2009 smart fortwo Consumer Reviews

Upgraded To Cabriolet!

Written by: realsmart1 on 10/07/2009

Vehicle

2009 smart fortwo passion cabriolet 2dr Convertible (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)

Review

I originally bought a blue with silver tridian coupe back in July... had issues with water retention in rear hatch...was given a cabriolet smart loaner during repairs...fell in love with convertible...immediately upgraded to a red with a black tridian convertible because of 1.2% APR financing promotion, despite $3000 depreciation for trade-in . I have no regrets...LOVE the convertible. Read my other review for coupe, same applies to this car.

Favorite Features

Very flexible convertible--can open and close at any speed; closing convertible last minute before it rains therefore can use on days with rain in forecast! Love the tachometer & dash mounted clock, quirky but sporty. Very effective fog lamps, casts a wide area of illumination.

Suggested Improvements

Doors are too rigid upon opening and sometimes difficult to shut completely. How about a diesel version in the near future and/or all-wheel-drive? A real Brabus Edition w/150hp would be nice instead of only 70hp. Other colors such as metallic red, metallic purple, metallic lime, metallic orange...

4 out 6 people found this review helpful

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They are so good I purchased another one

Written by: JohnnyBones on 09/30/2009

Vehicle

2009 smart fortwo BRABUS coupe 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)

Review

Let me be the first to sing praises of the BRABUS model. As a fairly fickle person when it comes to cars, I never had purchased the same make/model of car twice (let alone in a row). It all started with a very early delivery of my 2008 SMART Passion which I enjoyed for 20K miles plus. While debating to extend the warranty or trade to a different vehicle, I decided to take a BRABUS for a spin. The bigger rims, heated leather seats, the well sculpted body and the better suspension made it an easy decision and now my Black BRABUS hatch looks gorgeous in my driveway and it gets a lot of looks. For those who doubt the BRABUS magic need to test drive this car. Its a truly a SMART for the guys.

Favorite Features

- Improved and tighter suspension. - 'Special' BRABUS exterior treatment. - Surprisingly good upgraded sound system. - Heated Leather Seats (Standard) - The smirk on my face as I whip through traffic.

Suggested Improvements

Give the US models a turbo! Its a pity that such a great looking small car isn't 'finished off' with the extra power that usually follows the BRABUS name. Well, it appears I am going to have to add an aftermarket kit.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Just good to say

Written by: Jody of N.Y. on 09/29/2009

Vehicle

2009 smart fortwo passion coupe 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)

Review

This car is really good to show off how big it is inside. People I know can't believe how big it is and feels when it drives. The only thing I would change or add is Cruise control. I had it added, that makes it complete for me. I have nothing but fun when I drive it.

Favorite Features

Big doors,auto wipers I never had them before,It's a great thing,

Suggested Improvements

Need to put acc.position on key switch so you don't have to turn off auto head lights.Change the way drive on the shifter works,it needs to only be drive because my wife didn't realize that if you hit the paddle shifter the car doesn't shift automatically any more.

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Most Fun on 4 Wheels!

Written by: nitro on 09/05/2009

Vehicle

2009 smart fortwo passion cabriolet 2dr Convertible (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)

Review

I traded a Civic SI for this (hit a deer) and am thrilled with the experience. No it doesn't have the power of the Si or the handling, but it's a ton more fun to drive! Puts a smile on my face everytime I walk up to it. Love opening the top as I approach the car...such a warm welcome! I had navigation and bluetooth installed, except for cruise this is really loaded. Great little run about, even took a refrigerator to work in the back, fit perfectly. It's bigger than you think! Drove to NYC from MD, no issues and 45 mpg in the first 2000 miles. Looking forward to getting over 50 soon!

Favorite Features

Red interior, top down and up at any speed, fits anywhere, shifting w/o a clutch, mileage...makes me smile even on my 50 mile commute and in traffic!

Suggested Improvements

no cruise...otherwise perfect for me!

13 out 15 people found this review helpful

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A quick comment about photos

Written by: Smartie on 08/31/2009

Vehicle

2009 smart fortwo passion cabriolet 2dr Convertible (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)

Review

Love, love, love my car! I average about 38 mpg over my 30 mile round- trip commute, and I've gotten 47 on the highway. I feel very safe (drove 80 mph this weekend). I have the upgraded stereo and it is great for me. I drive to work with a smile on my face every day.

Favorite Features

Heated seats, auto wipers, top goes up and down at 60mph, enthusiast groups, gas mileage, smiles from strangers, ease of parking!

Suggested Improvements

Reduce interior windy-ness when the top is fully down (but it's fine if you have short hair!), more oomph to the A/C, make tachometer standard.

3 out 4 people found this review helpful

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High on the fun meter

Written by: Ken on 08/31/2009

Vehicle

2009 smart fortwo passion coupe 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)

Review

Well, I have had many cars in my life and I can not think of any that is more fun to drive, including my wife's Z-4. It just cruises down the road at 70 to 80 with the big boys. My first tank of gas I averaged 37 MPG.

Favorite Features

I love the interior and the sun roof.

Suggested Improvements

Quieter motor at idle and tilt wheel added.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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A bit high strung!

Written by: gjc on 08/25/2009

Vehicle

2009 smart fortwo passion cabriolet 2dr Convertible (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)

Review

Very high on the cute factor. Really fun to drive with the top down. More interior room is more than expected for such a small car. Premium radio, not so much. Ditto with the A/C. I don't expect a CVT shift with a AM transmission, but Smartie has been in twice to the dealer in three months for very erratic auto shift patterns. Paddle/manual shifting works well.

Favorite Features

Takes no room to park in garage,or anywhere. Top up/down at any speed. Several amenities, heated seats, auto rain wipers etc.

Suggested Improvements

A/C ducts need to be able to be directed lower on the body. Better way to check the oil. Temp gauge instead of warning light only. Cheap LCD cluster.

7 out 9 people found this review helpful

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Small Package Delivers the Goods

Written by: Mike on 08/25/2009

Vehicle

2009 smart fortwo passion coupe 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)

Review

Bought this car for my wife to drive locally, but I find myself driving it most, mostly because it's just FUN! For a great price, it's loaded with features found on higher-end autos such as rain-sensing wipers, heated leather seats, I take it on the highway as often as I drive locally, and it is surprisingly capable. Keeps up with traffic, responsive, good stability. I cruise at 75 mph and don't feel the speed at all. Seats are extremely comfortable. Driving locally, it is a bit sluggish to get going from a standstill, but once it's rolling it does OK. The shift changes in automatic mode are quite jerky. Manual mode allows for smoother shifting once you get the feel for it. Very good car.

Favorite Features

A/C blows very cold. Interior is very roomy, doesn't feel small when you're sitting inside. Get the comfort pkg. for $850, which includes P/S, auto headlights and wipers, and heated leather seats. it's really worth it. Lots more storage room in back than you would think, holds plenty.

Suggested Improvements

No cruise control. I know this is primarily an urban vehicle, but I miss cruise control on highway trips. The car could also use a tilt/telescoping steering column. There is plenty of leg room, but when the seat is all the way back I feel like I have to reach for the steering wheel.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Can't get out of its own way !

Written by: TriCounty on 08/18/2009

Vehicle

2009 smart fortwo pure 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)

Review

Has no power. Has a hard time getting up a hill. If you live in an area with hills and mountains don't even think about this car .

Favorite Features

comfortable

Suggested Improvements

Give it some power.

5 out 9 people found this review helpful

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One Happy Camper

Written by: realsmart1 on 08/13/2009

Vehicle

2009 smart fortwo passion coupe 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)

Review

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 it's 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. I'll need to wait until winter to test its ability to climb grades in the snow. I'm 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.

Favorite Features

Aux jack for iPod. Std radio surprisingly better than expectd, 2 speakers. I actually like the jerkiness while shifting because it reminds me that the car is a manual which I normally can't drive with a clutch. I like all its quirkiness which makes it unique. Ease of parking in the tiniest of spots.

Suggested Improvements

A/C not cold enough esp on hot days 'less it's set to 60 degrees(coldest setting)with nearly the highest blower setting(3). The sunvisor doesn't extend lengthwise enough to be effective when placed against the driver's side window. Rain collects in area above rear hatch. Turbo option would be nice.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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