Well Clo,
I hate to break the news to you but there are several COMPACTS that are fairly big that get 40 plus miles per gallon and they are not hybrids either.
The ELANTRA comes to mind readily and it is Two and half times LARGER than the DUMB CAR.
ONe also can feel somewhat safer in it when driving at speeds at 70 mph or faster.
Heck, My 4100 pound mid-size gets 33 MPG's going 74 MPH through the Appalachian mountains up and down steep grades.
The SONATA gets over 36 MPG's and it is a fairly good sized mid-size sedan.
So, the gas mileage on a SMART really SUCKS for its death trap size.
Why drive a peanut when you can drive a larger vehicle and get almost the identical mileage?
Much safer if you are in a wreck than that little death trap that was made to drive in crowded cities, not on interstates.
People really do dumb things and don;t think any farther than their nose projects out from their face.
Maybe you could ride with your friend and drive around the interstates and tell us how SAFE you really feel with about 12 inches between your head and the bumper?
And what about the person who is behind you going 70 mph and runs into you from the rear?
You do know there is almost ZERO steel behind your seat where your back is resting for that impact?
Hope your friend doesn't mind a really messed up back or front if they are ever in a bad crash.
THAT right there is reason enough to avoid driving these things not to mention the price of one.
WHY would ANYONE BUY one when they can get a MID SIZE sedan or coupe three plus times BIGGER with almost the same gas mileage?
And yes, they do look like that or roller skates. Your friend needs her head examined, really.
Oh well......
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