2008 smart fortwo Consumer Reviews

Driving a Smart Car

Written by: Herb on 10/20/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

The somewhat leisurely acceleration is expected and can be circumvented by flogging the engine in manual mode using the paddle shifters. Initial fuel economy was disappointing, but rapidly improved after putting "Sea-Foam" fuel system cleaner in the tank. Am now getting 38.5 mpg in city driving. The local Smart dealership was very friendly and reprogrammed the transmission to largely eliminate the 1-2 shift lag in my 2008 as part of a no-charge update to 2009 standards. This made a huge improvement in driveability! Highway stability in cross-winds is somewhat squirrely, but I had no trouble keeping it in the lane even when x-winds topped 35 mph on a fast causeway.

Favorite Features

Very roomy inside for a tiny two-seater. Getting in and out is wonderfully easy. I'm over 6'-2" and can wear a tall hat in this car! All the features are useful and contribute to the feel of having a much more expensive car. Love the 10,000 service interval. People smile and wave.

Suggested Improvements

Rear vision is restricted my high seat-backs and thick rear pillars. Transmission gets stuck in gear when gas pedal is stomped (no up-shift until long after foot is taken off gas pedal). Downshifting is reluctant when gas pedal is stomped and held down.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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learn how to shift

Written by: chip brady on 09/06/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

I continue to read reviews with people complaining about the transmission! My wife and I each have a fortwo. Last month we drove it 2700 miles from seattle to Spearfish SD.It was terrific in the mountains.The paddle shifters work like a dream. We left our Cadillac at home and drove the smart car. If people will take the time to learn to shift the car it is the best transmission on the road today. We have been in the auto parts business for over 40 years and have had many different vehicles, but these are amazing. I have 15,000 miles on mine and it runs just like the day I bought it! The roominess inside continues to surprise people. More headroom than my cadillac.

Favorite Features

Transmission with paddles, heated seats and of course my 45 miles to a gallon. I drive 15 miles each way to work and the stability at 70 mph is great.

Suggested Improvements

Only two things I would change. The seat adjuster absolutely needs to be put on the side of the seat by the door and the screw latch on the engine compartment is mickey mouse!!

16 out 16 people found this review helpful

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My Rollercoaster Ride

Written by: LouG on 08/22/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

I have owned this car for 9 months. I cant wait too get rid of it!!!! Yeah it's cute but it isn't all that it's made out too be. The gas mileage is good only if you drive like an old person, A car this small should get better MPG. The transmission is the worst, annoying, uncomfortable feeling I have ever exp, even with the trans software update. It is soooo annoying if you get stuck in traffic, Shifting from 1st to 2nd constantly up and down will make you want to vomit. This is the main reason I want too sell it. Gas gauge still wont read rt, even after 5 times back too the dealer, Mercedes should be ashamed to hsve there name linked too this car. THE LITTLE HERKY JERKY ROLLERCOASTER RIDE..

Favorite Features

AC, Seaats

Suggested Improvements

Trans, Trans, Trans, Better MPG, More power.

7 out 9 people found this review helpful

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my daily driver

Written by: smartdriver on 06/21/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

After one year of ownership, I find I still look forward to my driving time in the smart fortwo. The car has peppy performance, and is quite comfortable, even on the long road trips. I find that I can accomplish 99% of my driving and cargo tasks with this excellent car. Initially, I had several of the "smart car gremlins" occur, but the dealership has performed admirably with all warranty work. Here in the desert, the climate can be extreme: the smart fortwo handles the cold, searing heat, wind, torrential rain, uv extreme sunlight, snow and ice very well indeed. I am looking forward to an all- electric smart in my future.

Favorite Features

Heated leather seats, clear plexiglass roof, fog lights, ac/heater climate controls, brakes. (The brakes on the smart fortwo are outstanding).

Suggested Improvements

rear hatch lift handle, re-design engine cover fastener. panoramic roof shade re-design. add footwell/cargo area/interior lighting. add a better (higher db) compact Italian airhorn.

8 out 9 people found this review helpful

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This is such a cool car~!

Written by: D. Martin on 06/19/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

I am a college student who wanted an inexpensive car to get to and from school. This car is so fun to drive, especially with the top rolled down. It gets many stares and many questions. I love everything about it! Obviously this car isn't for everyone. Some people need trucks for work, but for many people like me, this two-seater is perfect. It holds everything I need for my classes and squeezes into tight places when I'm on the hunt for parking. My family owns a Mini Cooper S, and although it leaves the Smart in the dust performance wise, the Smart, for me anyway, is much more entertaining to drive due to it's unique character. Don't expect to be an Indy 500 racer in this car.

Favorite Features

Nice and roomy. 40mpg city if you behave. Surprising amount of storage space. Tons of upgradable features like storage nets/boxes/cruise control. Plastic, interchangeable body panels are so cool! New colors each season? This car makes people smile; it's a very unique experience to own one in Texas!

Suggested Improvements

The car is too slow. It's so bad, it can get smoked by an Amigo. The transmission software upgrade helped with the jerkiness during shifts, but it's still noticeable. For a car this small, you'd think it would be quicker. Unfortunately the engine is underpowered. Turbo charger please! :)

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

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2008 Cabriolet

Written by: Barbara Robinson on 05/21/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

I love this car. Even though there is a jerky shift between 1st & 2nd gears, it's not that bad. The gas mileage has been great (38-45 mph). Most of my driving is around town but I have traveled on the highway. The space inside is surprisingly roomy. My husband and I are both tall and I have to pull the seat forward. The convertible allows you to fold partially or totally down. I like that feature.

Favorite Features

Gas mileage, convertible, just plain fun to drive

Suggested Improvements

Poor console lighting, cruise control, seat lever adjustment on wrong side, adjustable steering wheel

9 out 9 people found this review helpful

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Love My Smart Converitble

Written by: Doublesmart on 04/12/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

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.

Favorite Features

My favorite features are its uniqueness and roomy interior. When friends ride with me they are surprised by the comfort and get up and go. I am getting a little tired of constantly being stopped to talk about my car but am getting used to being stared at as I drive down the street.

Suggested Improvements

The engine makes the rear compartment hot and being in the desert intensifies the problem. I have to be careful with groceries.

12 out 12 people found this review helpful

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smarter than you might think

Written by: Alan Griff on 04/03/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

Unlike shopping for other vehicles, in choosing a smart, you decide on what you don't need. Do you need to chauffeur people? Do you need to buy fuel frequently? Do you need to spend time looking for a parking spot? Do you need zippy acceleration? Do you need trunk space that will hold more than a suitcase or two? If you answered, "No," to one or more questions, then the smart deserves consideration. Yes, the ride can be poor to fair, but the very comfortable seats make up for a lot. Yes, the transmission doesn't shift that smoothly, but it can be described kindly as "easy going." It's okay in the city, and on the highway, once you're up to speed, does it really matter? I love it.

Favorite Features

I love it's tiny footprint- great for the city. It's turning circle is almost a ring size. The visibility, except to the rear with the top all the way down, is superb. The seats are firm and comfortable. Getting 38 mpg is fine, thank you. Getting in and out, particularly in parking lots.

Suggested Improvements

Smoother tranny. Faster acceleration. An armrest. Cruise control. Longer standard warranty. Bigger sun visors, and lighted vanity mirrors for both driver and passenger. Window switches located more forward.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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I LOVE MY LIL TIC TAC

Written by: WITH A PASSION on 03/03/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

Got my car in April, 2008. The craziness of being chased down by tow truck drivers and 20 people standing around my car in the grocery store parking lot has gone away. But still have the occasional "how do you like your little car?" at the gas pump. Happy to say, almost a year later and I am still in love with my eco- friendly, economical import. In town, I get 33-42mpg depending on how I'm driving but even when gas was $4.00 a gallon, never spent a whole $20 to fill up. Big inside, very SMART outside.

Favorite Features

Gas mileage, easy to keep clean, fun to drive, easy to park and it is adorable with reindeer antlers and nose during Christmas, also love the sunroof that is standard

Suggested Improvements

Only thing I miss is cruise control for those longer trips across Texas

19 out 19 people found this review helpful

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excellent car

Written by: kay on 03/02/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

I love the car. When your in it you feel like your in a normal size car. Your actually up higher than a lot of cars, which is one of the safety features. The mileage is much better than they advertise it. I find it to have great pick up. It feels like any other car going 80mph. I was pleased by how well it drives and feels.

Favorite Features

The design, Its just soooo cute.

Suggested Improvements

I really don't have any.

6 out 9 people found this review helpful

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