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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  Super Fun - 2008 Smart fortwo
  By AJ - February 5 - 6:50 am

  Ive only had the smart for 2 days, but have driven it over 100 Miles already. Around town, things are great. Its roomy inside, the controls are logically placed, and it has every thing you need for your commute. At speeds over 68 mph, the drag from wind causes the car to bumble about a little. However, it performs strongly at 70, but must be urged to maintain 80 mph. Tailwinds from large trucks toss it a little too. But this vehicle was not designed for freeway travel, anyway. The transmission is a bit jumpy at slow speeds as well. It bucks a bit when it shifts.

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  Debis Little Blue - 2008 Smart fortwo
  By Debis Freddy - January 27 - 12:23 pm

  I have a big MB GL 550 that uses a lot of fuel. I bought this for fuel savings and how awesome it is to drive. Yes it is small on the outside but my sons friend Jose is 61 and stretched out his legs in the passenger seat. Be prepared for a lot of stares and people stopping you to ask questions. How fun!! Debi

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  Little red smart - 2008 Smart fortwo
  By jthomas119 - January 18 - 11:26 pm

  I first saw a smart car in Rome were they were everywhere and immediately decided that when they/if they came to US, I would buy one. I am retired and only need a car for errands and short drives within a smallish town (Santa Cruz, CA). This is the perfect size for me, easy to park, fun to drive, good visibility, safe if anyone runs into me, and the heated leather seats are a bonus. Once I got used to the transmission, it is fine as long as you use manual mode and not auto. I have only had it for 2 weeks but I have not found any downsides to it yet.

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  ITS SMART TO BUY A SMART - 2008 Smart fortwo
  By larry Dempski - January 10 - 3:06 am

  Since taking delivery after a nearly one year wait, I find the SMART CAR was certianly worth the wait! Just gas milaege alone is money back in my pocket. The SMART CAR PASSION was my model choice and being 64" 240# was a concern, surprise, surprise! I had head and leg room to spare compared to a tight fix in my wifes Lexus RX. I figured the SMART to be my summer "toy". Since taking delivery we had a snow storm and horrible side streets, the SMART handled the snow quite well. Fuel economy is over the charts, I have yet to stop for my second fillup. Again the long wait was definitely worth it and encourage buyers to consider getting SMART!

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  One Happy Camper - 2009 Smart fortwo
  By realsmart1 - December 28 - 7:13 pm

  I thoroughly researched before purchase. Agonized between the Suzuki SX4, Toyota Prius & the smart. The smart won in the end because of its uniqueness, "star power," and somewhat because it is a Mercedes. I was concerned about its performance in the snow but felt reassured by a few other smart owners that it is effective getting around even in a blizzard with a foot of snow. Ill need to wait until winter to test its ability to climb grades in the snow. Im sure the SX4 would have excelled in the snow but according to consumer reports only avg. satisfaction was achieved by Suzuki owners, whereas smart owners overwhelmingly loved their smart as do I. The Prius is just too expensive.

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  What do you expect? - 2009 Smart fortwo
  By Squuirt - November 27 - 6:03 am

  I have heard some complaints that the Smart is slow, or doesnt shift like an automatic. The purpose of the ForTwo and the same reason I bought it was economy, not speed. But it is NO slug! Wind it up and it will go great! 75mph on the freeway is comfortable. Every day I am more impressed with my Smart. Remember, the transmission is a manual that is automated. It shifts exactly how I would expect it to, not an automatic. It takes a little getting used to, but once you understand it, its fun! I am impressed with the ride for a 1800lb car! I am also 61" and have plenty of room! I like the simplicity offering comfort in terms of reliability and longevity. I purchased as a commuter, perfect!

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  Smart Passion - Better than expected - 2008 Smart fortwo
  By trcboyd - November 25 - 8:50 am

  I originally purchased the smart car to resell. After the first week, not only did I decide not to sell it, but Im gonna order a convertible for my wife. I have quick take offs & average driving speed is 75 mph. I get about 35 mpg in standard mode & 39 mpg in auto mode. The best I can obtain is 46.8 mpg. Im impressed with the interior room, performance & features. I dont always like the attention. People ride too close & as a result, Im afraid Im gonna get a ticket for >85 mph trying to get away. It handles well, is a blast to drive and is a huge surprise to everyone who sits inside. Im 60" & 200 Ibs with plenty of room to spare. I dont move seat all the way rearward. Love It!

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  What a SMART choice! - 2008 Smart fortwo
  By BJH - October 18 - 4:46 am

  At first I was hesitant about buying such a small car, but I saw the crash test ratings online before buying the Smart, and I signed up to buy it. It gets great gas mileage, plus you can garantee that as soon as you pull out of your driveway, your car will get attention. It is fun to drive and it looks sporty.

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  Love it, love it, love it!! - 2008 Smart fortwo
  By Belva Hinthorn - October 12 - 6:56 am

  I was driving a 99 Porsche Boxster that I loved but was willing to trade for something different while it still had value. My husband convinced me to drive a Smart and I loved it. Now we negotiate about who will drive it the next day based on time and miles to travel. It is much more comfortable than a Boxster and as much fun. It doesnt have the power but still has plenty of zip and is so unique in that it just makes people smile and wave.

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  I hate to do this - 2009 Smart fortwo
  By 6gftbp - October 4 - 7:03 pm

  This has become a love hate relationship. My wife and I are car lovers, we have a LARGER number ranging from the smart to several high performance sport cars. We live in a semi-rural area. Size doesnt matter. But I do like the nimbleness of our smart and ease of driving. The quirks of the car can get to you. Forget the gearbox, much has been written, but how about the rear hatch. What kind of a computer does it have that it take 10 seconds to release. Why is there no beep confirmation when locking and unlocking doors. Maintenance! I am a little of a do it yourselfer....go check the water in the battery. Its a joke. Many in dealer stock. Bloom is off