2009 smart fortwo Review
2009 smart fortwo Review
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Used fortwo for sale
Appraise This Carsmart fortwo model years
smart fortwo types
- Hatchback
- Convertible
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Fits in spaces others cannot, zippy around-town handling, surprisingly accommodating interior, high fuel economy, attention-getting style.
Cons
- Herky-jerky automanual transmission, expensive compared to larger subcompact cars, awkward floor-mounted brake pedal, ill-suited for highway travel.
What’s new
The 2009 Smart Fortwo returns with the introduction of a sportier trim level from German tuner Brabus. Minor changes to the returning models include flexible door storage nets.
Edmunds says
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.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2009 smart fortwo pure 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.30 per gallon for premium unleaded in Utah.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Utah
$147/mo for fortwo pure
fortwo pure
vs
$176/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
As the diminutive Smart Fortwo enters its second year stateside, it benefits from being in the right place at the right time. Capitalizing on instabilities in the economy and fluctuating fuel prices, the Smart has enjoyed a successful introduction into the American market. While initially the Smart may have been thought of more as a novelty, its solid sales and growing, cultlike following suggest the Smart is here to stay.
For one thing, many people find the Smart car adorably cute. The charming exterior is unlike anything on the road, defying most preconceptions. With its golf-cartlike proportions, people often expect it to be as roomy as a straitjacket, suitable for city driving only and as safe as a soapbox racer. On the contrary, the Smart has enough room to comfortably seat tall adults, is highway legal and protects occupants surprisingly well in crashes.
Unfortunately, the 2009 Smart Fortwo is beset by a host of other problems. Power output is OK when pulling away from traffic lights, but the rear-mounted engine quickly loses steam as the revs rise, and its fuel economy isn't that much better than what you'd get from many other larger and more practical vehicles. Meanwhile, its narrow track combined with a tall profile serves to blow the Smart about like a tumbleweed in gusty conditions, and the automated manual transmission is slow and produces herky-jerky shifts between gears. This is not only irritating on the move, but it can make parking in tight spaces difficult -- an area the tiny Smart should obviously excel at.
We've had a 2008 Fortwo in our long-term test fleet. Our staff's opinion about it has varied from "I never want to drive it again" to "Yeah, I actually kind of like driving it." But even those who like it admit that the Smart car is poorly executed. Subcompact choices like the Honda Fit or Toyota Yaris offer more room and practicality, while the Mini Cooper is vastly more entertaining and higher in quality. But we understand rationality isn't everything when it comes to car purchases. For those who rarely leave their city's confines, desire a car with an eco-friendly image and don't mind putting up with the vehicle's many faults, the stylish Smart Fortwo is a respectable choice.
Performance & mpg
The 2009 Smart Fortwo is powered by a rear-mounted 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine that squeezes out 71 horsepower and 68 pound-feet of torque. Oddly enough, it requires premium fuel. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a five-speed automated manual transmission that can be driven as a typical automatic or with manual shift control via a console-mounted stick or column-mounted paddles on the Passion models.
In testing, we accelerated the Smart Fortwo to 60 mph in an unhurried 14.1 seconds on the way to its 90-mph top speed. Though its fuel capacity is only 8.7 gallons, the range is acceptable, considering its EPA-estimated fuel economy of 33 mpg city/41 mpg highway and 36 mpg in combined driving.
Safety
Since the 2009 Smart Fortwo is built by Mercedes-Benz, ample occupant protection would be expected, and the Smart delivers. Standard safety equipment includes side airbags, antilock brakes (front discs and rear drums), stability control and traction control. Despite its tiny size, the Smart car has performed well in crash testing. In government crash tests, the Smart was awarded four out of five stars for frontal crash protection of the driver and three stars for passenger protection. In side impacts, the Smart was awarded a perfect five out of five stars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Smart its highest rating of "Good" for both frontal and side impact protection.
Driving
With its extraordinarily short wheelbase, one would expect the 2009 Smart Fortwo to feel like a shopping cart on the road. Surprisingly, the suspension manages to reduce everyday bumps and potholes to acceptable levels. Though it's a bit harrowing among trucks on a flowing highway, high-speed stability is adequate. A decent crosswind or truck gust can easily upset that stability, however, tossing the boxy shape side to side in its lane. On city streets, the Fortwo is much more enjoyable to drive, and it could even be described as sporty. We have yet to drive the sharper Brabus edition, but we would expect it to add even more enjoyment.
The Smart's transmission is its Achilles' heel. Between the slow upshifts, the car lurches back and forth, especially between 1st and 2nd gears. This sort of rough shifting is unacceptable in any car at any price, making it a deal breaker for some. Drivers can work around this by shifting manually and lifting off the throttle momentarily (as you would with a traditional stick shift). But there's no cure for the slow-to-engage automated clutch at low speeds, which prevents you from rolling forward as you normally would with an automatic when parallel parking. Instead, the Smart can suddenly dart forward more than you expect. Another drawback is the floor-mounted brake pedal, which is inconsistent in travel and mounted at an awkward angle relative to the driver's foot.
Interior
Though the Fortwo's cabin is on the snug side, it is still comfortable for two tall adults. Legroom is ample, with an extra 6 inches provided for the passenger seat, which also folds flat for added cargo space. The trunk offers 12 cubic feet of space when packed to the roof -- blocking the rearward view. With the trunk loaded to the waistline, storage drops to 7 cubes.
The interior is simple but attractive, with a number of monochromatic and two-tone options available. The Passion trim level's cloth upholstery is available in several vivid colors with whimsical patterns that breathe some life into the well-designed cabin. The base Pure model lacks these accents and is quite subdued and bare bones in comparison.
2009 smart fortwo models
The 2009 Smart Fortwo is a two-seat subcompact available as either a hatchback coupe or convertible (cabriolet). These cars are available in three different trim levels: Pure (coupe only), Passion and the new, higher-performing Brabus limited edition. The Pure model comes standard with 15-inch steel wheels, keyless entry, a two-spoke leather steering wheel and an electric rear window defroster. Options include power steering, air-conditioning, a radio, power windows and alloy wheels. The Passion model includes the Pure features and options, plus a panoramic glass roof, a sport steering wheel with shift paddles, power heated side mirrors and a CD player. The Passion Cabriolet adds an upgraded stereo with an MP3-compatible in-dash six-CD changer, along with a manually operated canvas roof. Passion options include partial leather upholstery and additional gauges.
Coming out later in the year is the new limited-edition Brabus model. Developed by the renowned German tuning firm of the same name, the Brabus edition includes sporty 15-inch alloy wheels in front with 17-inch wheels in the rear, added aerodynamic side skirts, front and rear spoilers, fender flairs, halogen projector headlights, foglights, Brabus exterior and interior badging, a stiffer and lower sport suspension, a sport-tuned exhaust system, heated leather seats and ambient lighting.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average
#21 out of 27 among Subcompact Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the smart fortwo from 2008-2022.$540/yr
vs. $416/yr
for Average Subcompact Car
for Average Subcompact Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.42x/yr
vs. 1.22x/yr
for Average Subcompact Car
for Average Subcompact Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).9.1%
vs. 10.1%
for Average Subcompact Car
for Average Subcompact Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2009 smart fortwo.
5 star(84%)
4 star(12%)
3 star(1%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(3%)
70 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
2 year old smart passion
mech_pe, 12/30/2011
2009 smart fortwo passion coupe 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)
Best car I have owned for commuting to work.
Fun to drive like a go-cart. My wife loves to drive it on the weekend. Roomy with upright seating like a pickup. Flying rocks will not dent the car. 10,000 miles between oil changes. Gas mileage consistant 42 mpg in Minneapolis. Worst was 38 mpg in the deep slushy snow plus warming up in driveway. My commute is freeway at 80mph to downtown … congestion at 60 miles per day. Easy to park and manuever. Some states allow straight into the curb (no parrallel) and sharing of parking spaces with a motorcycle or two smart cars. Plastic panels resist rust and you can change the car's color in about 4 hours. Very tough little car with good acceleration.
5 out of 5 stars
What a great little car
sampbris, 02/04/2013
2009 smart fortwo passion coupe 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)
I have owned many many vehicles in my 62 years and this is the first car ever that I have kept for over two years. I have enjoyed my smart for almost 4 years now. I have never had a problem with the car. When I bought it I had a Mercedes ML550 and a Toyota truck...I soon found that I didn't enjoy driving either one of those anymore (especially the "repair hungry" Mercedes) and I sold … them....the smart has been my only vehicle since and the car has remained solid, reliable, economical and fun. Everyone wants to know about it and you can never get gas without ending up in a conversation about it.
The outer finish never gets nicks or stone chips and looks as good as the day I bought it.
5 out of 5 stars
Simply a blast to drive!
franktracy, 12/01/2013
2009 smart fortwo passion coupe 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)
I bought the 2009 smart passion coupe in September of this year. It drives great on the freeways here in Southern California, including the 10, 605, 57, 60, and 15. It handles great in all lanes and is no problem next to big rigs or in the wind. Also I have never replaced shocks on any car I have ever owned. I have always enjoyed the true feel of the road. This car fits that perfectly. I … never drive it in automatic, only in manual mode. It's a heck of a lot of fun to drive, and seats are extremely comfortable. I recently took a bunch of stuff to a local thrift store. The guy unloading it was amazed at how much this little car would hold. I'm 6'5" and I've got plenty of head and leg space.
4.88 out of 5 stars
BB!
leeleeph, 05/27/2011
2009 smart fortwo passion cabriolet 2dr Convertible (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)
I just got this car a few days ago & it was used, with 20,000 miles on it already.It still looks brand new though and works like a charm! I have heated seats with black leather interior and my smart car is yellow with black panels.I absolutely love it! I couldn't think of any other car to satisfy my every need on the road.I have yet to drive it on the highway, but i'm sure that day will … come sometime soon! I recommend this car to EVERYONE.Unless driving small, cool, and fun just isn't your style.This car is for someone who isn't much of a business person.But It is overall and amazing car.I'm glad i purchased it.
2009 fortwo Highlights
Hatchback
pure
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $11,990 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 36 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $147/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 7.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 2 years / 24,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the fortwo include:
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5PassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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