Great Smart Car Road Trip: A Smart in Malibu on PCH

Great Smart Car Road Trip: A Smart in Malibu on PCH

Over the month of July I have been posting my account of driving a 2009 Smart ForTwo Passion Cabriolet from L.A. to San Francisco and Back in what I have dubbed the “Great Smart Car Road Trip” series. If you have missed them, be sure to look back and check out my account of how safe they are on the highway, what kind of real gas mileage achieved on the journey, whether it can conquer the hills of San Francisco or tame the curves of Topanga Canyon. It was quite an exciting ride with the mini car, but now it is time for the Final Verdict.

Smart Car In San Francisco

Smart Car In San Francisco

Smart Car Parked In San Francisco

Smart Car Parked In San Francisco

2009 Smart Passion Cabriolet: Great Smart Car Road Trip First Fill Up

2009 Smart Passion Cabriolet: Great Smart Car Road Trip First Fill Up

Looking back on the trip now and after driving several other types of cars, including a loaded Nissan Maxima SV, I have to say that the Smart car still holds its own. The thing about the car is that it is perfect…for certain situations. The best situation for the Smart car is a large urban setting that has unregulated parking where you can capitalize on the small size. The thing about the Smart is that it doesn’t really make sense from a gas mileage perspective because there are new cars in showrooms like the 2011 Ford Fiesta that not only come close to the entry price of the Smart car, but also achieve similar mpgs. The thing you can’t beat the Smart car at is its diminutive size.

Other situations that would make the Smart car a viable solution is for someone who is traveling with an RV and wants to bring a car along. The small size means that you could tow it behind and use it as a little run about. Heck, some trailers have the ability to haul ATVs, instead you might be able to haul a Smart. Talk about instant transportation. The final reason to own a Smart is because they are just so darn cute and you like to get attention. It isn’t often that I get as much attention in a new car as I have in the Smart Cabriolet. In fact, I am pretty sure there is a bunch of tourist with Smart as the subject of their pictures from when I drove through San Francisco.

Bottom line—If you get a chance to experience a Smart car, you should.