From the logbook: Smart ForTwo

One of my colleagues suggested calling this the "Not-So-Smart Car" and one went so far as to write "Dumb Car" in the logbook. Our First Look of this roller skate on wheels praised its excellent fuel economy (45 mpg average) but also criticized its overall performance, going so far as to call it "the slowest, current production vehicle that Consumer Reports has tested."

Does the Smart need more education? Our engineers take it to school:

"Surprisingly, it doesn't feel dinky when you drive it - but then you get out and laugh."

"The semi-automatic transmission is slow to change and makes the car nod forward and back as it shifts...makes me sea sick."

"Steering is a bit vague and needs constant adjustments on the highway."

"Excellent maneuverability, visibility, access, parking ease, and turning circle."

"The [three-cylinder] diesel engine is OK off the line, but the car is slow and loses speed quickly on hills."

"You have to have a sense of humor about this car."

"Would be OK in a retirement village."

"The transmission's auto mode makes me want to walk home...works better in manual [mode] because you can anticipate the shifts to eliminate the bucking."

"This car is only a fashion statement... for people who don't know better."

"God help me if I hit a deer!"

"Drove it into Hartford--it makes sense in the city, where it keeps up with other cars, zips into holes in traffic, and fits in tiny spots."

"For this money [about $22,000], a Toyota Prius gets similar mpg and is infinitely more practical."

"Gets looks like the Viper--probably better fuel economy, though."

"Everyone smiles when they see this car...like it belongs in the circus."

Keep in mind that this car will be replaced by a new model that DaimlerChrysler will be bringing to the U.S. for 2008. We'll have more on this miniature automobile in the months to come.

--Mike Quincy