2009 Smart ForTwo
- 2008 Smart ForTwo
- Used Smart ForTwo
Based on analysis of 44 ForTwo reviews and test drives.
Smart ForTwo - What the Auto Press Says
The 2009 Smart ForTwo ranks 24 out of 33 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 44 published reviews and test drives of the Smart ForTwo, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Fortwo's cute frame and nimble handling make it a very tempting choice for city driving, but its sluggish power is impractical for the highway.
One of the best cars for city living -- and one of the worst purchases you could make for a suburban commute -- the 2009 Smart Fortwo continues to inspire industry buzz for its fun styling, outstanding gas mileage, and surprising comfort given its small stature. And considering the sagging economy and fear over recent surging gas prices, it's no wonder the waiting list to buy a Fortwo has been as lengthy as it is. Current Smart car owners surveyed admit that the car's appeal lay along economical lines -- according to a recent Washington Post feature, there are numerous SUV drivers who still prefer their larger car for highway driving, but they purchased a Smart to save money wheeling around town.
Outside of the city limits, the Smart's appeal begins to tarnish. Our analysis finds that the Fortwo has many flaws, from its ungainly shifting with the automated manual transmission, to its troubling crash test scores. Not to mention the need to fuel up with premium gasoline -- an extravagance for many drivers these days.
Although the Fortwo is truly in a class all its own, there are other cars that help you exert your individuality and save the planet at the same time. The MINI Cooper has a retro style that's sure to turn heads on the highway, great gas mileage, and a zippy road personality that holds its own against any small car.
The Fortwo might soon have competition from the Scion iQ. Although it hasn't been confirmed that this car will make it to the United States, the two-door, three-passenger iQ would have a rear window airbag to protect rear passengers in a collision, and a 10-inch pop-up navigation system. As a Scion model, there would probably be plenty of customization options.
For 2009, the carryover Smart car will still come in its pure coupe, passion coupe and passion cabriolet (convertible) trims. There are also two new color options for the 2009 year, and more door nets for added storage in the cabin. Smart has also introduced a sportier BRABUS coupe and cabriolet version of the Fortwo.
- "Gas is up, green is in, and the extra-small two-door is a virtual billboard announcing one's willingness to sacrifice, beginning with a capital 'S.'" -- Seattle Times
- "In spite of -- or perhaps because of -- smart's quirkiness and aesthetics I loved it. Certainly, not everyone will." -- The Auto Channel
- "The 2009 Smart Fortwo is a great city car, but its high price, herky jerky transmission and unpleasant highway ride reduce its appeal when compared to other compacts." -- Edmunds
- "If you name yourself L. L. Cool J, you'd better make sure the Ladies Love Cool James. ... And if you name your car Smart, it'd better be a four-wheeled Ken Jennings. I'd have to say that the Smart lives up to its name, but only in the city. If you commute to work and park in a lot, then you're probably better served by a more conventional car." -- Automobile Magazine
- "The ForTwo holds just two people, gets 40 miles to the gallon, and is cute as all get-out." -- Fort Worth Star-Telegram
ForTwo Performance - 6.4 (Mediocre)
Outside of the city, very few driving conditions would make the Smart Fortwo's performance capabilities ideal. Okay, maybe none. Reviewers who do enjoy driving the Smart car admit that an urban setting is the vehicle's appropriate habitat. Otherwise, the car doesn't have much power for passing and merging on the highway. "Imagine 40-plus-mpg city economy," Motor Trend writes. "The penalty is a sluggish 91-mph top speed and approximately 12-second 0-to-60 time. Even when it has just 1650 pounds to propel, you can't expect miracles from 71 horsepower. But the Smart's quick reflexes make you forget those figures." continue
ForTwo Exterior - 8.2 (Very Good)
The Smart would be nothing without its can't-miss-it design. Reviewers find even if they aren't attracted to the quirky little car, they still can't look away. "Attention grabbing?" asks the Los Angeles Times. "Ice cream trucks playing La Bamba at 100 decibels don't get more notice. Likable? It's irresistible. The Smart is a rolling sight gag, like a fat man wearing a tiny bowler hat, or a Speedo." continue
ForTwo Interior - 8.4 (Very Good)
The 2009 Smart Fortwo's interior is surprisingly spacious. "Much like Dr. Who's TARDIS time machine, there's more room inside than the vehicle's exterior dimensions seem to allow," Edmunds writes. "This is a very good thing." The Seattle Times says, "It's like Narnia's wardrobe, a seemingly small space that widens upon entry." continue
ForTwo Safety - 8.5 (Very Good)
Reviewers have little confidence in the Fortwo's ability to protect its passengers -- or as About.com reports, "My guess is that in a collision, the Smart would get punted like a football." -- and this is backed up by federal government crash tests, where a safety concern was issued for the car's performance in side impact crash tests. However, the Fortwo does well in insurance industry crash tests. continue
ForTwo Reliability - NA
The Smart Fortwo has the shortest warranty of any car -- bumper-to-bumper coverage for only two-years or 24,000-miles, whichever comes first. continue
