The 5 Most Dangerous Cars for Teens, #1- Smart Fortwo Options

[smart142]

''auto critics doubt it can hold its own in a serious crash''
This article demonstrates why I hate some journalists. Jumps to a lot of conclusions and spreads misinformation.

Personally I am only too happy that my teen age daughter is now driving my smart car. I am not concerned about her safety in the least.I would be more concerned if she was driving an over powered Mustang. Hell, the family mini van has way more power than is needed on the road.

Isn't that more of an issue for inexperienced drivers? Too much power?
The papers are filled with stories of teen aged drivers who are involved in single car mishaps. I remember the story from last year of a teen who was driving his daddy's BMW M3 and wiped out 4 of his friends and himself when he had the high speed rollover...
I challenge the author to provide real stories of teens getting in trouble with smart cars, or any smart fatalities!!!!

Enough of the and I'll let you be the judge....

.............................

By Nadeem Muaddi

Every parent knows that what kids think is cool isn't often safe, and cars are no exception. In fact, according to an aggregated report by Allstate Insurance, collisions "are the leading cause of death among American teenagers, killing between 5,000 and 6,000 teenagers every year for the past decade." And while there is no substitute for responsible driving, the reality of the situation is that many of the vehicles popular among teens today are simply too dangerous for inexperienced drivers to operate. More often than not, it's because teens tend to value what's hot over what's safe -- but the two qualities don't need to be mutually exclusive.

By analyzing crash test results published by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, as well as what hundreds of auto critics have written about today's most popular cars, we created a short list of dangerous vehicles that you should think twice about before buying for your young driver. And, in the interest of compromise, we provide a safer alternative that both of you can live with.

Smart Fortwo
Sure it's cute, cool, and economical, but the Smart Fortwo isn't safe for everyone -- let alone inexperienced drivers. Because it's much smaller and lighter than most vehicles on the road, auto critics doubt it can hold its own in a serious crash. Many also note that strong gusts of wind can make controlling the Smart on the highway a difficult task. And while the IIHS rates it well in both frontal offset and side impact crash tests, NHTSA has issued a "safety concern" for its poor performance in side impact testing, in which "the driver door unlatched and opened." What's more, the Fortwo's debut was mangled last year when Smart issued a recall after an adhesive problem caused some drivers' windshields to fall out.

A Safer Alternative: For a ride that's just as quirky-looking, but performs better in crash tests and features loads of standard safety equipment, consider the MINI Cooper. It's a bit more expensive, but is probably a safer bet for a new driver.

Volkswagen New Beetle
Popularized by the hippies of the 1960s, the VW Beetle is loved for its free-spirited nature and odd-ball design. Ironically, test drivers find its bug-like shape to also be the source of great concern. To revamp the bulbous shape of the original Bug, Volkswagen extended the New Beetle's windshield and dashboard into the engine cavity, creating an elongated dash with blind spots around the front pillars. Add to that poor to mediocre performance in side impact crash tests conducted by the IIHS and NHTSA, and it's easy to see why the New Beetle shouldn't be your teen driver's first choice.

A Safer Alternative: Retain that old school feel and free-spirited appeal with the VW Rabbit. Not only does it come equipped with a wide array of safety technology, but it's also an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

Mitsubishi Eclipse
Aggressively designed to tempt drivers and passers-by alike to challenge the limits of its capabilities, the Mitsubishi Eclipse is probably not the safest place for your teen driver. While it's true that other sports cars easily outperform the Eclipse, its sporty looks alone are enough to make drivers want to speed -- which is never a good thing. And although it features a long list of safety features and even performs well in IIHS crash tests, test drivers warn that the Eclipse's rearward visibility poses a serious danger. In addition to thick rear pillars that create blind spots in both the coupe and Spyder, reviewers complain that the odd placement of the side mirrors makes it hard to see vehicles alongside the car.

A Safer Alternative: You don't have to sacrifice looks for safety. With the Scion tC, you get the best of both worlds: exceptional crash test scores, a long list of standard safety features, and that hot look teens crave. But note that, according to a survey conducted by ISO Quality Planning, tC drivers are among the most ticketed -- which probably has to do with the fact that tC drivers tend to be on the young side.

Jeep Wrangler
Loved for its open-air design and off-road capabilities, the classic Jeep Wrangler is a staple of high school parking lots -- as its rugged nature speaks to teenagers' sense of freedom and adventure. Parents, however, should be wary of its troubling crash test scores. While the IIHS rates it well in frontal impacts, models not equipped with optional side airbags earn poor to marginal scores for their performance in side impact crashes. Even more concerning is the Wrangler's performance in NHTSA rollover tests, in which it only earns three of five stars. No doubt, a vehicle that flips is not a safe one. A study published in the journal Academic Emergency Medicine found that fatal rollovers were significantly more likely for teens in SUVs than in cars, while NHTSA reports that in 2003, nearly 25 percent of teens who died in car crashes were driving SUVs.

A Safer Alternative: If safety is the top priority in your teen's SUV, be sure to add the Honda CR-V to your short list. In addition to being an IIHS Top Safety Pick, it performs better than the Wrangler in NHTSA rollover tests. What's more, critics find that it provides great all-around visibility and features the latest safety gadgets, like electronic stability control and side curtain airbags.

Chevrolet Aveo

Though the Chevy Aveo pales in comparison to class leaders like the Honda Civic and Mazda Mazda3, its good looks, low sticker price and competitive warranty give it a lot of parent and teen appeal. However, numerous safety concerns ensure that it's anything but kid friendly. For starters, the Aveo earns mixed crash test results, with NHTSA rating it well and the IIHS awarding marginal to acceptable scores for both front and side impacts. And while test drivers find its unobstructed visibility from the driver's seat to be a major asset, many are still left disappointed by its lack of standard and even optional safety equipment. It lacks side curtain airbags, electronic stability and traction control, and anti-lock brakes are only available as options for its higher-end trims.

A Safer Alternative: For a bargain-priced ride that doesn't skimp on safety, consider the Suzuki SX4. Not only is it good-looking, but boasts top-notch safety scores and a compelling list of standard and optional safety features. And, unlike low-cost alternatives such as the Chevy Aveo, Nissan Versa, and Kia Spectra, the base trim comes equipped with standard anti-lock brakes and electronic brake force distribution.
...........................................
Source.

This post has been edited by smart142: Feb 25 2009 - 05:18 AM

[garthD]

"auto critics doubt it can hold its own in a serious crash"

What lazy journalism. Rather than looking to 10 years of real crash data from Europe, Canada, and elsewhere, this writer seems to base her safety criticisms on feelings or a hunch.

How many windshields actually fell out...i missed that recall?? And why would she suggest to buy a mini instead? Yes, they are both small, but it isn't just a "bit more expensive" than the new smart, it is considerably more...they aren't even in the same price bracket.

garth

[FlossyTheSmart]

While it is true that the wind buffets you around on the highway sometimes, it isn't really a major concern. You just keep both of your hands on the wheel and do something called steering...

I also don't see what is wrong with smart having a recall, in terms of the safety issues. It's being done for your safety, and assuming you take it in and have it resolved, it wouldn't be an issue!

[Huronlad]

"auto critics doubt it can hold its own in a serious crash"

What lazy journalism. Rather than looking to 10 years of real crash data from Europe, Canada, and elsewhere, this writer seems to base her safety criticisms on feelings or a hunch.

How many windshields actually fell out...i missed that recall?? And why would she suggest to buy a mini instead? Yes, they are both small, but it isn't just a "bit more expensive" than the new smart, it is considerably more...they aren't even in the same price bracket.

garth

I wish that reporters had to base their articles on fact, or at least have some sort of disclaimer to let the reader know they have done no research for the article and that their opinion is not based in any sort of recognized reality. Lazy reporters printing their misinformation is quite irksome.

At highway speeds the smart does require the driver to actually control the vehicle, this might not necessarily be a bad thing for new drivers, it would hopefully only make them more competent.

My biggest concern with the Mini is the occurrences of engine fires the early cars had, I have not been able to find any info that definitively states that this has been 100% eliminated. The Mini is a fun car to drive, but not fun enough to chance having it burn to the ground.

As far as the door issue with the smart goes if a person is wearing their safety belt they are not going to be ejected from the vehicle.

[Huronlad]

While it is true that the wind buffets you around on the highway sometimes, it isn't really a major concern. You just keep both of your hands on the wheel and do something called steering...

Even in the windiest days / heaviest of snow on the roads this winter, I have yet to have to use two hands on the wheel to keep the smart under control on the highways. I can not say the same for previous vehicles I have owned.

[MightyMouseTech]

I sent the company a little letter explaining exactly what I thought of their "journalism"....

[darren]

The smart is a PERFECT vehicle for a teenager.

Not enough power to get themselves into trouble, and no space to drive with a distracting gang of friends. And no back seat for... other activities.

[deezle]

.............................
By Nadeem Muaddi
What's more, the Fortwo's debut was mangled last year when Smart issued a recall after an adhesive problem caused some drivers' windshields to fall out.

Truly pathetic journalism.
Is she suggesting that windshields are falling out now? How many vehicles were recalled before the problem was remedied at the assembly plant? Has she added all vehicles to the list that have had any safety-related recalls ever?
The smart is one of the safest vehicles available (yes ---- including all those roll-over SUV's) and I will be pleased when our teenage daughter begins driving it.

[Gent]

I've said for a long time that new drivers should be restricted from driving vehicles with high hp to weight ratios. Especially young guys.

If I had a 16 year old son, I'd put him behind the wheel of a smart ForTwo first. Add into the HP issue the limited opportunity for peer pressure inside the vehicle, plus the extremely limited options for pre-marital activities, and the ForTwo wins hands-down.

[mattdaddy]

Trust me, my MINI Cooper gets me in far more trouble than the smart...

[deezle]

plus the extremely limited options for pre-marital activities, and the ForTwo wins hands-down.

LOL! Most importantly.

[SmartDad]

No back seat is a big plus for teenage drivers...

There was a report out of the states a couple of years ago that said
the risk of accidents involving teenagers rose considerably when there were
three or more passengers. The driver starts to turn his/her head to talk to friends in the
back seat and drives off the road.

It was one warning I would often repeat to both my sons when they had more then
one friend in the car.

The smart takes care of that problem nicely!

[deezle]

And of course safety issues that apply to everyone ---- not just teens: smart commercial on youtube

[smart142]

QUOTE (Gent)
plus the extremely limited options for pre-marital activities, and the ForTwo wins hands-down.

LOL! Most importantly.

Don't forget the lamborghini

This post has been edited by smart142: Feb 25 2009 - 10:08 AM

[JKA6373]

In Malaysia, smart car accident till now theres no fatality and most serious accident was two known to me. One was in 2006, got her 4/2 barely 6month and got roll off a cliff while negotiate a sharp turn(inexperience). Got 30+ stitches on the head from the broken glasses. Sad to say car claim total lost but she survived and got her second 4/2!
The second was early last year, brabus 4/2 out run a peugot 308 while negotiate sharp bend. The peugot driver's got agitated and deliberate hit the 4/2 while going for the second bend. Speed? Max 150+. The 4/2 went on hit the sidewall of divider and 3 1/2 roll before landed on the side. Serious damage to tridon and the injuries? Driver twisted both thumbs and bruises on the face as the rolling caused both persons inside car face hit each other? All airbag launched like a rocket. Cover both people further injury from the broken door windows. Unable to get a new replacement. 451 will not be in Malaysia till 2010.

[ValgardForkbeard]

Ouch, hopefully the peugot driver got something out of it too, like at least a stern talking to

Good to hear all smart occupants came out in reasonably good shape.

Here in Alberta, new drivers are restricted to how many passengers they can have in the car, but I am sure that with teenagers, it would be the "yah, but who's going to know, and I really need a ride ..." With the smart it is so much easier to resist peer pressure.

MG

[Mike T]

C'est bien PEUGEOT, pas Peugot. Voilà.

[JKA6373]

C'est bien PEUGEOT, pas Peugot. Voilà.

spelling error... any way got one more critic from other car forum in malaysia. The Malaysia Made Perodua Myvi! It's an old post.

http://forum.myviclub.com/index.php?showtopic=317

This post has been edited by JKA6373: Feb 26 2009 - 12:27 AM

[bilgladstone]

Ouch, hopefully the peugot driver got something out of it too, like at least a stern talking to

Good to hear all smart occupants came out in reasonably good shape.

Here in Alberta, new drivers are restricted to how many passengers they can have in the car, but I am sure that with teenagers, it would be the "yah, but who's going to know, and I really need a ride ..." With the smart it is so much easier to resist peer pressure.

MG

Nah.... they'll just stuff kid #3 in the boot space! Ask Cait or Duck

[ValgardForkbeard]

Nah.... they'll just stuff kid #3 in the boot space! Ask Cait or Duck

Yes, but that still beat the heck out of stuffing a total of 9 people in a '64 bug, and driving to a bush party ...Not that I would ever admit to doing that, but I was young, and it was the 70's

MG