to test drive an electric Smart; I was told dealerships couldn't have any test drive vehicles on the lot). I understand the economics, but it's a tragedy they're no longer available in the US.

  • @JayParkKanal
    @JayParkKanal 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Just because it's not popular in the US, it doesn't mean it's a failure

  • @amirmoradi9595
    @amirmoradi9595 2 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    I did a three year lease on a 2016 Smart EV. I liked enough that I would have been willing to buy it. Problem is the dealership wanted to sell it for $15k to me. I don't know who would pay $15k for a 3 year old used car with only two seats and a range of 50 miles.
    Nice car, way overpriced

  • @spidercrawl21
    @spidercrawl21 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    They’re still very popular in France Italy and Germany from what I’ve seen. Have a lot of colleagues who have them. Extremely convenient for city driving and parking.

  • @j_laskada
    @j_laskada 3 ปีที่แล้ว +29

    I own two Smart Fortwo and I've owned a lot of others cars.. believe me. They are really great cars. Small, handy for the city, low fuel consumption and cheap to mantain.

    • @TugaDev
      @TugaDev 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      As a smart car techie im making a small newsletter to solve online most of smart cars litle problems!

    • @wiredwebmaster
      @wiredwebmaster 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@TugaDev - Awesome. Do you mind posting a sign-up link (or website) in the comment section? Thanks!

  • @eddieg6436
    @eddieg6436 2 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    I had my 2008 Smart Fortwo for 13 years and LOVED it! I’m in the U.S., I’m 6’4” tall, 228lbs, a big, TALL guy, and I LOVED the Smart (and had plenty of room). As an American, I can honestly say that MANY Americans are very short-sighted, ignorant, and CLUELESS when it comes to the how genius the Smart car is (among many other things!). I plan on buying a 3rd Gen. Smart soon……I LOVED mine!!

    • @barryrudge1576
      @barryrudge1576 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I'm 6'3" tall and occasionally drive the wife's smart car. As you say as much room up front as any four door salmon until you turn you head to look at the rear and see how close the rear window is to you, Much like driving half a full size car.

    • @eddieg6436
      @eddieg6436 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@barryrudge1576 Due to the raised seating height, the Smart reminds me of being in the front seat of a minivan (with the van chopped off behind front seats). I’ve driven my Smart on the freeway from Seattle to L.A. (and back) twice!

    • @Rapscallion2009
      @Rapscallion2009 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      It's the same in Europe. People buy 2 Tonne SUVs just to ferry their kids to school.
      I do wonder when the current SUV fashion will end. It will at some point.

  • @criaghuges4445
    @criaghuges4445 2 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    So what have we learnt here? The world doesn’t revolve around America

    • @Imperial_Dynamics
      @Imperial_Dynamics 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      exactly. That what made me click the video... when i read the title i was surprised.. "when did Smart cars fail" i thought, "that's silly". Then I realised it was an American video.

  • @brucekennedy5274
    @brucekennedy5274 2 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    I love them, but there’s no getting away from the fact they are so niche. If you want a little runaround you’d be hard pressed to choose one over something like a VW Up (or similar) which would cost the same, or less and be far more useful. If they make them electric and mega cheap they could be on to a winner in China tho - I hope they keep going, I always smile when I see one.

  • @ricklipford8762
    @ricklipford8762 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    I have a 2010 smart car love it never had a bit of problems with it very reliable great gas mileage

  • @GlobeOil0030official
    @GlobeOil0030official ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I saw one on my way to work and one pulled into the parking lot at my place of work. It reminded me that these vehicles exist. I completely forgot about them.

  • @Ricotraficante
    @Ricotraficante 3 ปีที่แล้ว +27

    this video actually makes me wanna get a smart car now

    • @cactus3796
      @cactus3796 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      u should they are great

    • @TugaDev
      @TugaDev 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@cactus3796 As a smart car techie im making a small newsletter to solve online most of smart cars litle problems!

    • @cactus3796
      @cactus3796 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@TugaDev nice, there is a website called evilution that does that already tho

  • @bobm4623
    @bobm4623 3 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    If only they had ironed out the roadster problems.

    • @ajharmiah2692
      @ajharmiah2692 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      What were the problems with the roadster? Is that the 2 seater that sort of like a mx5?

    • @techgeekout
      @techgeekout 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@ajharmiah2692 yeah, i was half looking to get one as my first car. Iirc the main problem is the gearbox is an automated manual which is just a bit crap, too unresponsive. Also the engine is tiny, 0.8L(ish) but that doesn't really matter since it was so light

    • @samefacebutadifferentperson
      @samefacebutadifferentperson 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@techgeekout those are not what killed it. They are notoriously not waterproof & the electrics are easy to fry. Warranty claims were made on pretty much every sale. Made no sense to continue. GM boss tried to redesign it “Project Kimber” but its been dormant since early 2010s.

  • @dressshoeguy
    @dressshoeguy 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I had two of them and loved both of them but once I had to take my second one to the dealership due to a stuck ignition key it turned into a 1100 dollar repair turning off my love for the car altogether in 2019 and eventually trading it in for a used 2017 Hyundai Accent. The mere fact that the Smart car was no longer sold in the US and with very little mechanical support as not many independents would work on those cars was a deal breaker. Shame too they were a blast to drive and I could park them anywhere and being single it was a perfect fit for my lifestyle. If only the US would have gotten off the SUV kick they and many other small cars and sedans would find their place in the US.

  • @manuelvenegas4737
    @manuelvenegas4737 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I have one and absolutely love it and plan to never rid of it. It's just too easy for the city.

  • @annrobinson7766
    @annrobinson7766 2 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    I have a Smart EV. Love it. It’s a great city car.

  • @jonathanb1579
    @jonathanb1579 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I have one and I had 2 models before I love smarts but the only problem is that they’re too expensive for the average family.

  • @ncisfan1002
    @ncisfan1002 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I own one of these! Gas model, of course, and I got it second-hand. Perfect for when you live in a multi-household street where people park like a-holes and leave no space for a normal car... but a space a Smart can fit in :)

  • @TugaDev
    @TugaDev 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    As a smart car techie im making a small newsletter to solve online most of smart cars litle problems!

  • @eurosonly
    @eurosonly 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I'm amazed that the size remains mostly the same as the first gen models. and they keep getting better in the visual department unlike mini. The suv looks really cool.

  • @Vatierville
    @Vatierville 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    I think as the push for electric cars is more intense, I think the Smart Electric drive just may pick up!

  • @alanboas810
    @alanboas810 2 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    I always have been intrigued by the Smart brand of vehicles. They are extremely stylish. I ended up with a Fiat 500 which I love but still can't stop staring at every Smart I see.

    • @barryrudge1576
      @barryrudge1576 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      My wife as owned a Smart car diesel for 5 yrs and a granddaughter who loves her Fiat 500 both excellent city/commute cars

    • @baronvonjo1929
      @baronvonjo1929 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Stylish... right...

    • @maxnewts
      @maxnewts 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@baronvonjo1929 have you not seen the 2021 model? It’s pretty much a MERCEDES micro-car.

  • @julien.le.createur
    @julien.le.createur 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The smart forfour was basically against what the brand is. They made a 4 seater car that takes a nornal amount of space.

  • @philipmorris3684
    @philipmorris3684 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Cool little car , I own a brabus 451 does everything I need, easy to park easy to run and great fun.

  • @bryanm.4869
    @bryanm.4869 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    To all the europeans here (I'm also european), Smart has never been profitable even in Europe. Also, Cars Insider is from the USA so they talk about their market which makes sense.

    • @vasopel
      @vasopel 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      yes reports say that the "smart" brand hasn't been all that profitable for many many years, about the other thing...well youtube is a site that all the world visits so videos (and video titles) should be made with that in mind ;-)

  • @17addidas
    @17addidas 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    FALL ??? Sounds like "Clickbait " Its a hugely popular city car . Often as delivery and services such as home nursing and care . They are everywhere to be seen here in Germany . ....Even more now with their electric versions . As for the North American market ... small city cars have always had acceptance difficulties

  • @apexerman1
    @apexerman1 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Ah, the little Smartie. I've owned my 2016 453 Fortwo for three years now and it's still a hoot to drive. Short wheelbase, punchy turbo three-banger, ridiculously tight turning radius... it really delivers the go-kart feel. Alas, the car was never going to make it in North America whose citizens love SUV's, trucks and crossovers, but for those that get it, it's a little pocket rocket of fun.

  • @rrad8106
    @rrad8106 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    We rented one while visiting Block Island RI a few years back, and it was a delight to drive. Perfect for the narrow roads of BI.
    An electric version sounds appealing, but ya know... back in 1998, Ford did a prototype of the Ford Ka that had a small pick-up like back end. If the Chinese designed an electric version of the ForTwo with a pick-up back end, I could see one of those in our garage.

  • @chrisylink
    @chrisylink 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I wish they were more popular here in the U.S. I've always wanted one. Still thinking about it not gonna lie.

  • @chrissey663
    @chrissey663 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I've had my smart for two 2016 over a year now it's the best car I've had, easy to park £30 to fill up and it last 400 mls, And no tax. I can get 4 large bags of shopping in the boot.
    So much fun and don't think I'll ever get rid of him (sid)

  • @rayspencer5025
    @rayspencer5025 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I was skeptical of SmartCars until I drove my 2016 gas powered manual 5-speed 453. It was immediate LOVE! Though not always a practical car (it is no mini-van or pick-up), I have never enjoyed driving any other car so much. It is a total blast every day! It is way quicker than you would think, and has a smaller turning radius than a Harley-Davidson. I would buy another in a heartbeat.
    When the dealership dropped my "Zippy" off he was grinning. "Wow, that was fun. And it has a little growl to it." he said.

    • @apexerman1
      @apexerman1 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Great description. When my tech rep at the dealership delivered my car, he was like, 'That thing is really fun!" He was a relative new guy, so he didn't have much experience with Smarts. I think he understood the meaning of street-legal go-kart. ;-)

    • @rayspencer5025
      @rayspencer5025 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@apexerman1 I have abunch of stickers on my "Zippy", and one says "Street Legal Go-cart".

    • @apexerman1
      @apexerman1 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@rayspencer5025 -Excellent!

  • @FLRSKLVR
    @FLRSKLVR 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    We see a lot of them all over Europe. They are often used for car sharing services as well (the electric ones) for a private buyer they are quite pricy.

  • @dm5374
    @dm5374 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have a 1 month-old smart ForTwo EQ with all the options. It's my second EQ and I adore it for my city commute. Its usefulness pretty much stops there: for other needs I have other cars.

  • @MrHazzard12345
    @MrHazzard12345 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Just got rid of our fiat 500 due to a common selespeed issue, £1800 to fix. Replaced by a smart fortwo and must say what an absolute pleasure to drive. fast, efficient and a shite tonn of fun to drive.

  • @HandyDan
    @HandyDan 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Well I'm American, I live in the 5th largest city and I absolutely LOVE my 2015 451 Electric Smart car!
    I don't know why America is fixated on gas Guzzling big cars when My little car turns heads at every light. People smile and take video and pictures of this RARE car 5 times a day.
    I'm kinda glad they're not popular, I have a Unique ride!

    • @y2kmadd
      @y2kmadd 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Because families usually consist of more than 2 people. That is why they fail in the U.S.

    • @HandyDan
      @HandyDan 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@y2kmadd True, however 90% of SUV and Extended cab trucks have only the driver in it on workdays. So I use my car to take just myself to work.

  • @MrJafredderf
    @MrJafredderf 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Well, I've had mine for a year and it's terrific and I live in North America.

  • @stickynorth
    @stickynorth 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I drive a Smart Fortwo here in Alberta and despite its multiple, annoying quirks its still so fun and easy to use that I prefer it over any other type of whip, TBH... I've driven everything from Matrix's to Intrepid's and cargo vans and nothing beats the seat position and spaciousness of the Smart Fortwo cabin... If you are alone which most of us are in our cars most of the time. Even with a passenger it's not terrible due to the offset seating which puts the driver ahead of the passenger by a few inches to maximize shoulder room and views... My only major beef is the European-level heating and AC... Alberta frequently pushes +40c in the summer and -40c in the winter which is about 20 degrees warmer and colder than the car is comfortable in most weather. If its in the +20c to -20c zone? No problems at all...

  • @joeyhillers9460
    @joeyhillers9460 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I’ve had 2. They are great little cars and I’ve been in an accident with my latter one. No problems at all, just waiting to get it fixed and I’ll be driving again

  • @tommyrex7632
    @tommyrex7632 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    LOVE my 2017 Fortwo. Futuristic, comfortable. A beautiful car. U have no idea how roomy and comfortable those cars are. A snap to drive. Lol

  • @StellaLunaStar94
    @StellaLunaStar94 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I bought my smart car in January of 2020. Still happy with my purchase. Although when something breaks, the parts sometimes have to be shipped from France

  • @losmeets98
    @losmeets98 ปีที่แล้ว

    I drive a 2016 ForTwo as a commuter car, great fun to drive an very handy in the city. It's bouncy on short bumps, but handles the highway surprisingly well. It's cheap to tax, insure and fuel up!

  • @gap9992
    @gap9992 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    We had a ForTwo petrol and now a ForFour EQ.
    In the UK we have narrow roads and small parking spaces so the Smart is fantastic for local runs. I can't see how the car would make sense in the USA where you have loads of space.
    The EQ would be hopeless as an only car due to its 60mile range, unless you only ever drive short distances from home. For us it's only used for local runs and is brilliant for that. It's really well equipped and good value with all the discounts on offer. It's much better to drive than the petrol versions.
    We have had the car for 6 months and I have only seen one other on the road - so that says a lot about sales I think !

  • @giovannil8244
    @giovannil8244 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    The Smart car (even the newest model) is one of the most common cars in Rome, which is also the city with the most Smarts globally.
    Here the Smart car will never die

    • @clockclocky5365
      @clockclocky5365 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Cause the streets are made for mostly vespas and people not huge cars just look at the poor Ferrari Roma stuck in. Street

    • @giovannil8244
      @giovannil8244 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@clockclocky5365 actually in Rome the streets are not that narrow, like in the video of the Ferrari Roma (except in some parts of the city center).
      The real problem of a lot of neighborhoods is parking spots availability, so people often buy Smarts

  • @themichal2298
    @themichal2298 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I was torn to buy smart as my first car but decided for 3-door Corsa.

  • @etcarief
    @etcarief 3 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    They should sell it in Japan considering kei cars is booming there

    • @RaffiJaharian
      @RaffiJaharian 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      They did make a kei car version for Japan but it failed miserably

    • @shivamarya5225
      @shivamarya5225 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      They're pretty overpriced for what they are. You can literally get cars that size for one third the price and better fuel economy and space, even the ones with better interior cost half that.

  • @ddelimar
    @ddelimar 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This seems overly US centric report, and that's fine, except it's made to sound like it's universal. So Smart was never really for US roads and it failed there. So what?

  • @mertcanyldz2342
    @mertcanyldz2342 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I've forfour model from 2005. It's really great car, I just made another 500km yesterday. It's already over 250 thousand km and I must say it's wonderful for 3 cylinder car.

  • @S-Ltd1000
    @S-Ltd1000 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    You completely forgot to mention the roadster.

  • @WaffleEater53019
    @WaffleEater53019 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Just an update: Multiple major Chinese cities has canceled special treatment policies including free license plate for EV shorter than 4.5m or cheaper than 20k. Meanwhile there’s no way Daimler can compete with likes of GM Wulin who makes cars for $8000

  • @Dcc357
    @Dcc357 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I got to fix oil leaks on one and drive it around. The automated manual sucks. You gotta be crazy to drive one of these in more suburban areas of the US because there are tons of fast drivers

  • @RyanSargent
    @RyanSargent 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    "Mini SUV" is not a term! Especially from a car oriented channel.
    The Forfour was a hatchback.

  • @notouriosdja
    @notouriosdja 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    iv owned one, apart from the awful gearbox, there good for running costs wise and easy to park anywhere

  • @Twmpa
    @Twmpa 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The concept was brilliant but there was a huge drawback - the price. It has always been the case that for the price of a two seat Smart, or often less, one could buy a large choice of small 5 door, 5 seat hatchbacks. Nowadays in the UK, it appears that Smart has now become a niche provider of expensive electric cars where, even in the tiny two seat form, prices start comfortably north of 20K. At best, I would give the brand, which has NEVER been profitable, another 2 years before Daimler axe it altogether outside of China.

  • @parissun1
    @parissun1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I love my little car, so easy to maneuver thru town and fun to drive. It

    • @TugaDev
      @TugaDev 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      As a smart car techie im making a small newsletter to solve online most of smart cars litle problems!

  • @skigod9
    @skigod9 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    i built a lifted smart on 30 inch tires.... loved that thing

  • @sarahfink13
    @sarahfink13 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I am on my second Smart. I love driving them. So much fun. I have the EQ now ,and it's a great little city car.

  • @E-Ma
    @E-Ma 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Title should just be "smart stands for swatch, Mercedes Benz, art"

  • @mrpmj00
    @mrpmj00 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    It's great for cities with small cars like Paris when I saw it in 1999. BUT not American cities where you can get killed in it among large cars/trucks.

  • @nabilm2941
    @nabilm2941 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    It's also worth mentioning that Swatch and Smart founder, Nicolas Hayek, is also Lebanese.

  • @forevermidi_com
    @forevermidi_com 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I own a 451 pulse since 2008, I love my car; thought to jump on the new model but it's too...big! 🤨

    • @chinabluewho
      @chinabluewho 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It still boggles my mind that todays cars get 100 HP from a 1 liter engine.

    • @maxnewts
      @maxnewts 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@chinabluewho Yeah, I know, AWESOME right!! especially when you think the weight of them and the improved brakes, suspension and handling are all now better quality and more reliable.

  • @dackyc9231
    @dackyc9231 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The Four4 definitely isn't an SUV. You also missed the Roadster.
    This entire video is viewed from a USA bubble.

  • @fana406
    @fana406 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    The car image of the video is a really cute and sporty nano car.

  • @miro_o
    @miro_o 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Some information about the brand I expected in this video is missing. Like the car sharing initiatives Daimler launched

  • @johnnyzee383
    @johnnyzee383 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I own a Smart electric..and I can tell you from someone who has owned at least 80 cars in my life, its a great little car. Where the company made a mistake was when they axed all the ICE versions to go electric, they kept the same 2013 battery technology and thought the public wouldnt notice..I can get 130 km range in the summer and 85 in our Canadian winters...well, im retired and its perfectly fine for me, but to the public this limited range would have been wholly insufficient..and I think that is where they made a mistake..I make batteries for ebikes and small vehicles, and I can put enough cells in the space where they have these pouch cells and double the range, because the technology has far surpassed what it was in 2013. So with a range of 260 kms in the city in the summer and 160 kms in the winter thats more like it..

  • @jacquelinebrunder2384
    @jacquelinebrunder2384 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I guess people decided it was far from smart to pay double the price of a full sized car for a half sized car.

  • @RomainSandt
    @RomainSandt 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I liked a lot the first Forfour. Each time I met an owner they had an other car, sometimes like me a Saab, something different they loved. But like Saab, different and good often isn't enough.

  • @ChiliBurgr
    @ChiliBurgr 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    My 2008 1.0 mhd fortwo has 100.000 km and never failed me. I believe it's one of the most reliable cars ever made.

  • @robgindc1
    @robgindc1 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Informative, except that you missed the targa/convertible coupe (Europe only) that was in a few movies.

  • @isuller
    @isuller 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    If you want to buy a city two seaters you literally have no other options. I don't think it'll go away - we had two so far and we loved both. We still have the EQ version as a "second car" although we use it more than we use our "first car"...

  • @macrichardson7440
    @macrichardson7440 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    We love ours. We bought it and had a custom size trailer ordered so this would be our tow car behind our motorcoach. It's perfect. Americans all think bigger is better.... which is their biggest problem.

  • @michaelsavino5700
    @michaelsavino5700 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I currently own two Smart cars here in the US. My wife and I each have one. Smart could have sold more cars here had they bothered to advertise at all here. They sold cars here without advertising at all. What manufacturer decides to introduce a new product without advertising it? In addition when Smart chose to go electric this vlog failed to tell you that the range of the new electric vehicle was only 68 miles. And they wonder why no one here in the US bought one? They should have never given up on the gas version of the car. It's a wonderful little car that didn't deserve the failed decisions regarding it made by it's manufacturer.

  • @patriciaapetrone
    @patriciaapetrone 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I own and love a 2009 smart for two. I bought it because it was inexpensive. I didn't think about the fact that maintenance would be expensive. Because so many garages don't bother learning how to work on smart cars, you either get gouged by the Mercedes Benz dealer, or you get gouged by garages making you pay for the time it takes for them to figure out how to fix them. Even though it is 12 years old, it only has 51,000 miles on it. It takes bumps like you're off-roading without shocks, and it has failed the emissions test twice because of the computer systerm, but I still love my car. I will be sorry to see it go, but this "inexpensive" car is about to break me.

    • @Tacosmix
      @Tacosmix 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I have a 2001 cabrio. I use a local garage in netherlands that knows how to deal with a smart. Not the cheapest, but no big problems so far. Just regular maintenance and sometimes replacing something. Makes it by far the cheapest car I ever had. 187 K km now. Buying it was a bargain at 1500 euro only. Being able to open the roof is so much fun! Intend to drive it till it falls apart or gets to expensive to repair.

    • @patriciaapetrone
      @patriciaapetrone 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Tacosmix I'm glad you have been lucky enough to find a good garage. I guess there just aren't enough smart cars in the US to get garages interested in learning how to fix them. I recently spent over a thousand dollars on the O2 sensors. That's ridiculous, isn't it? I really don't want to get rid of mine. In some ways, with there being only 51,000 on the odometer, it still feels like a new car! Congratulations on your good fortune. Maybe by the time something major goes wrong with mine, there will be someone who knows how to fix it without charging me enough to send their kids to college!

  • @humanihchannel5333
    @humanihchannel5333 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Never seen mine in my life. But would love to buy one if it's cheap

  • @andrewpaiz7889
    @andrewpaiz7889 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I got a 2008 fortwo with over 150k miles, zero problems! Little guy runs like a champ
    Although not the most comfortable vehicle, it’s still absolutely fun to drive

    • @CityChristina
      @CityChristina 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I just bought a 2008 Fortwo back in April too with only 60K miles on it! Other than the muffler needing replacement, no problems so far!

    • @ffhjvbuydb78eb
      @ffhjvbuydb78eb 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​@@CityChristinaI bought my second smart after hitting a deer with my first. I got LUCKY and found a 2016 fortwo with 17K miles 🤩🤩🤩 I love it

  • @edd2184
    @edd2184 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I own the first one that came stateside. The transmission was just horrible, and when it was at the tail end of its life it needed a clutch for the automated transmission.
    The repair simply wasn't worth it however I can't complain because I was able to sell it for a little bit under what I picked it up for.

  • @RoVanRooster
    @RoVanRooster 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    A Smart isn‘t a Car. Greetings from a German Automotive Engineer.

  • @MircoWilhelm
    @MircoWilhelm 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    The For Four wasn't an SUV but a simple re-skinned Mitsubishi hatchback. Which in turn had lead to a lot of quality issues. Hence the sharp drop in sales. For the current smart models, they had turned to a corporation with Renault which offered the same car under their brand as a four-door.

  • @hondamonkeytv4138
    @hondamonkeytv4138 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I've owned several - still one - and to me the main problem is the god-awful gearbox they insist on using. JUST FIT A MANUAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • @young-aviator
    @young-aviator ปีที่แล้ว

    I hope they bring them back to the US because I saw one on carvana and I don't know if i can even get it but if there are dealers still in the US I wouldn't totally buy on am still thinking of buying one when I move out

  • @kennethfelipe823
    @kennethfelipe823 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I have a 2016 smart car. I love it. I do not love having to go to Mercedes for the oil change. I do not love having to pay 500 bucks every 10,000 miles.

    • @vasopel
      @vasopel 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      why do you have to go to Mercedes for the oil change? and why is Mercedes charging you 500$ for an oil change? :-O

    • @kennethfelipe823
      @kennethfelipe823 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      They have a special tool well removing the oil now for the 2016 model. They also fill up your fluids give you a diagnostic and all that crap. That’s the first 10,000 miles. The second 10,000 miles there’s another 500 and change.

    • @vasopel
      @vasopel 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@kennethfelipe823 I just checked on the internet to make sure, no there is no "special" tool, any mechanic that's worth he's salt can replace the oil filter and change the oil, try to find a mechanic that has good reviews or has knowledge of European cars, stop going to the dealership.

    • @kennethfelipe823
      @kennethfelipe823 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@vasopel I literally took it to three they need a special tool to change the oil.

    • @kennethfelipe823
      @kennethfelipe823 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@vasopel I also tried to change my battery GuessWhat I need a special tool to change that too and it was so complicated.

  • @Jeffotos
    @Jeffotos 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    A hybrid with a *big* gas tank and 1000 mile range = Smarter car.

  • @Larry
    @Larry 2 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    Always remember Jeremy Clarkson reviewing the FourFour Smart car, there's so little space in the back, he said it's only worth buying if you have two friends that don't have any legs! :D

  • @novelenterprise
    @novelenterprise ปีที่แล้ว +2

    For a car so tiny, why does it cost so much, seems like it should be under 10k

    • @Biscuit9891
      @Biscuit9891 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      bc it's made by mercedes benz and they are built well.

  • @nightcatcher5508
    @nightcatcher5508 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Where I live there has always been a stigma around smart cars that old people drive them. I assume this is the case in other parts of the US

    • @Evil12monks
      @Evil12monks 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      It's like that in Arizona. The only people that drive them are older adults.

  • @cheekythrillz
    @cheekythrillz 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have an Amg Mercedes and a new Smart forfour. I love the smart car. Small and compact and very comfortable, and unlike my Mercedes can manage speed bumps.

  • @Darko_Milosevski03
    @Darko_Milosevski03 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I love the Smart cars
    I want one (fourtwo version)
    It makes me smile

  • @Biscuit9891
    @Biscuit9891 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    i have a 2012 smart car and it's built like a tank. mpg is up there too, however i have to part ways with it due to the scarcity of parts since they don't sell them in the US. had mine for almost 8 years and will miss driving it. have no clue why they ditch the gas powered one for EV, dumb mistake.