2018 Jeep Comanche Pickup, 2017 Smart ForFour in the US and Worse Car Ever? [Ask Nathan]

2015, subaru, legacy, 3.6R, video, awd
2015 Subaru Legacy 3.6R

In this edition of Ask Nathan:

  • What’s up with the 2018 Jeep Comanche Pickup?
  • Where’s the Smart ForFour in the USA?
  • What’s the worst car you’ve driven?

Today’s first question comes from a fan who wants information regarding the Jeep Comanche – or, whatever name Jeep comes up with for their upcoming pickup.

Jeep J-12 Concept
Jeep J-12 Concept

Hi guys, I heard a rumor that the Jeep Wrangler pickup truck is going to be called the Jeep Comanche like their old pickup truck. Do you think it will look like the Wrangler?

I also heard that it will be a two passenger only vehicle. I hope it’s not.

Do you know anything about this Jeep?

Steven S.

A: That’s an interesting rumor Steven. From our past experience with Jeep, it’s hard to predict what name they will use. We’ve heard names thrown out there like the Jeep Wrangler Gladiator or Jeep Gladiator, Jeep J-12, Jeep Hondo, Jeep Wrangler Commando, Jeep Nukizer, Jeep Bobcat and Jeep Pioneer.

It’s difficult to predict what Jeep will do with this vehicle. It’s said that it will be based on a Jeep Wrangler platform, but FCA is fickle and they could change their mind. Considering the fact that the mid-sized truck market is rapidly expanding, FCA is making a wise move. If this truck is as capable as the Jeep Wrangler currently is, it will be tough to beat off road.

As for this vehicle being only a two-passenger ride? I doubt it. Logic would suggest having accommodations for four or five would increase their market-share. Considering the competition’s cab configurations, it only makes sense to build something that can haul a few passengers. Then again, I could be wrong.

We should start hearing about this new Jeep product soon!

N

Honestly, I’m truly excited to see what FCA comes up with.

new smart fortwo

This next question is from a fan who wants the four-door Smart Car For-Four to be imported to the United States.

Q:Hi Nathan,

One thing I like about your reviews is your excitement for small, inexpensive cars. I love small hatch-backs too. One of my problems is the lack of choices out there. I was wondering if you knew if the Smart Car For-Four was coming to America. I like the new Smart Car, but I need to haul friends from time to time.

If its not coming here, what would be the closest car you would choose? I don’t like the Nissan Versa or the Toyota Yaris very much. They bore me.

Do you think Emme would drive a Smart Car? ;D

Thanks!

J.D.

A: That’s a good question.

First of all: no. Emme likes cars with manual transmissions, which the Smart Car has (I was corrected by a few readers and I apologize for the oversight) and she likes low-slung vehicles like the Mazda MX-5 Miata.

As for the smart forfour coming to the USA? I don’t think it will come here. Sales of regular smart cars are weak and the investment to import the smart forfour to our shores may be too much. If gas prices go up along with demand, that could change.

I like the Chevrolet Spark and Ford Fiesta. Both vehicles are superior to the smart forfour in nearly every way.

Best of luck!

N

Trabant 601
Trabant 601

The last question comes from a fan who’s curious about the worst car I’ve driven.

Q: (Via Twitter) What’s the most horrible car you’ve driven? Not a messed up one, but one that is just horrible to drive?

Trabant

A: That’s a fun question!

It must be the VEB Sachsenring Trabant P60. It had a 600cc two-cylinder two-stroke engine that supposedly made 23 horsepower. It was dismal in every measurable way. It’s painfully slow, uncomfortable, devoid of creature comforts and dangerous. I took it on the Autobahn, got into the fast lane and made it up to just over 70… KPH. I had to exit seconds later as smoke engulfed the cabin.

Still, I had so much fun driving it. Driving something that’s so iconic from a time and place which is alien for a westerner, it’s fascinating.

Other honorable mentions:

  • Volkswagen Fox
  • Chevrolet Citation
  • Renault Le Car
  • Ford Festiva
  • AMC Matador

There are plenty of others. Despite being terrible, even these cars have their merits.

“Personality” can go a long way.

N

Now check out these little snow-beauties in a three-way test!

Nathan and The Fast Lane Car team are here to answer your (reasonable) questions. Interesting and/or entertaining emails will be posted to this column. If it’s relevant in the automotive universe, there’s a chance we may know something about it. The author’s email address and name will be omitted – leaving your initials or nickname, your preference.

From day one, The Fast Lane Car has made it our policy to answer as many questions and comments as we can. We get thousands of emails and comments and feel that, as part of a tight-knit automotive community, having an open dialogue with you keeps things fresh and exciting.

Got a question for Nathan? Drop him a line at: asknathan@tflcar.com


nathan adlen Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism – Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.