Are European cars a possibility and what needs to be done to them?

[Craig3410]

With gas in some places being almost 6 dollars, why don't people start importing the small cars over from Europe to the U.S. for people to drive them here?

And also, if someone were to do this, what would need to be done to make them "US-compatible"?

[tx_dem41]

1. My guess is that many do not pass crash-test standards....

but I would take my chances.

[Qibing Zero]

4. Surely not in accidents with SUVs and huge trucks, at least. nt

[achtung_circus]

5. Tell that to Volvo.

Crash standards in Europe are comparable.

[tx_dem41]

9. I think the OP is talking about the "mini" cars...like the Cooper...

or even the Smart Car. Does Volvo make something comparable?

[Spangle]

10. You can buy Mini-Coopers in the USA

Pricy little buggers.

miniusa.com

Is there a non-sporty euro car out there? LOL!

[Name removed]

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[Xithras]

6. Exactly.

By the time you beef them up to meet DOT rollover standards, front and side impact standards, and bolt on all of the other safety equipment required in the US, they're just as expensive and large as American cars.

[Poiuyt]

2. I don't know, but I'd love an all electric car

I remember those little electric commuter cars they had in the 70's. I think they still have them in Europe

[Name removed]

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[Qibing Zero]

3. How about importing some public transportation while we're at it. nt

[LeftyMom]

7. The minicars generally don't meet US safety standards

Which is why we don't have the smart here yet. We're supposed to get the Toyota Vitz here early next year but it's basicly a Echo with a hatchback. No plans to get the VW Lupo (I I think that's the name?) or other euro-made minicars here, but if gas keeps going up that may change.

[kerryin2004]

8. THere already are small cars the are just as fuel efficient here.

Take the smart car over there. I have a neighbor who is from Spain who has one here an it gets 55 mpg, but we all know of cars that can get 35-45 mpg available here. IT is just they have never been necessary until now. Of course everyone will start buying the smaller cars, gas prices will go down, and 20 years later we have another run of larger cars.

[Bamboo]

13. You take the high road and I'll take the low road.

Saying that small cars are unsafe assumes that large vehicles are safe which is not true.SUVs are built with unibody chassis just like cars and their weight will only help them in a crash with a lighter vehicle.When they roll over the roof is not strong enough to support the weight and will collapse on your head.

People feel safer with a gun in the house even though their children are at risk,they value a fantasy view of safety more than they value actual safety.They then use the alibi that they own one to protect the children when it is actually their own selfish desire for a secure feeling.

Highways have concrete guardrails which are not high enough to guard anything larger than a sedan.In Florida SUVs hit the low barrier on bridges and flip into the water.Ford put passenger tires on the Explorer so it would not ride like a dump truck,when the excessive weight and speed caused the under built tires to blow the safe feeling was shown to be a fantasy.

This argument is historical anyway since the price of gas will get people to buy smaller vehicles.The SUV age was useful in proving the power of advertising and peer pressure,as an example of psychological narcissism it was textbook,I see this unthinking behavior more dangerous than guns and SUVs.Looking into the future,does anyone know if gas pumps will work past $9.99.9/10

If you want to own a SMART you can import one and have it brought to American standards but it will cost you. http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/import_eligibility_07_31_2005.html

[Bamboo]

14. Every car ad has open roads.

http://emmaret.daimlerchrysler.com/mo/ret/mod/template/SMART/en/guest-8689f2a89f22346ef36366e02f045d9f/07946746dc468d3bd70743adcf53e7df/010600.preview.html?dlddir=104&dsid=1286