Stupid Car

Yes, the time has come in America where we've been forced to turn away from large gas guzzlers to smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles. To capitalize on the new trend, Mercedes has introduced the "Smart" Car. It's a two-seater that looks like it took a wrong turn at hole 9 and somehow ended up on I-495. It seems like it would be an economical and intelligent choice in these times of inflated gas prices. But by simply looking at the specs, you'll see that this car is nothing more than a status symbol for green elitists.

First, look at the fuel-efficiency rating: 33mpg city/41 highway. Not bad until you realize that only two people can fit in this car with very limited cargo space. It ought to get about 60mpg based on it's minuscule size. Second, it costs around $15,000. Mercedes should be charging about $20K to the green fanatics who buy it. They'd still make a killing.

What other cars are in that price range and offer comparable fuel-efficiency? The Toyota Yaris (29/36), Honda Fit(28/34), and Mini Cooper(28/37). All of these cars are probably twice the size of a Smart Car. This means that you can actually take other people with you in your car. Alternatively, you can carry more cargo. Of course, the Mini Cooper will cost you more. But then again, can you really put a price on the environment?

The only place I can possibly imagine a Smart Car being practical is for someone who lives downtown and almost never ventures outside the city limits. But the problem is, most of the Smart Cars I see are being driven in the suburbs! This leads me to the conclusion that the people buying these cars certainly aren't doing so for reasons of need or practicality (the Toyota, Honda, and Mini are all more practical for the suburbs). They also aren't buying the Smart Car for performance reasons and certainly not reliability (after all, it is a Mercedes brand). The only reason for someone in the suburbs to own this car is to brag to others that they are somehow more environmentally sensitive than everyone else. You know what? You can keep your stupid Smart cars to yourselves. Normal American's will stick with more practical subcompacts.