Are Smart Cars Worth It?

As every American has become painfully aware of the financial impact of rising gas prices, the market has seen an apparent shift in purchases. The market, and consumer spending, is moving increasingly towards vehicles that are more gas efficient. On average, some of the best sedan-sized vehicles get about 25-35 miles per gallon. This is the range in which most Americans stay. Until now there hasn’t been many other options besides biking, motorcycles, and public transportation but there’s a new kid on the block. Most people have seen them here and there. These tiny little cars that look like toys. Smart Cars are everywhere in Europe but they’re having a rough transition to the American market, which has led many to ask if they’re really worth it.When you see one of these vehicles, the first thing you notice is the size. Most of them are only about 8 to 8 ½ feet long and less than 5 feet wide. This is tiny when you think of the average American vehicle that can be more than twice the size. When the car was introduced, it’s hybrid counterparts cost around 35 thousand, which is more than many gas run vehicles. This isn’t the most affordable alternative for people at a timewhen people have a hard time getting by and have had to getand other cities. It’s cost is inefficient and the sales have been relatively underwhelming for many dealers but this figure has been increasing. One of the biggest benefits drivers have found with the smart car has a range of about 120 to 150 miles on a singlecharge. It can charge in about 5 to 6 hours. According tosmart cars, ifgas powered, can get about 33 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. This is a marked improvement but many ask if it’s worth the added cost and, what some would call, reduced safety.Many people that have test driven smart vehicles say that there are many downsides to owning one of them. The first con being that they are, obviously, much smaller than all other cars on the highway. Despite considerable safety features, there is no question that, if you get into an accident with a SUV or truck, you’re going to fare far worse than if you were in a larger car. Sometimes you just can’t avoid a collision and even though smart cars might have great safety standards, people still feel unsafe or somehow vulnerable in them.
Another downside to these cars it that they’re not very family friendly. These cars only have two seats and there are very limited additional passenger options. These cars were clearly crafted for efficiency and longevity, not for comfort and spaciousness. Though cargo space is surprisingly roomy, there’s still less than eight cubic feet of additional space. Needless to say, you can’t pack around furniture let alone a couple kids very well.
There are some people that swear by these cars and say that they’re the future of transportation, and they’re likely right. Many cars are getting smaller and smaller while increasing efficiency standards in an increasingly energy conscious world. Regardless of these facts, the American market has still yet to fully embrace these vehicles and until there’s a monumental step forward, the nominal benefits of these cars will likely translate into lackluster sales.