Overview & Reviews

The concept of the Smart car emerged in the early 1990s when the Swiss company Swatch, best known for its kitschy watches, sought to build an affordable city car that would fit into the smallest of parking spots and go easy on fuel. Not too long after, the company paired up with Mercedes-Benz to make the idea a reality. The car was later christened "Smart," an acronym for Swatch Mercedes Art.

The Smart Fortwo, originally dubbed the City Coupe, debuted at the 1997 Frankfurt Auto Show. Although the first generation never made it to the U.S., the tiny two-seater, which persevered through its parent company's financial troubles and an eventual buyout by Daimler-Benz, was later replaced by the slightly larger second-generation Fortwo. Not only is the reworked Fortwo newly available in the States, but an ambitious plan to launch several stand-alone dealerships in the U.S. makes it clear that the Smart brand is serious about competing in the American subcompact market. While its diminutive size and power entail certain on-road limitations, the Fortwo is a worthy candidate for urban commuters who want to maneuver through city congestion and save on gas without giving up the creature comforts of a car.

Current Smart Fortwo

At 8 feet, 10 inches long, the Smart Fortwo is a two-seat subcompact city car and is the smallest production car currently sold in North America. It comes in two body styles: the hatchback Coupe and the convertible Cabrio. The standard trim levels are Pure and the more well-equipped Passion. The Fortwo is powered by a 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine that produces 71 horsepower and 68 pound-feet of torque and sends its power to the rear wheels through an automated sequential-shift manual transmission.

There's also a limited-edition model from German tuner Brabus that upgrades the Smart with sportier wheels, a stiffer suspension, aerodynamic and cosmetic body cladding, a higher-performing exhaust and heated leather seats.

Because of its Lilliputian proportions (it's more than 3 feet shorter than a Mini Cooper), safety is at the core of the Fortwo design. The engine is in the rear of the car to increase front crumple-zone space, and the car is built around a cage of high-strength steel known as the Tridion safety cell, which helps the Fortwo post passable if unimpressive frontal crash-test scores. Side impact protection is enhanced by the closer placement of axles to the passenger compartment, and the Smart's scores in side-impact crash testing are top-notch. And although the car might look something like a golf cart, standard safety features like side airbags, antilock brakes, stability control and traction control combine to put that comparison to rest.

Fuel economy is another welcome asset of the Smart Fortwo; its EPA rating is 33 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway. With its 8.7-gallon gas tank, that makes for a lot of driving between fill-ups, though it's worth noting that premium gasoline is recommended.

In our initial reviews, we found the Smart Fortwo surprisingly comfortable. The interior is roomier than it might appear from the outside -- especially in the passenger seat, which is set back 6 inches for increased legroom. (It also folds flat for extra cargo space.) On the road, however, the Smart's manner is less than graceful over rough pavement. Moreover, while the car is admirably stable at high speeds for such a small vehicle, its slablike side panels and upright posture conspire to make it unsettlingly vulnerable to crosswinds.

We aren't fans of the automated manual transmission either. Gearchanges are sluggish and somewhat jerky. The Fortwo is also one of the slowest vehicles for sale today (zero to 60 mph takes 14.1 seconds) and it has a particularly hard time keeping up with traffic on the highway. Still, the Smart Fortwo is great for tooling around city streets. Buyers who aren't looking to do much more than that will probably be quite satisfied with the Smart car.

Used Smart Fortwo Models

The current (second) generation Fortwo debuted for 2008 and was the first Smart model to go on sale in the U.S. There have been no major changes since, though the Brabus trim level wasn't available for its first year.

Designed primarily for urban cities in Europe, the first-generation Smart Fortwo was originally known as the City Coupe and not sold in North America. It debuted for the 1998 model year and it came with a turbocharged three-cylinder engine that was either gasoline-fueled (initially 599cc of displacement and later 698cc) or diesel-fueled (799cc). The first-generation Smart Fortwo was discontinued after the 2007 model year.

User Reviews:

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  My Smart Car Picachu - 2008 Smart fortwo
  By Kurt - February 23 - 12:03 pm

  I fell in love with the look in Rome, so as soon as I found it was coming to America I signed up for one. This is one of my best decisions ever. Actually I love to drive it in the Highway, the only thing this car lacks is cruise control. People love to look at it, and it certainly brings smiles to peoples faces. Love my Smart.

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  I love my SMART CAR - 2008 Smart fortwo
  By Brenda - January 14 - 1:03 am

  My hubby got me the smart car. I love it. I think it is one of the best new cars I have ever had. I am only 5 feet tall and I fit into it very nice. I just cant say how much I love this car.

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  First review - 2008 Smart fortwo
  By Slowpitcher - January 4 - 10:36 pm

  I brought a new 1959 Volkswagen back from Germany in 1959. This car reminds me of the 1959 Volkswagen. It performs better than you think it could and people wonder what it is. I cant believe how well it handles on the highway. I really like the way the transmission operates. I expected poor performance but if you know how to drive this car you will be happy with it. I had only 37 HP with the Volkswagen while this car has 70 or so. I was extremely pleased with the Smart dealership in Orlando.

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  The Start of Smart - 2008 Smart fortwo
  By Kliegmite - December 27 - 11:46 pm

  I first saw Smart in Rome. I was convinced that it would be hot in America. Now that I own the Americanized version, it is clear - this car will be Hot in the USA. Solid, Reliable, Convenient, comfortable, practical, attractive, interesting, and it keeps up with the rest in a respectable way. Smart is here. Finally. A truly innovative car in the US market. Once it starts marketing to the young crowd - look out. Its the next fad. Beyond the VW.

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  Love my car - 2008 Smart fortwo
  By Brenda - December 17 - 5:50 am

  I love our smart car. It is so much fun to drive. Wish I could get my hubby one.Everyone loves it. So much fun to drive.

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  Finally out-grew the mini-van! - 2009 Smart fortwo
  By Kelly - November 30 - 2:00 am

  After owning a mini-van for 18 years, I finally got to go small! I had my eye on a Smart for over a year and decided to finally go for it. I was a bit nervous at first, thinking I might miss the size of a van. After driving it the Smart for 2 day I am no longer worried! I have so much fun driving my Smart! The more I drive the more I love it. I find any excuse just to go out and drive. Made my first trip to Costco and managed to fit everything. (I still have 2 17 yr olds at home) Love all the attention I get. Trying to convince my husband to get one for his commute to work.

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  Much more than I expected! - 2009 Smart fortwo
  By jtb9265 - November 16 - 10:00 am

  Purchased a leftover 2009 convertible with $2,500 incentive and free options. Ive owned Mini Coopers, Miatas, and Honda CRXs, so Im no stranger to small cars. I am SO pleasantly surprised with my Smart car! I was expecting a good car, and what I got is a GREAT car! The Smart is unique, fun-to-drive, and an overall joy. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

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  Think Outside the Box - 2008 Smart fortwo
  By Red Fred - November 1 - 12:13 pm

  Bought for our daughter who is 15 so that she can learn to drive and take it to college. I drive it now almost every day and will miss it when she gets her license. Solid, practical, great handling, efficient, peppy car to drive

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  What a great car - 2008 Smart fortwo
  By Baldman - October 29 - 3:33 am

  This is the most fun I have had with a new car. It is extremely roomy and feels bigger than it really is. Super fun driving in the city. You get many waves and looks and be ready to spend a lot of time talking about it when you go out.

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  Orphan Car - 2008 Smart fortwo
  By Beach Auto - October 26 - 2:43 pm

  Fun to drive. Suspension a little stiff on rough roads. Some road noise. Would like to see access door on rear floor panel to check oil more easily. Also a right side armrest, cruise control and tilt wheel. I really like this car and may buy another one.