Smart and Safe

I told you before about test-driving the Smart car last year. I said back then that "The Smart Fortwo ... is basically a reinforced crash cage with an engine. I've seen some pretty spectacular crash tests with the Fortwo and it is amazing how little damage gets transferred inside of that cage." Well, that has now been proven as the 2008 Smart fortwo, the smallest car for sale in the U.S. market, has earned top scores in crash tests conducted by the insurance industry.

According to this latest article, "The 8-foot, 8-inch vehicle received the highest rating of good in front-end and side-impact testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, helping address some concerns that consumers may be more vulnerable in the tiny two-seater."

I was told that the local Smart dealer is out of cars for the entire year, but you might be able to find one in your area. They are at least worth dropping in for a test drive.