Used 2008 smart fortwo Consumer Reviews
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High SPM (Smiles per Mile)
Comfort, fun to drive and all the elements under the Design heading, I would really give an '11'!!! This car is really well thought out and well put together. Plenty of power to get onto highways and keep up with normal traffic at whatever speed. I have had a very new experience with it...buying a new car and after one month nothing broken or any mechanical failures. Once I got used to the 'manual' transmission, it is kinda fun to drive whether in auto-mode or paddle shifters or stick. I'm not really a convertible guy, but I'm having a super great time with it on this car. Surprise, surprise, it even has a trunk...amazing!
This is the best car ever :)
This is the best car ever. I have owned a lot of car but this is my favorite. everywhere I go I feel like a moviestar. the ride is awesome for a small car. I love the auto wipers and HID lights & heated Seats. and I can put the top down at any speed on the highway how cool is that :). driving around town my milage has been 38 worst (ethanol gas) 44 best (pure gas). highway is around 49 as long as you drive under 70 MPH I think I could get 50 MPG If I drove the speed limit :) I wish It had Cruise Control and the trans takes some getting used to. the subwoofer under the seat doesn't seem to work. my dealer will look at it when I bring it in for service.
- passion cabrio ConvertibleMSRP: $7,995209 mi away
- passion 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $4,999280 mi away
- passion cabrio ConvertibleMSRP: $10,900290 mi away
Smart Right
The car was exactly as we had ordered, and the Sales Staff was terrific! They did not pressure us in any way shape or for, and were extremely knowledgeable regarding the car of its capabilities, and operation. We could not be more pleased with our Smart Car. It has performed as it was advertised and we are even more pleased with the Mileage per Gallon at 42 to 45 MPG. It drives like any other small car, and is a dream to drive. One would not know how small it is when sitting in it as it has plenty of room. The only time you are aware of its size is when you are not in it! Again
2008 smart Passion
The smart is definitely fun to drive, and has excellent mileage. My best tank so far, driving conservatively on the highway, has been 53 MPG. Realistically one should expect high 30s to mid 40 MPGs, depending on driving. Mileage suffers above 65 MPH as the drag increases. The quirky transmission is the car's greatest weak spot. It is neither as smooth as a traditional auto, nor as quick to change gears as a manual. It literally takes a certain learning curve to get used to it and get smoother. Nevertheless, the car is super fun to drive. If you don't want to wait a full year for a reservation, get on your local dealer's "orphan" list for cars that have been turned down.
Best car I ever had.
You will not believe how this car gets better as you drive it. I now have 3,500 miles and it drives better, faster and gas is 47.5 per gallon in town and no problems with anything. Very comfortable on the road and roomy inside. Gear shifting in manual is flawless. I love this car!
Amazing
This car performs much better than it looks on paper. Its specifications indicate that it is the slowest car on the road in the US, however, I have no trouble accelerating and driving on the highways. My other cars are all either supercharged or turbocharged, and I do not feel at any loss in the smart. I feel that I have more interior room than in my Mini Cooper S, and the smart's trunk is far bigger. This is the most fun car I have ever owned.
Little Red SmartCar (driving in MN)
I had never touched a Smart before getting my little red convertible. I am 6' 4" and was concerned about fitting in a little car. I was extremely pleased with the tremendous amount of room in the cabin. My knees comfortably fit under the dash. My wife had to laugh once she got in. The ride with the top open is fantastic. I was amazed with the headroom with the top closed. The mileage has been terrific in town where I regularly get 41 mpg. I had to chuckle with my first fill up of 3 gallons after my 1st 130 miles. The car drives well on the highway and over distances. My foot got a little heavy on a highway and I opened it up to 95. It's a great commuter car and a ball on the weekends
Lover My Smart42
Love the car and the way it handles in city and highway driving. It's fun and economical. The transmission takes a couple of drives to get use to how it shifts and the feel of the pedal, but once you drive it a little, it responds just fine.
My Smart Car
I have been waiting 11 months for this car and now that I have it and have driven in the highway for 125 miles, I know I made the right choice. Not only is it fun to drive, it's cheap to drive. I did invest in a LOJACK since the vehicle only weighs 1800 lbs - you can actually pick it up with ease, of course not by yourself but with some help you can I am sure (lol). We like so much we have a second car on order.
Teeny Tiny, just my size
I love my Smart Cabrio. I even get the "motor cycle" wave from passing cycles, Can you believe it? It handles well, the steering is tight and responsive. It is peppy, even going up hill with the AC on at full blast. I couldn't even get do that in my Jeep(V6) w/o some form of hesitation.My Mom calls it a "guy magnet" everywhere I go, they want to talk about the car.
Can't beat the fun
This is a great car, fun to drive, a pleasure to fill up (once and a while) at the pump, and a pleasure to own. It's very roomy inside, it fits me perfectly. It drives like a manual trans even in automatic and I love it.
This Much Fun Should Be Illegal
I've had many cars but never one this fun. It's a hoot to drive, the build quality is excellent, and the mileage is unmatched. I've waited for this car since the mid-90's, and it was well worth the wait!
Smart Car is the Best
Best car ever for those who need something to drive back and forth to work with. Not good for family use.
Smart
Seems like a good car, have several really cool cars to choose from in the garage, but I keep going to the smart. Peppy, nimble, seems huge inside. Valets love it, makes everyone smile. All for 15k out the door.
First review
I brought a new 1959 Volkswagen back from Germany in 1959. This car reminds me of the 1959 Volkswagen. It performs better than you think it could and people wonder what it is. I can't believe how well it handles on the highway. I really like the way the transmission operates. I expected poor performance but if you know how to drive this car you will be happy with it. I had only 37 HP with the Volkswagen while this car has 70 or so. I was extremely pleased with the Smart dealership in Orlando.
Love my car
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.
Love my Smart Car
I love my Smart Car. I have had mine for 3 months now and my husband just picked up his Smart Car 3 weeks ago. We love them !
Disapointed Owner
The car is fun to drive with the exception of the transmission. You never know when it is going to hesitate, sometimes it take 3 to 5 seconds for the computer operated clutch to decide what it wants to do. This is dangerous when trying to pull out into traffic. The gas mileage in the city is only 25 to 30. The car has not lived up to my expectations.
Can't be shy if you own a Smart Car
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.
Thought they would never get here!
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!
First 2000 miles
I was averaging 38-40 MPG around town, the last 2 fill-ups were 42.9 & 45.6 MPG. Fun to drive, draws lots of questions. Transmission is electronically shifted 5 speed manual (no clutch pedal). It takes a few days to learn when to let it shift automatically or when to use the paddles to shift it yourself. I am totally satisfied and have recommended the car to all that ask.
Smart Passion - Better than expected
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!
I love it!!!
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.
Love my smart car
Plan and simple, this car is a blast. I find myself looking for reasons to take it for a drive. I like the statement it makes-consume less-have more fun. Roomy, all manner of safety features, smiles from everyone that sees it. What is not to like.
SmartCar for Two
I've had my SC for only seven months and I like it more and more. It did have an initial "breaking in" time during during which I got accustomed to its shifting and handling and it "adapted" (according to the dealer) to my driving style. It did take awhile to get used to the shifting. While it isn't a "luxury" car it has many features that I consider luxurious and it has safety features which are extra on many cars, like a built-in roll bar, electronic stabilization, disc brakes, etc. While it is small (which I =love=) it sits high so that visibility is excellent.
Gouged by dealer of love car
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.
Fun, but be careful
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.
Mercedes Should be embarrassed!
What a shame! Great concept - horrible car to drive. I have 5 drivers in my house and after the initial novelty period passed, no one wants to take this car. It drives so poorly. I won't drive it anymore as it's jerky ride makes me wish I has an air sickness bag in the car. Gas mileage is disappointing, car is woefully underpowered and the silly transmission should cause me to get my money back under the lemon law, the dealer keeps saying that it is supposed to work the way it works. Shame on Mercedes. I feel bad that a company like them has to be affiliated with such a joke of an overpriced car. I can't wait to sell it to some hyped up fool who falls for this scam of a car!
love the little car
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
Smart review
Gas is great after 1500 miles on the car gas mileage went from low 40's to low 50's. Love the paddle shifter on the country roads.
My Smart Car Picachu
I fell in love with the look in Rome, so as soon as I found it was coming to America I signed up for one. This is one of my best decisions ever. Actually I love to drive it in the Highway, the only thing this car lacks is cruise control. People love to look at it, and it certainly brings smiles to peoples faces. Love my Smart.
The Smart Smile
I love my new Smart fortwo. It brings smiles everywhere I go. I love the comfort and horsepower.
Smart Fortwo Passion Cabriolet.
I received my new Smart Fortwo Passion Cabriolet on October 26,2008. It was a warm and sunny afternoon (for Michigan) On my drive home from the dealership I reached 82 MPH on the freeway and felt comfortable and safe. Once at home I felt like a celebrity as many people approached me to ask me about my new car. In fact wherever I go people stop me to ask about the car. I always tell them that the car handles well in every weather situation I have encountered so far, I have been averaging 35.9 MPG, And my commute to work is 19 miles. Also I work in downtown Detroit and finding parking can be difficult at times. However I have been able to park cheaply or even free on many occasions. SMART USA
Comfort
This was to be my husband's car. I have a Toyota Highlander because low passenger cars are difficult for me to get into because I have bad knees. But I drove it for a day until he sold his truck, then another day, then he wondered why the FOR SALE sign kept disappearing from his truck! I LOVE IT! We compared and the seat is almost as high as the Highlander! It is very easy to get in and out of for me. A review we read said that it was built higher than Hondas and Camrys. It will be a very sad parting after a week of zipping around the town with our big Golden Retriever "Cruzer" riding shotgun! He thinks everyone is looking at him so he is a proud guy too.
better than you think it would be
This car is amazing, my fuel cost is average $13.00 every two weeks and the maintenance is so minimal I keep thinking I am missing an oil change. Once a year service and oil change, quality construction and materials and a convertible with heated seats is a huge plus.
2009 Finally
Well after 18 months I finally received my Fortwo the day before Christmas. Although I have only been driving it a few days, and the weather here in Chicago has been, shall we say, rotten, I find myself smiling and waving to all my fellow motorists. On my trip to the local mall for post-holiday shopping I encountered my first triumph when it came to parking. I found a "space" that no other car would ever fit into.
Brilliant design and practicality!
Drives great on the highway. Gas economy and driving capacity is under rated on car reviews. Averaging 44 mpg in town and speeds up when needed for highway traffic. Comfortable and luxurious inside and much more space than I expected for storage. Brilliant and well thought out design. Love that I will never get a dent on the plastic panels too.
Smart Car Rocks
The car is amazing. Acceleration is a bit slow but plenty of power in gears 3-5. Recommend the manual drive feature, much smoother operation. Gears 1-2 a little jerky in traffic. Comfort and roominess is great. Most fun I've ever had driving a car. Car still turning heads after a year. Heater is a little weak, can't wait to try A/C. Gas Mileage is excellent (38- 44)but don't expect miracles. Seating is comfortable. Car is a little jerky if wind is kicking hard. I've had mine up to 101mph and still a little room left. Handled well at that speed with no wind. Nothing beats the drive though...had it for a year and still can't wait to get into it every day.
I love this car!
I got my car 2 weeks ago and have loved every minute of it. I've wanted a Smart for over a year and was so excited to finally get one. It is a lot of fun to drive around town. I am 6' and have plenty of room. The interior is beautiful. I feel like I'm in a $60,000 car. Mine is fully loaded and everything appears to be made with quality products. I highly recommend this car if you have the patience to wait for it.
smart fortwo
It is a very well designed car with some quirks. The herky-jerky transmission goes away after you get used to what it wants to do versus what you want it to do and understand how to take control. There have been some teething problems as can be expected with a totally newly designed car. That does not take away from the fun of driving it and the savings in gasoline that goes along with it.
What a great big little car
The Smart Fortwo, what a great (big) little car. I picked up my smart car and drove it from Michigan to Minnesota. What a delight! Putting some miles on the car on the first day was so much fun. This car handles well and is so spacious inside. I was really happy with my purchase.
Wrecked passion
I have my passion for 5 weeks now. Two weeks ago while pulling through a green light we were hit in the left front (front end is gone) at approx 50 miles per hour. The car did what it was designed to do. We both walked away with a few bruises. Nothing serious. Damage is over 7,000.00. The police thought there were going to be serious injuries. Well built car.
smarter than you might think
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.
Orphan Car
Fun to drive. Suspension a little stiff on rough roads. Some road noise. Would like to see access door on rear floor panel to check oil more easily. Also a right side armrest, cruise control and tilt wheel. I really like this car and may buy another one.
Fun to drive
I have had for two weeks now. Extremely spacious great little car. I love to drive it on side streets or highway.
Great City Car
This car is a great city car parking in place where other drivers wouldn't dream of parking. It is fun to drive and drives great in the city. It isn't as much fun on the highway. It may look small but you forget that you are in a car that small when you are sitting in it. Overall the car is great.
Love My Smart Converitble
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.
2008 Cabriolet
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.
2nd Smart Car in a month
My son shamed me out of my V8 Silverado. So driving the Smart Car to work - 100km/day. Emissions - from 12 L/100 km to 4 L/100 km. Lost my Diesel 2 days ago. Dealership never explained the parking procedure for the 2006 model. Read the Operator's Manual carefully before purchasing the Smart Car. Anyways it rolled across the street even with the EBrake on. Now have the 2008 Limited Edition. Gas Model. Always stopping to fill up the tank - a bit of a pain. But I figure I saved about $250/mos. in fuel and emitting a smaller foot print. Off to dealership again 135 km away-glitch in Cargo Door window. Normally I go to the city once a year- so far I've been there 6 times.So much for the carbon issue.
This is such a cool car~!
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.