2008 smart fortwo Consumer Reviews Page 3

Fun to have your arrival announced

Written by: gitlaw on 12/04/2008

Vehicle

2008 smart fortwo passion cabrio 2dr Convertible (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)

Review

Wherever you go, you can hear people announce your arrival ("Smart car!"). That aside, the car has unexpected power on the highway. This car, like a small dog, doesn't know it's small. Love the convertible top, though, which can open and close at any speed. Mercedes technology makes the car very quiet with the roof up compared to other convertibles (like the noisy Miata, for example). You get used to the upshift from 1st to 3rd, although my spouse prefers to use the paddle shifters for a smoother transition.

Favorite Features

Convertible top. Power on the highway. Surprising amount of room in the back for luggage or groceries.

Suggested Improvements

Needs cruise control.

20 out 20 people found this review helpful

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the Helmet

Written by: kdb on 12/03/2008

Vehicle

2008 smart fortwo passion cabrio 2dr Convertible (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)

Review

We adapted an orphan and love it, we call it the helmet because we think it looks like a football helmet and we feel safe in it so it protects us like a helmet. My husband and I are neither one small people and we feel very comfortable in the car. The only thing that is sometimes uncomfortable is that people always stare. I feel like I am speeding all the time.

Favorite Features

It is a fun car to drive and economical at the same time. I also like the different choices for a convertible top. you can have a sun roof type, a semi convertible of if you remove the top sides you have a full convertible.

Suggested Improvements

nothing, I love it the way it is.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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love the little car

Written by: wesley on 11/21/2008

Vehicle

2008 smart fortwo passion 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)

Review

It's fun to drive and bring smiles where ever I go, can park it in many places nobody else can, I'm averaging 40 mile to gallon but as high as 45 when I drive slower--I've had no problem with it on x-way and driven it as fast as 85 hour without any problems passing trucks or being passed, I'm 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 I'd still buy it-- it even saved me on my insurance, it's not for everyone but it sure fit my needs make great runabout, I'm very pleased with it over all

Favorite Features

fun to drive-- shifting paddles on steering wheel--large doors--tall easy to get in out of for big guy like me, 40 miles to gallon average

Suggested Improvements

cruise control, better locking glove box

16 out 16 people found this review helpful

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Fun, but be careful

Written by: CyberSpiff on 11/16/2008

Vehicle

2008 smart fortwo passion 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)

Review

I drove the Smart for 14 miles each way to and from work for 6 months, enjoying the good mileage and fun handling. Parking was easy and it was a comfortable ride. The problem I ran into was a lack of stability in windy settings. I had a scary incident when I was blown into the lane next to me as a result of driving on a windy day and having a truck drive past me, which moved me over to the next lane. Thankfully there was no one in that lane, but it could have been a real problem. As a result I sold the car the next day. I don't think this is a typical situation and in no way blame the design. It's something to keep in mind when you are considering the Smart.

Favorite Features

Mileage, easy to park, heated seats.

Suggested Improvements

Better stability in cross winds.

23 out 25 people found this review helpful

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Gouged by dealer of love car

Written by: Lexe Payne on 11/15/2008

Vehicle

2008 smart fortwo passion cabrio 2dr Convertible (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)

Review

I find out after the fact that the dealer misrepresented the cost of accessories and pocketed a lot of extra money. The car is wonderful to drive and is extremely comfortable and easy to get in and out of. The quality of the car is extremely good considering the cost. It is the old VW bug mentality with a 20th century need for speed and room and comfort.

Favorite Features

Length, head room, gasoline mileage, quality construction, speed on highway, and of course the fun associated with a convertible.

Suggested Improvements

Gasoline door should be same color of car, need for arm rest between seats, window controls located too far back.

9 out 10 people found this review helpful

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I love it!!!

Written by: Rick3bears on 11/04/2008

Vehicle

2008 smart fortwo passion 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)

Review

I drive 102 miles daily on my commute. Backroads and Interstate. My little bumblebee (yellow and black) takes it all in stride. I buzz along the interstate at 75+ with no problems and tootle down the backroads in fine style. I have talked to dozens of people about the car, given away a dozen brochures and extolled the virtues of Smart driving to anyone who would listen. I'm a big guy 6'3" 250 and have plenty of room.

Favorite Features

Love the roominess, style features and zippiness when driving in "paddle" mode.

Suggested Improvements

Cruise control, tilt steering wheel, bigger rearview mirror.

39 out 41 people found this review helpful

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Smart Passion - Better than expected

Written by: trcboyd on 10/28/2008

Vehicle

2008 smart fortwo passion 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)

Review

I originally purchased the smart car to resell. After the first week, not only did I decide not to sell it, but I'm 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. I'm impressed with the interior room, performance & features. I don't always like the attention. People ride too close & as a result, I'm afraid I'm 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. I'm 6'0" & 200 Ibs with plenty of room to spare. I don't move seat all the way rearward. Love It!

Favorite Features

Bright Lights! The dim & fog lights stay on with brights. The auto lights & auto adjust windshield wipers are awesome. The ESP is much more advanced than expected for this price range. Electric windows, heated leather seats, moonroof, optional std or auto trans, storage space & fuel economy!

Suggested Improvements

Needs: Tilt, CRUISE CONTROL, driver armrest, little more acceleration ( 0- 60 in 12 sec ), rear speakers (Maybe on safety cell @ roof level, window & rear-view mirror adjust moved forward, oil drain plug & screw on oil filter, full service manual. Electrical adj lumbar seating . Cruise Control 4 sure.

9 out 11 people found this review helpful

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Love my car

Written by: Jaq on 10/24/2008

Vehicle

2008 smart fortwo passion 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)

Review

The car is fun to drive, handles well in the corners and in traffic it is very nimble. Interior is comfortable and when you keep in mind what the car is designed for it meets all the criteria very well. Fuel economy is basically how well you control the right foot. Need to adjust to limited space.

Favorite Features

Fun to drive, does attract a lot of attention and comments.

Suggested Improvements

Would like a bit more insulation on the engine cover, and would like interior mirror raised a bit more.

0 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Thought they would never get here!

Written by: Hal on 10/23/2008

Vehicle

2008 smart fortwo passion 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)

Review

Started driving them in Europe over 7 years ago and they were a delight, cute , very maneuverable, and fit in all the very small places in Rome,Paris, and London. Tried immediately to buy one (they were 60,000 lire/$6000 US in Rome) when I first tried. They would not sell me stating that the U.S. would not allow me to import them. My wife and I ordered one each in late 2007 and they arrived in May and July 2008. They are a delight to drive and have plenty of pep, a delight to merge onto the freeway and can easily go 90 mph or higher if some SUV gets testy and aggressive. They are very safe & stable weighing in at more than a ton, have ABS and ESP, 4 airbags & a 5+ crash rating. Go for it!

Favorite Features

Very maneuverable,effortless steering (especially with power steering). Very BIG and LITTLE (big inside and small outside),very colorful, attractive,cheerful and outright fun. Lots of thumbs up and many many inquiries. My wife and I often fit our two Smarts in one parking place-NO tickets yet!

Suggested Improvements

I believe that the cars suspension (quite firm) is set up to assist its stability but a little softer would be desirable. Surprisingly there is considerable torque for its engine size and it negotiates steep hills even when the auto shift has it in 5th gear. I believe an overdrive could be installed.

2 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Can't be shy if you own a Smart Car

Written by: Terry on 10/18/2008

Vehicle

2008 smart fortwo passion 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)

Review

I awaited my Smart car with great anticipation. Ordered it online in late April of 2007 and took ownership May 1 2008. The room inside is amazing. This summer I drove all over Boston, usually 40-60 miles a day. I had a minimum of 5 full conversations with strangers about this cute little car. When in stop in go traffic I realized that using the car in manual provided a much smoother ride. I now prefer to drive that way and I find I get 10 more miles per gallon. Having the option of shifting on the stick or on the steering wheel is a great choice. Beware of potholes, railroad tracks and road work going over these too fast- scares the wits out of you. Easily driven at 70 mph with no problem.

Favorite Features

The large heated seats, the rear storage area, the constant attention form total strangers. The option of auto or manual is great. I never drove a manual because of the clutch, with his car I don't have one. I love that. When I want to drink coffee or chat on my cell I leave it on automatic.

Suggested Improvements

Would love cruise control-better rear viewing and a tilt steering wheel. The ride could be much more comfortable. Do not buy this car of you expect a smooth ride-you feel every bump but the gas mileage outweighs that disadvantage.

22 out 25 people found this review helpful

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