AutoblogGreen

1. The 90s are over!

What's NOT cute is a big FAT hairy backed guy driving an SUV, picking his nose and smoking a cigar. NOBODY wants so see that!

Women like cute small cars and guys who are man enough to drive them.

Posted at 12:08PM on Mar 26th 2008 by Tim

2. I'd drive one. I saw an early convertible in Belgium in the late 90's. I liked it then; still like it now. But I'd drive a Corbin Sparrow, too, so maybe I'm not manly enough.

That said, a two seat (or less) commuter only makes sense for me if lottery winnings or an inheritance are coming my way.

Sadly, I'm short on wealthy relatives - and subscribe to the idea that lotteries are a tax on people who don't know math. So no Smart for me anytime soon. Though I find myself strangely tempted by the idea of a Smart EV...

Posted at 12:12PM on Mar 26th 2008 by Phil L.

3. Sorry Tim,
You could drive new convertible BMW, but once they see your pocket protector, fat gut, Che t-shirt, and all your Ralph Nader bumper stickers, the only woman you would have a shot with would be NPR's Terry Gross

Posted at 12:18PM on Mar 26th 2008 by Viva La Pin head

4. The Smart is man enough for men who read Men's Vogue.
Like we care what a bunch of fashion writers think.

Seriously.

Posted at 12:51PM on Mar 26th 2008 by paulwesterberg

5. It's a Chick Magnet.
End of Story.

Posted at 2:25PM on Mar 26th 2008 by mike

6. Yeah, let's be sure to default back to "what's manly enough" as a guide for how to most efficiently manage resources.

"Manly enough" here in West Texas means that you wrangle a beastly $50 quad-cab, 8-cylinder pickup around town as a single-occupant commuter vehicle. If you drive a less fuel-hungry 4-cylinder vehicle here in Texas, you're likely to be viewed with pity, disgust, or both. But, hey, I guess if manly equates to "has money to burn," then consider me a girly-dude...

Posted at 2:32PM on Mar 26th 2008 by Rob O.

7. Viva La Pin head, They told me that picture would NOT be circulated! Damn them!!!

(wish I had a BMW) ;)

Posted at 3:25PM on Mar 26th 2008 by Tim

8. I think confidence in the fact that the choices you've made are right for YOU, whether that means you like the Smart because of its practicality or buy the Vette because you really enjoy going fast, is probably going to be your best bet for drawing the most sensible women.

But hey, if you need to buy a particular kind of car to attract shallow women or because you like to live your life by always considering what other men think, go for it and enjoy living someone ELSE'S ideal life.

Posted at 4:34PM on Mar 26th 2008 by fnc

9. This is where there is a major diconnect, between not only this mens mag, but the auto industry in general. The Mini is tiny, VERY tiny. Why does it sell to men? Because it's aggressive, it's fast enough, it has a sports suspension, wheels and low profiles. So, if the Smart comes out in a sports package, lower sporty look with some nice wheels and lower profile tires like the Brabus verson is garuanteed to be manly enough.

http://www.zcars.com.au/brabus-ultimate-112-wallpapers/

Posted at 5:08PM on Mar 26th 2008 by Rick

10. There are a lot of stats about the smart that might surprise the general public. Median age of ownership is 45-54 and median income of ownership is 100K+.

These stats are from the Smart Car of America Community.

http://www.smartcarofamerica.com/forums

Posted at 8:30PM on Mar 26th 2008 by SMART

11. hey rick! i couldnt agree with you more. my past cars include a 6speed 03 maxima and a 05 s2000. my girlfriend has a mini cooper and i would LOVE to get a mini cooper S (black it out though) and i fell in love with the brabus Smart that was part of the package with the SLR. times are changing and a great suspension on a quick, not blazing fast, but quick car should do the trick.

Posted at 10:20AM on Mar 27th 2008 by almost Dr. G..

12. I've only had my new smart fortwo coupe for two weeks, and I can already tell you, it's like taking a puppy to the park.
If I weren't married, or if my scruples were different....

Posted at 2:06PM on Mar 27th 2008 by benzaholic

13. Any "car" that has to call itsself the same probably isn't. I know that they need to develop sales in a new market-sales are down in the rest of the world-but what is the point ?? The best game to play in your new smart is try to find the spare tire. A Mercedes with a Mitsubishi engine-oh yes and it has a Getrag trannie just like a Porsche. Caveat Emptor

Posted at 4:08PM on Mar 27th 2008 by JP Hedin aka DrSmart

14.
"What's NOT cute is a big FAT hairy backed guy driving an SUV, picking his nose and smoking a cigar. NOBODY wants so see that!"

This is confusing. Previously I read in a mag that women want sensitive type, now I read they want a real man .. are they back to sensitive Smart driving type now?!

Dayum .. going to take a big hit in switching that Ford F350 Harley-Davidson edition King Ranch version Alabama Man dually pick-up I used to score ladies with.

Posted at 6:33PM on Mar 27th 2008 by Furion