Overview & Reviews

Usually, Italian exotic sports cars are best at getting other motorists' attention when driving down the road. But the diminutive "Smart car," as many people refer to it, turns just as many heads. But in this case, a Smart is about fuel economy and efficiency, not performance.

Smart began in 1993 as a joint venture between Daimler-Benz and Swiss watchmaker Swatch, creating a company known as Micro Compact Car AG headquartered in Biel, Switzerland. (It would later move to Germany and be known simply as Smart.) Its "city cars" would feature the build quality and engineering expertise of Mercedes-Benz, while Swatch would contribute its funky design philosophy. The resulting two-passenger Smart City-Coupe was designed for a European urban environment, with a specific emphasis placed on fuel economy and parking ease. The City-Coupe could theoretically be able to park perpendicular in a parallel-parking spot. (The wheelbase is the width of most other cars, after all.)

Because it was such a tiny car, Smart created the "tridion" safety cell (the silver or black portion of the body) to assure the City-Coupe could withstand impacts from exponentially bigger vehicles. Made from three layers of steel reinforced at strategic points, the cell was designed to absorb and redistribute crash energy away from the vehicle's occupants. Side impacts are shielded by steel door beams and reinforced axles.

Daimler-Benz bought Swatch out shortly after the City-Coupe's introduction just as the Smart started to generate hype around the world for its revolutionary take on personal transportation. Initial sales began in nine continental European countries in 1998, and the car proved popular with consumers.

This success led to an eventual expansion of the Smart car brand with the introduction of additional Smart models, including the Roadster and Roadster-Coupe in 2003 and the Forfour sedan in 2004. Reaction to these model lines was lukewarm at best, however, as consumers found them to be overpriced. This failure led to a dramatic downturn in Smart's fortunes, eventually putting it on DaimlerChrysler's chopping block before CEO Dieter Zetsche saved it with a new business model built exclusively around the City-Coupe, which had been renamed Fortwo.

More than 770,000 units and 36 countries later, the second-generation Fortwo debuted in 2006. With only a slight size increase, the general look of the iconic city car remained, but the interior and often-criticized automanual transmission received significant changes and safety was improved. The biggest news, however, was that Smart would be expanding into the United States, where rising gas prices had shifted the market toward smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles. While there is no mainstream vehicle that embodies those two criteria better than the Fortwo, only time will tell if Americans who once laughed at Smart will embrace it the way Europeans and others around the world have.

User Reviews:

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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!

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  New Smart Car - 2009 Smart fortwo
  By Ron Valkenburg - February 5 - 3:10 am

  I just purchased my Smart car yesterday, so far I love it. I traded in my 2004 Toyota Prius with 190,000 miles. I loved the 2010 Prius but could not see spending $32k for a new one. After looking around, the Smart car was my answer, similar mileage as my Prius. I have to get used to some changes like no integrated GPS or Bluetooth but there are other options for that. So far I am loving my Smart, tomorrow will be my first highway commute and I am looking forward to it.

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  Amazing - 2008 Smart fortwo
  By Smartie - February 2 - 5:46 am

  This car performs much better than it looks on paper. Its specifications indicate that it is the slowest car on the road in the US, however, I have no trouble accelerating and driving on the highways. My other cars are all either supercharged or turbocharged, and I do not feel at any loss in the smart. I feel that I have more interior room than in my Mini Cooper S, and the smarts trunk is far bigger. This is the most fun car I have ever owned.

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  2008 smart Passion - 2008 Smart fortwo
  By lock - January 25 - 4:40 pm

  The smart is definitely fun to drive, and has excellent mileage. My best tank so far, driving conservatively on the highway, has been 53 MPG. Realistically one should expect high 30s to mid 40 MPGs, depending on driving. Mileage suffers above 65 MPH as the drag increases. The quirky transmission is the cars greatest weak spot. It is neither as smooth as a traditional auto, nor as quick to change gears as a manual. It literally takes a certain learning curve to get used to it and get smoother. Nevertheless, the car is super fun to drive. If you dont want to wait a full year for a reservation, get on your local dealers "orphan" list for cars that have been turned down.

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  Love my LadyBug - 2009 Smart fortwo
  By Jacquiem - January 23 - 3:03 pm

  Just picked up my Cabriolet, after waiting a year. I love my new car, it is definitely a head turner, I have named her LadyBug, she is red with the black tridion. It is very comfortable and roomy in the inside, it keeps up with traffic on the highway, 65-70 feels pretty safe. I have not driven her in the snow yet, this will take some getting used to. Although I use the automatic driving option, you can feel the shifting, almost like a racing car. Cant wait for the good weather, so that her top can come off.

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  Its just Smart........ - 2008 Smart fortwo
  By Mike O - January 14 - 4:43 am

  Great little car. Handles well, and that 4 star crash rating. Check most other cars, they are far less. Fun to drive. My other car is a Mini Cooper S. I like performance. For the best performance use manual mode. Shift up and immediately after let up on the accelerator and re-apply. Remember....The transmission is actually a manual.....

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  Smart fortwo is great! - 2008 Smart fortwo
  By DAVID WAYNE RUMPEL - January 11 - 11:50 am

  I was concerned that the smart car would be slow but if you have ever driven a stick shift than you know it is all in the wrist. I love my car and never believe the reviews of the test drivers, the consumer knows best. Best wishes to all and have a Smart day. David Wayne Rumpel, Dallas Texas.

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  Love My Smart Converitble - 2008 Smart fortwo
  By Doublesmart - November 20 - 6:36 am

  I drive 8 miles to work and around town generally but have made long distance trips on the freeway and found it no different than my large volvo as far as feeling secure in the driving experience. For a 4 cylinder it has a lot of pick up. I tend to put the pedal to the metal and I am not disappointed in its take off from a stop at intersections. Of course, my driving style does mean that my fuel economy is not as good as what is advertised. I get about 30 to 32 in town but 40 on the freeway over long distances.

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  Smart review - 2008 Smart fortwo
  By mvukovich - November 3 - 7:46 am

  Gas is great after 1500 miles on the car gas mileage went from low 40s to low 50s. Love the paddle shifter on the country roads.