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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  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.