2008 Smart ForTwo Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

The 2008 Smart ForTwo debuts as the smallest and shortest car in the U.S. The ForTwo is an ultra-compact two-seater designed and built by the Smart company, a division of Mercedes-Benz. ForTwos have been on sale in Europe and other foreign markets since 1998, but 2008 marks the car's U.S. debut. Smart has partnered with U.S. dealership network Penske Automotive Group, Inc. to form Smart USA, and the new company plans to sell the ForTwo in approximately 70 select Mercedes-Benz and stand-alone dealerships across the country. Two-door coupe and convertible body styles are offered. The sole engine is a 70-hp 3-cylinder. The sole transmission is a 5-speed automated manual that has no clutch pedal and can be set to shift like an automatic. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and side airbags that provide head and torso protection. Coupes in base-level Pure trim come standard with manual windows and mirrors and a fold-flat passenger seat. Up-level Passion coupes add air conditioning, panoramic fixed sunroof, alloy wheels, and power windows and mirrors. Cabriolets come in Passion trim only, and include a power soft top with a heated glass rear window. Stand-alone options on all include power steering, heated seats, and an alarm system.

Competition

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. The subcompact class is made up of the smallest hatchbacks, sedans, and wagons on the market. These are generally considered economy cars.

Our Best Buys include the Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, and Suzuki SX4. Our Recommended pick is the Honda Fit.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Scion xD and Smart ForTwo.

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2008 Smart ForTwo Road Test

Pros	Cons

Fuel economy	Acceleration

Maneuverability	Passenger and cargo room

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

Passion coupe	Passion cabriolet	Class Average
1	1	3

No opportunity to test Pure coupe. Smart pegs the ForTwo's 0-60 mph acceleration at 12.8 seconds; Consumer Guide testing suggests ForTwo is slightly quicker than that figure. Still, acceleration is sluggish from a stop and is plagued by annoying bogging and surging at every shift whether transmission is in manual or automatic mode. Over time, our testers learned to shift in the manual mode for optimal smoothness and acceleration, though the final results were still less than impressive. ForTwo's small engine struggles to provide adequate highway passing power.

Fuel Economy

Passion coupe	Passion cabriolet	Class Average
10	10	8.2

In Consumer Guide testing, ForTwo models averaged 38.8 mpg. Smart recommends premium-grade gas for all ForTwo models.

Ride Quality

Passion coupe	Passion cabriolet	Class Average
2	2	4.7

Stiff and choppy over all but glass-smooth roads, with sharp bumps and expansion cracks causing abrupt vertical motions.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Passion coupe	Passion cabriolet	Class Average
5	5	5.1

Agile around town; tiny dimensions help provide outstanding close-quarters maneuverability. Light, accurate steering contributes to an almost sporty demeanor, though some testers complained of tippy sensations in corners. Note that ForTwo is especially susceptible to highway cross-wind wander.

Quietness

Passion coupe	Passion cabriolet	Class Average
3	3	4.1

Never serene. Road noise is relatively well-muffled, but wind rush is pronounced at highway speeds. Engine note is always audible and rises to a loud groan under acceleration. Top-down conversation is possible in convertible at highway speeds.

Controls

Passion coupe	Passion cabriolet	Class Average
6	6	5.6

Gauges easy to see; speedometer is unobstructed, and optional tachometer and clock are situated above the dash in free-standing pods. Controls are simple and well laid out. Convertible's soft top can be retracted to any position at any speed, a neat feature. However, side roof bars must be manually removed and stowed in tailgate compartment for full open-air feel.

Details

Passion coupe	Passion cabriolet	Class Average
5	5	4.6

Cabin materials are solid and well-assembled, and switchgear has quality feel, but overall ambiance is budget, with lots of hard plastic and very few padded surfaces. No opportunity to test with available leather seats.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Passion coupe	Passion cabriolet	Class Average
6	6	5.5

Surprising headroom and legroom for six-footers, but narrow cabin means two adults ride almost shoulder-to-shoulder. Seats are supportive, with good side bolstering. Upright driving position prevents occupants from feeling dwarfed by surrounding traffic. Great visibility all-around. Tall build and wide doors make for easy entry and exit. Lack of a tilt steering column may compromise comfort for some drivers.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Passion coupe	Passion cabriolet	Class Average
0	0	3.1

(No rear seating.)

Cargo Room

Passion coupe	Passion cabriolet	Class Average
2	1	4.5

Meager overall. Rear cargo area is big enough for about 6 grocery bags. Heat from the rear-mounted engine makes the cargo floor warm to the touch on long trips. Tiny glovebox offers barely enough space for an owner's manual, though assorted cubbies offer some small-item flexibility.

Value within Class

Passion coupe	Passion cabriolet	Class Average
3	3	6.8

The Smart ForTwo is a radical design statement that favors minuscule exterior dimensions, tight-quarters maneuverability, and fuel efficiency over pleasant road manners and passenger or cargo space. ForTwo offers unparalleled dexterity in congested urban commuting, but its relatively high price and very limited versatility will likely limit its appeal for many shoppers.

Total Score

Passion coupe	Passion cabriolet	Class Average
43	42	55.2

Scores for all Subcompact Cars

Low Score		42
Average Score		55
High Score		63

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2008 Smart ForTwo Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 12/14/2007

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

Pure 2-door coupe	$11,590	$	$645

Passion 2-door coupe	$13,590	$	$645

Passion Cabriolet 2-door convertible	$16,590	$	$645

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Pure

Powertrain

1.0-liter 3-cylinder engine, 5-speed automated-manual transmission, traction control.

Safety

Dual front airbags, side airbags, antilock brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather-wrapped steering wheel, cloth upholstery, bucket seats, fold-flat passenger seat, power door locks, remote keyless entry, variable-intermittent wipers, outside-temperature indicator, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

155/60R15 front tires, 175/55R15 rear tires, wheel covers.

Passion adds to Pure:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning w/automatic climate control, interior air filter, heated power mirrors, power windows, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player (coupe), AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer (convertible), upgraded sound system (convertible), digital-media player connection, glass roof panel (coupe), power convertible top (convertible).

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Alloy wheels.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Comfort Pkg.
Passion	$850	$
Power steering, leather upholstery, heated seats, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning
Pure	$600	$
Includes automatic climate control, interior air filter.

Power steering
Passion, Pure	$450	$


Heated seats
Passion, Pure	$220	$


AM/FM/CD/MP3 player
Pure	$350	$
Includes digital-media player connection.

AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD player
Pure	$495	$
Passion	$150	$
Includes digital-media player connection.

AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD player w/upgraded sound system
Passion coupe	$350	$


Tachometer and clock
Passion, Pure	$120	$


Glass roof panel
Pure	$350	$


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Alarm
Passion, Pure	$160	$


Fog lights
Passion	$110	$


Special paint
Passion, Pure	$225	$


Two-tone paint
Passion, Pure	$175	$

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2008 Smart ForTwo Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Smart ForTwo 2-door coupe	Smart ForTwo 2-door convertible

Wheelbase, in.	73.5	73.5

Overall Length, in.	106.1	106.1

Overall Width, in.	61.4	61.4

Overall Height, in.	60.7	60.7

Curb Weight, lbs.	1808	1852

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	12.0	7.8

Standard Payload, lbs.	507	463

Fuel Capacity, gals.	10.0	10.0

Seating Capacity	2	2

Front Head Room, in.	39.7	39.7

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.2	41.2

Rear Head Room, in.	--	--

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	--	--

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc I3

Size, liters/cu. in.	1.0 /61

Horsepower @ rpm.	70 @ 5800

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	68 @ 4500

Availability	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed automated manual	33/41

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Smart ForTwo 2-door coupe	Smart ForTwo 2-door convertible

Front Impact, Driver	4	NA

Front Impact, Passenger	3	NA

Rollover Resistance	3	NA

Side Impact, Driver	5	NA

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Built in: France

Drivewheels: rear-wheel drive

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Also in the 2008 Smart ForTwo Review:

Smart ForTwo

Smart ForTwo Road Test

Smart ForTwo Prices & Equipment

Smart ForTwo Specs & Safety

Smart ForTwo Photos