Used 2012 smart fortwo Consumer Reviews
Used fortwo for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2012 fortwo, so we've included reviews for other years of the fortwo since its last redesign.
It's ok
Rater, 05/14/2009
2009 smart fortwo passion coupe 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
It drives like a jeep (hard and stiff) and is slow to accelerate. The brake pedal is uncomfortable. I use it to go to work where parking is an issue. This is the only reason I bought the car. In this respect it's great. I now compete with motorcycles. But in all other respects it is disappointing. Transmission is slow to shift, a/c not cold enough. Would I buy it again? Yes. Because of the parking issue I have no choice. If I didn't have to go to work and park I would not buy this car.
Great Car Price & Economy
MIKE, 05/30/2009
2009 smart fortwo passion cabriolet 2dr Convertible (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have driven the car 80 miles each day and I love it. I drive in auto mode most days and average 39 MPG. I have driven it almost 5000 miles in 2- 1/2 months. There have been no problems or glitches at all. I am a big guy and I have plenty of interior room. I love the auto wipers and the safety in such a small car. Cold air and good heater. Great car.
2012 smart fortwo for sale near you
Showing 3 of 16 listings
- passion coupe 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $6,00016 mi away
- passion coupe 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $5,900337 mi away
- pure coupe 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $7,850446 mi away
See all 16 listings
Meets and surpasses all expectations
Markos, 06/05/2009
2009 smart fortwo passion coupe 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is not a sports sedan. It is a small, efficient urban two passenger transport that has a small footprint but a spacious interior. Being a Daimler product it has the safety and quality expected. Having a small Mitsubishi engine, it is no surprise the performance and reliability it has. Being a European design, it has character and head turning style. Over all this little car has fulfilled and surpassed every design objective and it is fun to drive around town. It is priced well for the market.
One Happy Camper
realsmart1, 08/13/2009
2009 smart fortwo passion coupe 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
Just good to say
Jody of N.Y., 09/30/2009
2009 smart fortwo passion coupe 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
What do you expect?
Squuirt, 01/06/2010
2009 smart fortwo passion coupe 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have heard some complaints that the Smart is slow, or doesn't shift like an automatic. The purpose of the ForTwo and the same reason I bought it was economy, not speed. But it is NO slug! Wind it up and it will go great! 75mph on the freeway is comfortable. Every day I am more impressed with my Smart. Remember, the transmission is a manual that is automated. It shifts exactly how I would expect it to, not an automatic. It takes a little getting used to, but once you understand it, it's fun! I am impressed with the ride for a 1800lb car! I am also 6'1" and have plenty of room! I like the simplicity offering comfort in terms of reliability and longevity. I purchased as a commuter, perfect!
More attention than a cute puppy
Craig, 04/06/2010
2009 smart fortwo pure 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car is great. I just bought it and the transmission must be shifted by hand. In the automatic mode feels sluggish. But I never have bought an automatic in my life. I have ridden a motorcycle my for most of my life and driven everything including tractor trailers. The entire roll cage cabin makes you feel safer than a NASCAR. When gas hits 5 bucks a gallon (and it will) the salesmen will have to hold buyers off with a whip and a chair. Forget those stupid electric cars for now. They are 10 years away. We plan a country wide, east of the Mississippi trip this summer. I will write a Smart car blog...warts and all.:>)
LOVE my Smart red convertible!
jtb9265, 06/27/2010
2009 smart fortwo passion cabriolet 2dr Convertible (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have owned CRX's, Miatas, Mini Coopers, and other comparable cars. They've all been great, but there's just something about the Smart! Let's face it, it's not a car for everyone - but if you do most of your driving by yourself (or with one other person), it's a complete joy to own! I chuckle when people ask me, "So, can you take it on the freeway?" To set the record straight, YES you can - and not only does it drive like any other car, it's a LOT more fun!
Smart all around
Bruno the Smart, 08/04/2010
2009 smart fortwo passion coupe 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I love my Smart Passion. I traded my BMW 5 series in for a Smart car friends and family all called me crazy but I turned 18 and had to start paying for things on my own. This is my only car and I do a lot of driving City, Highway and suburbs daily. I love my Smart and love driving it. I do wish it did a little better on gas but compared to the BMW it rocks. Having a two seater really is not a big deal and there is plenty of storage space. The car handles great and parking is never a problem. I love all the looks and comments I get and I love the design of the car. Overall I would recommend it to any one!
Great city cAr
Chelsey, 11/04/2017
2009 smart fortwo passion cabriolet 2dr Convertible (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Great city car
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Love the marshmallow!
Steve Tellin, 06/21/2020
updated 01/25/2024
2012 smart fortwo pure coupe 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is not a family car.Its great for 2 people.It will haul a decent amount of groceries and the power,ride amd handling really are pretty good.It has a surprising amount of head and legroom.The only complaint is the weird wrap/skin on the roof panel.We had it painted white.A really neat car otherwise.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
not so smart
Beata, 02/23/2010
2009 smart fortwo passion coupe 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)
8 of 23 people found this review helpful
The transmission slipps, only one year warranty,very uneven ride, no handbook for the car, car makes a lot of noise,car is not good on Gas
USA-Get smart
Tom M, 02/02/2009
2009 smart fortwo passion cabriolet 2dr Convertible (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
It is about time the USA received the smart. Here are some things you should know though-the ride is bouncy at times and firm, the fuel economy isn't as good as you think, in most places you cant park it nose-in into spaces,& the acceleration isnt good. But there are alot of positives- driving it is as fun as driving a gokart, it is spacious on the inside, it feels fine at 70mph on the freeway,& the you feel that the whole world is looking at you. Everywhere I go, I get asked questions like "Is it safe?", or "Is that streetlegal?" but you get used to the attention. It is an eyecatcher and welcomed in the city, in the country, and it feels right everywhere.
Love my LadyBug
Jacquiem, 03/07/2009
2009 smart fortwo passion cabriolet 2dr Convertible (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Just picked up my Cabriolet, after waiting a year. I love my new car, it is definitely a head turner, I have named her LadyBug, she is red with the black tridion. It is very comfortable and roomy in the inside, it keeps up with traffic on the highway, 65-70 feels pretty safe. I have not driven her in the snow yet, this will take some getting used to. Although I use the automatic driving option, you can feel the shifting, almost like a racing car. Can't wait for the good weather, so that her top can come off.
Smart 4 2
Robert, 04/02/2009
2009 smart fortwo passion coupe 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The car is so small on the outside yet roomy on the inside. Took delivery and drove 120 miles that day on US 101. The car handles very well at freeway speeds with minimal wind buffeting despite weighing 1800lbs. I have 160miles on it and have used about 4 gallons. Storage room is ample, but I would recommend the optional luggage area divider to keep items from coming forward during braking. Shifting is sluggish for an automatic but if you think of it as a manual without a clutch it seems fine. After driving a V8 Mustang for years the car accerlates slowly but it keeps up with freeway traffic without difficulty. Other reviews said the car was noisy, but I didn't notice any excess noise.
Love this car!!!!!!!
Murkey, 04/23/2009
2009 smart fortwo passion cabriolet 2dr Convertible (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I recently bought my Smart car from a dealer instead of ordering online. I really enjoy it.
Love My Smart (Mini-Benz)
Lysie, 05/22/2009
2009 smart fortwo passion coupe 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Month and 7k miles, I love this car, it is my favorite. The car is easy to maneuver, great to park. I like driving it in manual mode, where I can control the shifting and make it smoother. It is good on auto but I prefer the manual specially since there is no clutch. The transmission does adapt to your driving style, specially during the break in period.
I hate to do this
6gftbp, 06/19/2009
2009 smart fortwo pure 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This has become a love hate relationship. My wife and I are car lovers, we have a LARGER number ranging from the smart to several high performance sport cars. We live in a semi-rural area. Size doesn't matter. But I do like the nimbleness of our smart and ease of driving. The quirks of the car can get to you. Forget the gearbox, much has been written, but how about the rear hatch. What kind of a computer does it have that it take 10 seconds to release. Why is there no beep confirmation when locking and unlocking doors. Maintenance! I am a little of a do it yourselfer....go check the water in the battery. It's a joke. Many in dealer stock. Bloom is off
Small Package Delivers the Goods
Mike, 08/25/2009
2009 smart fortwo passion coupe 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
High on the fun meter
Ken, 08/31/2009
2009 smart fortwo passion coupe 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
Love my smart
Denise, 11/26/2009
2009 smart fortwo passion coupe 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The smart fortwo is the most unique car I've ever owned. It's not for everybody but I love mine. I couldn't wait to get one and enjoy every moment behind the wheel. Even just looking at it sitting in my driveway makes me smile. I didn't buy it for the fuel economy but I average 42mpg combined city/highway.
Fantastic Car
Sobe, 11/22/2009
2009 smart fortwo passion coupe 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I wish I had owned this car years ago, but being in the US I had to wait. I fell in love with it since I first saw it in Milano, Italy. I now own this car and I adore it.
The Best I've Ever Owned
Happy Guy, 03/20/2010
2009 smart fortwo BRABUS cabriolet 2dr Convertible (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The car has 5 star crash rating front sides and a 4 star for the rear. The car is great to drive it makes you fell that you are always in control. It handles like it's on rails. It's small size makes parking a dream. I can park vertically up to the curb in NYC and protrude no further into the street than a conventional car. The convertible top can be opened and closed at any speed. The fuel economy is incredible.
Great CITY car
BRokicki, 09/21/2010
2009 smart fortwo passion coupe 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I just bought a 4 month old 2009 with 1500 miles for a MB dealership that used it as a loaner car. After driving 5 hours back home I was impressed, this little guy keeps up with traffic just fine, cross winds at highway speeds (75 mph) are not fun, so slow down over bridges. I bought the car mainly for parking in NYC. I can fit it every where! My Smart doesn't have power steering, it's fine for me but you do have to put a bit of muscle into it when parking in a small spot, once the car is moving, there is no difference. It has 2K miles and there are already some rattles, not good! Only buy this car if you live in a congested area, or you only want 1 passenger!
Much more than I expected!
jtb9265, 10/17/2010
2009 smart fortwo passion cabriolet 2dr Convertible (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Purchased a leftover 2009 convertible with $2,500 incentive and free options. I've owned Mini Coopers, Miatas, and Honda CRXs, so I'm no stranger to small cars. I am SO pleasantly surprised with my Smart car! I was expecting a good car, and what I got is a GREAT car! The Smart is unique, fun-to-drive, and an overall joy. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
A car that keeps giving!!!
Dr. Chris Hahn, PHD, 09/09/2016
2009 smart fortwo passion coupe 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Hello. Sept 2016, My car is a 2009. New in Sept of that year. Now 90k on it and still as good as the day I drove it off the lot. It becomes part of you. No other car in my 50 years of driving had done that!! It is just a fun car to drive in the city or on a long road trip.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
2009 brabus
Kris Guerr, 05/30/2022
2009 smart fortwo BRABUS cabriolet 2dr Convertible (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I absolutely love this car. I also have an audi s4 and a passat. Thus car is the only car I have ever owned that is "fun" I bought used in October of 2021. I paid $2200 with 109k miles and it is in excellent condition. I get attention everywhere I go. It gets 40mpg consistently. The top is the best part. I have driven this smart and my 2017 passion thousands of miles thru rain snow sleet etc. Neither one ever missed a beat. Longest trip was from Texas to Ohio over 1000 miles. It handles excellent in all conditions. I love my 2017 passion with much faster acceleration but nothing puts a smile on my face the way my 2009 brabus cabriolet does. I will never sell them.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
2011 - Love my Smart - sad to see them go.
CLWest, 01/26/2020
2011 smart fortwo passion coupe 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Needed commuter car as I have 34 mile one-way commute - Having seen these in Germany in '06 was glad to see them come to US in '08 - waited couple years before purchase. Purchased new from Tulsa dealer for 'cuteness' factor & MPGs; Did purchase extended warranty because it was a 'benz. Ran great until 24K miles- took it in to OKC Mercedes/Smart and needed new engine (2nd cylinder out - seems to be a known issue) - had to fight to get them to honor warranty - but finally they did (had a salesman actually tell me they 'hated' the smart but had to sell them for the 'offset' credit). No issues with new engine. Drove without a flaw until '17 (6yrs) needed new coil. Drove great until shifting issue (Nov '18) - took to Euro shop said was master cylinder (which controls shifting) $1K repair; Is in shop now (Jan 20) for busted motor mount, master cylinder & bent arm (? $2K). I am also discovering ways to 'reset' the computer to adjust shifting issues - wondering about first mechanic now .... Currently have 114K miles - has been a bit costlier to drive (repairs) but my '95 F150 never met a gas station it didn't love so have enjoyed this Smart! $20/week fuel and this Smart is a fun car to drive! While I hope to get a couple more years out of it, I will be selling it (maybe) because I now have 2 grands and - most importantly - when I do need a repair I have to haul it a minimum of 60 miles to the nearest mechanic that works on Euro cars (hassle factor). If I were in a city with local repairs available, or was younger and could work on it myself, I would drive this into the ground. Other than listed repairs, just basic maintenance. I have enjoyed my Smart - it has worked well for the reason I purchased it!! Its interesting but I am also looking at a Honda Fit as a replacement (see ErnieB's post) :-)
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Surprisingly fun!
wallen2, 12/11/2011
2011 smart fortwo pure coupe 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)
5 of 16 people found this review helpful
I don't own one of these, but I use Car2Go in Austin, which is a car sharing company that uses only Smart cars. I was so surprised how fun this thing is to drive, even out of the city and on the highway. For only 75hp, this thing really goes quickly. Great interior space as well. But Edmonds cons are spot on. That transmission is pretty harsh, and that break pedal is hard to get used to at first. It feels like it's not going to stop.
New Smart Car
Ron Valkenburg, 05/23/2010
2009 smart fortwo passion coupe 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I just purchased my Smart car yesterday, so far I love it. I traded in my 2004 Toyota Prius with 190,000 miles. I loved the 2010 Prius but could not see spending $32k for a new one. After looking around, the Smart car was my answer, similar mileage as my Prius. I have to get used to some changes like no integrated GPS or Bluetooth but there are other options for that. So far I am loving my Smart, tomorrow will be my first highway commute and I am looking forward to it.
Way to much $$$$$ for a Smart
Bob_Azar, 04/12/2009
2009 smart fortwo BRABUS cabriolet 2dr Convertible (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)
1 of 4 people found this review helpful
Everyone things it cute but its boring to drive.
Best Car I have ever owned!
Dave, 05/28/2010
2009 smart fortwo pure 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the Smart Car fortwo a year ago. I love it. Easy on gas and drives great. I wished I would have got AC added. Other than that, it's a great little car!
2009 smart fortwo Brabus
gmani69, 12/12/2021
2009 smart fortwo BRABUS coupe 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great little car, but maintenance can be expensive and finding a mechanic to work on them can be tough. We have owned two of them.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Love my little speedbump
wvwop.ml, 06/22/2023
2009 smart fortwo BRABUS cabriolet 2dr Convertible (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have an 09 brabus cabrio... Will never get rid of this fun little car.