Smart Car is wise choice for a local family

Kay Snow and her son Christian, demonstrate the carrying capacity of the family's Smart car.

Kay Snow turns heads everywhere she goes and doesn't mind the attention one bit.

She has gotten used to the fact that every time she drives her Smart Passion Cabriolet she will be approached by strangers who wonder about the 8-foot-long vehicle she drives.

People have all types of reactions and questions from "How cute" to "Where do you store the key to wind it up?"

Since most of us are used to seeing and driving in the wake of yacht-sized sedans and SUV's twice the size of Texas, the 1850 pound, three cylinder Smart car has the tendency to make people do a double take as it makes its way through urban traffic.

Kay and Sgt. Maj. John Snow purchased their car this year after spending more than 16 years of their 25 years in the military in Europe. They were comfortable in the little "tin" cars that fill the small streets in the larger cities like Berlin, Kaiserslautern and London, and used to driving them on the Autobahn.

Returning to the States and downsizing last year, they thought about their vehicle purchases and knew a minivan was not necessary. With the older of two sons now in college, the vehicle needed to be purposeful, economical and could serve as a taxi. After careful consideration, they placed a $99 deposit on a Smart Car.

"While the drive and ride reminds me of a small car, feeling the road and wind turbulence, I feel more comfortable in my Smart Car than I have in similar-size-vehicles," said Snow, comparing her vehicle to a Mini Cooper. Snow gets quite a few requests for rides that started with acquaintances and friends and has evolved into total strangers who have no problem asking Snow for a turn in the vehicle as well.

"I do literally, get asked about it every time I drive it," said Snow. The longest trip she has taken has been a 1500 mile round trip and she was pleased with the car and its performance. "At no time have I ever felt uncomfortable driving it, it's perfect for us," she said.

Introduced in 1998 by Mercedes Benz, the vehicle has quickly become the "it" car in Europe, where the small roads, inner-city driving and gas prices have made the vehicle a sure sell. Designed for safety with a roll cage and plenty of air bags, the vehicle surprises you with a large inside feeling that comfortably fits anyone over 6 feet. There is enough space in the back for groceries, sporting equipment and a pet or two.

Whether or not you are interested in saving this planet, most of us are interested in saving a dollar or two and at least 30,000 Americans have made that commitment by purchasing a Smart Car. The EPA has given the 2008 models a 33 city and 41 highway mpg rating.

Reservations for all 2008 and 2009 vehicles being produced are already filled, according to the Smart Car Web site. Apparently, many more people have discovered that the old adage that good things come in small packages is true.