2011 smart fortwo Review
Price Estimate: $1,768 - $2,671





+17
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Fits in spaces others cannot
- zippy around-town handling
- surprisingly accommodating interior
- attention-getting style.
Cons
- Rough-shifting transmission
- expensive compared to larger subcompacts
- awkward floor-pivot brake pedal
- ill-suited for highway travel.
What’s new
For 2011 the Smart Fortwo receives a few minor cosmetic changes, LED daytime running lights, a new upper dash panel, cruise control, additional interior storage options and an upgraded audio system as well as side curtain and knee airbags.
Edmunds says
The 2011 Smart Fortwo is a capable city car, but its high price, eccentric transmission and unpleasant highway ride should be enough to drive shoppers to other, more well-rounded small cars.
For sale nationwide
5 listings
- 60,839 miles
- No accidents, 4 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 33 City / 41 Hwy MPG
- M&F Auto Sales - Coors (895 mi away)
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safet...
Close
Located in Albuquerque, NM
Clean CARFAX. ABS brakes, Electronic Stability Control, Illuminated entry, Low tire pressure warning, Remote keyless entry, Traction control. White 1....
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: Yes
Features and Specs:
36 Combined MPG (33 City/41 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WMEEJ3BA6BK420364
Stock: V30581
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 12-11-2024- 23,581 miles
- No accidents, 3 owners, personal use only
- 33 City / 41 Hwy MPG
- ULTIMATE MOTOR CARS (554 mi away)
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safet...
Close
Located in Downers Grove, IL
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: Yes
Features and Specs:
36 Combined MPG (33 City/41 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WMEEJ3BA6BK449704
Stock: 20459
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 06-27-2025
Vehicle overview
The 2011 Smart Fortwo is a car of contradictions. In many of the ways that people expect it to suffer -- interior space, passenger comfort and crash-test scores, for instance -- the Fortwo actually does quite well. But in other aspects that you'd otherwise take for granted, the Fortwo disappoints.
The Smart Fortwo's 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine puts out 70 horsepower -- an unimpressive figure in today's world. It's not a major drawback, though, as the Fortwo generally feels surprisingly energetic around town. No, the drawback is the transmission to which it's connected. This single-clutch, automated manual transmission shifts gears so slowly and clumsily that the noticeable shift shock will make passengers wonder what's wrong with it.
There are other contradictions, too. The Smart car's small footprint means it's easy to fit in the smallest of parking spaces, but the jumpy driveline engagement during the parking process makes doing so a real adventure. Fuel economy is very good, but the engine requires premium gas. And though it's certainly not an expensive car, the 2011 Smart Fortwo is pricey for what you get, which is essentially a two-passenger runabout with a one-dimensional, city-oriented personality.
Considering all this, the Smart Fortwo's competition looks pretty attractive. Even if we were to forgive the Fortwo for some of its flaws, we'd still recommend any number of basic (although slightly more expensive) cars with more well-rounded personalities. That group includes the 2011 Honda Fit, the 2011 Ford Fiesta, the 2011 Hyundai Accent and the 2011 Mazda 2.
Performance & mpg
Powering the 2011 Smart Fortwo is a rear-mounted 1.0-liter three-cylinder Mitsubishi engine that delivers 70 hp and 68 pound-feet of torque. This is sent to the rear wheels through a five-speed automated manual transmission. The transmission can be shifted manually if desired via the console-mounted stick on all models or shift paddles on the steering wheel of the Passion.
In Edmunds testing, a Smart Fortwo went from zero to 60 mph in a glacial 14.1 seconds on its way to a 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 combined. Premium fuel is required, however.
Safety
The 2011 Smart Fortwo is built by Mercedes-Benz, and as such, it offers ample occupant protection. Standard safety equipment includes side curtain airbags for the coupe models and side airbags for the cabriolet, knee bolster airbags, antilock brakes (front discs and rear drums), hill-hold assist, stability control and traction control. In Edmunds brake testing, the Fortwo Passion came to a stop from 60 mph in 124 feet -- a better-than-average distance for a subcompact.
The Smart Fortwo has not been rated using the government's new, more strenuous 2011 crash-testing procedures. Its 2010 ratings (which aren't comparable to 2011 tests) resulted in 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
Don't expect too much in the way of driving refinement with the 2011 Smart Fortwo. Ruts and bumps in the road are acceptably damped and the Fortwo can be fun to drive around town, but the tiny car is easily upset by crosswinds and gusts from passing trucks on the highway. Furthermore, the automated manual transmission is as crude a unit as you'll find in any car. Shifts are not only slow, but they're also accompanied by a significant lurch. Gearchanges can be made smoother with a well-timed throttle lift in manual mode, but that defeats the point of having an automatic in the first place.
Pulling away from a stop, the Smart car is at least capable of accelerating with more authority than a golf cart, but quickly runs out of steam as the revs and speed increase. Compounding matters, the automated clutch is slow to react and in parking lots, the car has a tendency to dart forward or backward, rather than crawl or roll. We're also not fans of the awkward brake pedal placement and its inconsistent travel.
Interior
Despite its comically small exterior proportions, the Smart Fortwo is remarkably roomy inside. There's enough head- and legroom for 6-foot-plus occupants while the passenger benefits from an additional 6 inches of seat travel. The passenger seat also folds flat to provide more cargo space than the 7 cubic feet the cargo area behind the seats can hold (12 cubes if you load it to the roof, blocking rear visibility).
The interior is pleasantly modern in design, with a choice of several monochromatic and two-tone color palates available. The Passion models feature cloth upholstery with bold colors and wild patterns, while the base Pure models are notably tame by comparison -- a radio and air-conditioning are optional.
2011 smart fortwo models
The 2011 Smart Fortwo is a two-seat subcompact available as a hatchback coupe or a convertible (Cabriolet). There are two trim levels: Pure and Passion.
The Pure includes 15-inch steel wheels, keyless entry, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and two pre-wired speakers. Options include air-conditioning and a radio with auxiliary audio/USB jack.
The Passion Coupe adds the Pure's options, plus 15-inch alloy wheels, transmission shift paddles, a glass roof, heated power mirrors, power windows and a sport steering wheel. The Passion Cabriolet further adds a power convertible top, a glass rear window and side airbags (in place of side curtain airbags).
Options on the Pure and Passion include LED daytime running lights, automatic lights and wipers, power steering, heated seats, center console storage and an alarm. Cruise control is also available and includes a trip computer but eliminates the paddle shifters. The Passion models can be further equipped with additional gauges and the Comfort package, which includes foglights, power steering and heated leather seats.
Also available is the Style package that adds wider tires and wheels, foglights and metallic paint. Most of the bundled options are also available on their own.
Compare 2011 smart fortwo trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota
$136/mo for fortwo pure coupe
fortwo pure coupe
vs
$165/mo
Avg. Compact Car
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
$540/yr
vs. $416/yr
for Average Subcompact Car
for Average Subcompact Car
Frequency
1.42x/yr
vs. 1.22x/yr
for Average Subcompact Car
for Average Subcompact Car
Severity
9.1%
vs. 10.1%
for Average Subcompact Car
for Average Subcompact Car
powered by RepairPal
smart fortwo Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
2 year old smart passion
5 out of 5 starsmech_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.
What a great little car
5 out of 5 starssampbris, 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.
Simply a blast to drive!
5 out of 5 starsfranktracy, 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.
2010 smart fortwo passion
3.75 out of 5 starsAmsoilGuy, 05/24/2010
2010 smart fortwo passion coupe 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)
Had been researching this car for months and finally bought one. Shifting is not too bad. Did a lot of highway driving and my first top off yielded only 32 MPG. Hopefully the car just needs to be broken in. At 70 MPH, it's just like many people say, the wind rocks the car back and forth on a windy day. In the city, the car is a joy to drive. I love running errands around town in it. … I love the ease of parking. This vehicle is not for everyone. Think of it like a motorcycle. It's great as an "extra" vehicle as it has no real utility. It is our 2nd vehicle. 95% of the time all you need to do is carry 1 person around. I don't need a 3500-4000 lb gas hog to do this. I love this car.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2011 smart fortwo, so we've included reviews for other years of the fortwo since its last redesign.
2011 fortwo Highlights
Hatchback
pure coupe
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $12,490 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 36 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $136/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 RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover21.2%
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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