Used 2013 smart fortwo pure coupe Hatchback Review
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2013 smart fortwo pure coupe Hatchback.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Glad I did the smart thing
W. Blakely, San Francisco, CA, 03/29/2016
2013 smart fortwo pure coupe 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)
I bought a used 2013 Smart Fortwo with 27k miles on it from a Mercedes dealer. Love this car. I drive it 50 miles round trip daily to work averaging 38mpg. At first I was skeptical about driving it at high speeds or in heavy traffic, but my experiences have been all good. As with driving any car, I don't like having some idiot riding my tail when I'm going 70mph.
On the … inside the car doesn't really feel small. It's narrower than most cars yes, but because the majority of the car is devoted to passenger space, there are no issues with leg room or head room, and I'm 6'1" tall, 250lbs. There is adequate space in the hatch for getting groceries or carrying a couple of suitcases. I sometimes I forget I'm driving such a small car until I park, get out, and look back at it.
I've read other reviews complaining about the ride. It's not a Lincoln Town Car, but I have no complaints. I do try to avoid larger bumps and potholes to save wear and tear on the suspension and front end, but I do that with all of the cars I own.
I've also read reviews complaining about the transmission. No complaints from me though. The transmission is an "automatic manual" transmission, with shifting controlled by a computer rather than my foot on a clutch pedal. You can also shift manually if you want. Either way, if you don't like the feeling of a manual transmission, you won't like the smart car. Nuff said.
The interior is not luxurious but it has all the amenities you would find on any mainstream car.
Overall, driving the car reminds me a little of the old VW Beetle (1960's and 70's vintage) as both the VW and the smart are rear engine German cars. The smart is about the same width or a little wider than the bug, but more comfortable. The smart of course has all the electronic dash features as well as A/C and cruise. The smart is also more fuel efficient than the VW was. And the smart is much quieter; you can just hear the 1000cc Mitsubishi engine purring in the back.
2013 SMART CAR FORTWO PURE
Gabby, Sandpoint, ID, 06/13/2018
2013 smart fortwo pure coupe 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)
It is a great little car. No it doesn't accelerate quickly, but it definitely gets there. I easily travel 70MPH on the highway in this, but only pass if there is ALOT of room/time to do so because of the lack of quick acceleration. I took it on an 800 mile road trip and it kept up with the best of them. Took the steep hills/mountain passes with ease. Mine is gas powered and … automatic. My trip had many very steep hills, wind and even some mountain passes so I only averaged about 40MPG on that trip. However, normally in my day to day life I get 49MPG!! The USB is inconveniently located in the glove box. And after having the car for a MONTH I just learned yesterday that the GAS FLAP locks when the car doors are locked! So...in Oregon where they pump your gas for you (by law) they couldn't open the gas flap, but I had no idea why it was locked until finally I realized it's because the car doors were locked. So...in order to open the gas flap to fill-up you have to use the car key to unlock the doors which also unlocks the gas flap. There are a number of things about this car that are not "explained" in the owners manual (or not explained well), so I'm still figuring it out. But it's a great little car.
Quirky, of course
rdown, Kennesaw, GA, 11/10/2013
2013 smart fortwo pure coupe 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)
I'm a teacher, and they reeled me in with the extra discount - and a generous trade-in on my 10-year old New Beetle.
The car has been more fun than I thought it would be to drive, but I agree with other posters that leaving it in pure auto mode results in a lousy ride.
Even in 'manual' 1st to 2nd is a drag. The little engine does quickly lug out on hills and even slight inclines, but it … drops seamlessly into 4th with an easy pull of the shift lever. Gas mileage so far better than advertised.
Plenty of vertical room, but my legs end up jammed against the door and the shifter when it is in 'manual' mode.
Along with the seats being uncomfortable, I am not looking forward to long trips.
Edmunds Summary Review of the 2013 smart fortwo pure coupe Hatchback
Pros & Cons
- Pro:Surprisingly roomy interior
- Pro:easy to park in tight spaces.
- Con:Dated design
- Con:irritating auto-manual transmission for gas models
- Con:spartan interior
- Con:anemic performance
- Con:rough ride on highway
- Con:base model's lack of common standard features.
Full Edmunds Review: 2013 smart fortwo Hatchback
Edmunds Insurance Estimator
The Edmunds TCO® estimated monthly insurance payment for a 2013 smart fortwo in Rhode Island is:
not availableLegal