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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  Worth the wait! - 2009 Smart fortwo
  By murphysullivan - May 25 - 12:43 pm

  We had to wait a very long year after placing our reservation for our smart - her name is Daphne. The only way you know youre driving a tiny car is when you get ready to park it. It has wonderful pep; great head-turning quotient - makes everybody smile; and is such fun to drive. We got caught in a heavy snow squall about a week ago and in no time we were driving in a couple of inches of snow (no snow tires) on curvy, hilly country roads. The car performed beautifully. We have ordered the aftermarket exhaust system and are considering replacing the red body panels with yellow ones. Guess we could sell the red ones on eBay.

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  love the little car - 2008 Smart fortwo
  By wesley - May 24 - 8:10 am

  Its fun to drive and bring smiles where ever I go, can park it in many places nobody else can, Im averaging 40 mile to gallon but as high as 45 when I drive slower--Ive had no problem with it on x-way and driven it as fast as 85 hour without any problems passing trucks or being passed, Im big guy 6,2 250 and quite comfortable in it even wearing my cowboy hat most of the time to--if I had to do it all over Id still buy it-- it even saved me on my insurance, its not for everyone but it sure fit my needs make great runabout, Im very pleased with it over all

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  learn how to shift - 2008 Smart fortwo
  By chip brady - May 16 - 2:50 am

  I continue to read reviews with people complaining about the transmission! My wife and I each have a fortwo. Last month we drove it 2700 miles from seattle to Spearfish SD.It was terrific in the mountains.The paddle shifters work like a dream. We left our Cadillac at home and drove the smart car. If people will take the time to learn to shift the car it is the best transmission on the road today. We have been in the auto parts business for over 40 years and have had many different vehicles, but these are amazing. I have 15,000 miles on mine and it runs just like the day I bought it! The roominess inside continues to surprise people. More headroom than my cadillac.

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  Lover My Smart42 - 2008 Smart fortwo
  By ron - April 24 - 7:36 am

  Love the car and the way it handles in city and highway driving. Its fun and economical. The transmission takes a couple of drives to get use to how it shifts and the feel of the pedal, but once you drive it a little, it responds just fine.

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  As an Owner from Florida. - 2008 Smart fortwo
  By Louis G. Myers - March 30 - 7:53 pm

  Very good on the highway. I like the room inside, the steering, the visibilty, and the exterior and interior color. Here are some things that wood help you in the 09s. I had my grandson drive, he is 6ft 5. now thats OK but he wears a size 15 shoe. He had a hard time with his left foot, it was a little too tight on the left side where the foot goes.We do feel a bump or pot hole which is understandable.

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  Cant get out of its own way ! - 2009 Smart fortwo
  By TriCounty - March 4 - 9:46 am

  Has no power. Has a hard time getting up a hill. If you live in an area with hills and mountains dont even think about this car .

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  Daimler Wont Back - 2008 Smart fortwo
  By 1unhappysmarty - February 21 - 5:07 pm

  My 08 smart just turned 50K miles and now I am told that it needs a new engine. Daimler won’t back up their product or even work with me in any way. I am warning social media to consider other auto companies when it comes time to purchase a vehicle.

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  2nd Smart Car in a month - 2008 Smart fortwo
  By Urkkle-Splat - February 13 - 2:23 am

  My son shamed me out of my V8 Silverado. So driving the Smart Car to work - 100km/day. Emissions - from 12 L/100 km to 4 L/100 km. Lost my Diesel 2 days ago. Dealership never explained the parking procedure for the 2006 model. Read the Operators Manual carefully before purchasing the Smart Car. Anyways it rolled across the street even with the EBrake on. Now have the 2008 Limited Edition. Gas Model. Always stopping to fill up the tank - a bit of a pain. But I figure I saved about $250/mos. in fuel and emitting a smaller foot print. Off to dealership again 135 km away-glitch in Cargo Door window. Normally I go to the city once a year- so far Ive been there 6 times.So much for the carbon issue.

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  Perfect for the Beach - 2008 Smart fortwo
  By neptune2000 - February 8 - 8:56 pm

  Im in line for another cabriolet, but the wait is now 18 months, so I found one in Sherman Oaks, CA. With only 2000 miles on it an no dings at all. It was just like brand new. I traded in a Ford Explorer. I have owned Ferraris and this car is as much fun (different kind of fun). I tried it on beach streets (Manhattan Beach), freeways (LA to Orange, 405, 5, 55) and it handles great. I am glad I got the Cabrio, it is great at the beach.

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  Great City Commuter Car - 2009 Smart fortwo
  By Juniorswa - February 6 - 2:40 am

  Have owned this car for a little while now and I have to say I love it! Im averaging 35 mpg using automatic mode and a/c in city traffic. Insurance rates are low and the smart gets a lot of attention. The interior is very roomy and comfortable. Inside it feels like any other car. My last car was a Mazda Miata, so the interior is very comfortable and the ride is very quiet to me. The hatchback trunk is also really great! I too was initially afraid when I first purchased my smart, but this car really grows on you quickly. This is my first European car as I have only owned Japanese brands until now: Mazda, Toyota, and Honda. The Mercedes-Benz service at the dealer has been fantastic!