Cars.com Reviews the 2008 Smart ForTwo

After conquering the European and Asian markets, Smart brings its popular urban-crawling ForTwo to the U.S. Coming in a full 3 feet shorter than a Mini Cooper, but still yet to undergo crash testing by the government, the ForTwo comes with a series of question marks hovering over its compact body. Cars.com reviewer Kelsey Mays took the ForTwo for a spin to try to provide some answers. 2008 Smart ForTwo Expert Review

2008 SmartForTwo Expert Review (Cars.com)

Comments

[JM]

with all of the huge SUV's going around, i dont know how many people are going to buy these. not because they arent SUVs, but because they are so tiny. If two objects are going at the same speed but one is barley 1000lbs but the other is almost 3 tons and they are involved, the heavier one wins. Along with the fact that the driver's head will be about where the Tahoe's bow-tie will be, the vehicles that are really off-road capable (Touareg 2, H3, Wrangler, X-Terra, FJCruiser) will probably be able to ride right up the front of the ForTwo...

[Joe M.]

And since when did the smart "conquer" the European/Asian market? Last time I checked, even some europeans are skeptical of the miniscule size, and sure I saw SOME in Germany when I was there, but they are by no means ubiquitous. Honestly over there, alot of the people that fit into the target group of the Smart cars would rather ride the bus or train as the smart would only be useful in shopping trips, something that the fortwo isn't stellar at. Its designed to be a city commuter car, and in Germany, you would be crazy to want to commute into the city via car during rush hour. Besides with the market full of used VW Golfs, Polos and other small cars that would actually hold up to grocery shopping, why would anyone pay that much money for so little car? If someone needed a small car, there are others like the Renault Twingo or Golf Polo that cost about the same. With this out there, who would be the kind of person buying the Smart car? Anyone have an idea?

[bowrider]

It would be someone who hasn't done their homework - like the person quoted in the USA Today who thinks she should do her part to help the environment (The article failed to mention the premium fuel requirement.). Or the woman who kicked herself for paying 5K over sticker for a PT Cruiser when they first became available.

People who will benefit from the Smart are those who have a hard time parking in a big city. The ForTwo can be legally parked head-on against a curb.

[Lil'Tom]

I'm not really sure about the parking benefit. In big cities where parking is hard to find parking spaces are measured out and metered - always metered.

I'd like to know how European crash tests compare to IIHS tests. I know that the IIHS has created tests in recent years that simulate heavy truck-based vehicles with higher bumpers. I'm guessing they don't do that in Europe. I can't wait for Dateline or someone to show some ultra slow motion video of one of these being punted by a simulated half-ton pickup. That may not do much to discourage potential buyers however since anyone who buys a Smart probably isn't being very analytical.

[Smart_hack]

Everyone tends to be a skeptic on the Smart car until they open their mind. Educate your mind at www.smartfourm.com

[Ken L.]

Is it just me or does anyone else see punk kids already pushing this vehicle over on its side like a cheap toy since most of them will be parked in the city?

[rwcmick]

ken,

you mean like this?

http://www.autoblog.com/2005/04/27/forget-cows-get-smart/

[DodgeFan]

I been keyed up for this car, and thinking about it on my wish list 2 to 3 years down the road. I would of change my intrepid to trip car mode a thought. But Cars.com uncovered that nobody else said. It can run on regular but cough cough it prefers premium fuel. I wait for a diseal thank you. Volkswagen or Honda should have one over here eventually. Maybe Dodge will surprise and finally build the Hornet, and in my dreams they actually make it measure up.

[Roo]

I've been dying to have a Smart for years and love the concept of a tiny, easy-to-park, efficient, affordable, and attention-grabbing city car. I'm one of the many who made the $99 reservation on one.

However, the more I learn about the Smart, the more the deal seems less sweet. I've been able to look past the lack of a back seat and an actual trunk. Afterall, rarely do I drive with more than one passenger and corresponding baggage.

But the fact that it requires premium fuel is ridiculous. The 40mpg estimate is good, but Geo Metros and Honda Civics of the 90's can beat that, and drink regular and even to this day, are probably more liveable cars. Today's Yaris and Fit are nearly as efficient as well and are in the same price range, and are also much more practical cars.

I test drove a Smart at the "Smart House" in Venice Beach. I agree with Stephen on the transmission. I has a notchy and annoying harsh shift from 1st to 2nd gear. As much as I tried, I couldn't accelerate with a smooth transition through the gears. Each shift was made known with a neck-snapping jolt that went through the entire car. Combined with the lack of power; it felt like an old Ford Aspire with transmission problems.

But the final nail in the coffin is the warranty. In the day and age of Hyundai's mega 10yr/100k warrnaties, a 2yr. warranty is ridiculous. Not to mention that this is a non-established brand in the US with no track record, no firm dealer network yet, and unknown resale, and it just seems like a bad investment.

Too bad, I was really hoping to be smart.

[Skinner]

Something to think about concerning the whole "Smart Tipping" thing...
A Harley weighs the same or less than a Smart. On only two wheels, it would be much easier to tip over, even on a kickstand. BUT, how many drunk college kids do you see hanging around outside biker bars tipping over Harley-Davidson's???

[rwcmick]

I think the short warranty is a real misstep. From what I understand, the dealer can "upgrade" you to a three year warranty: wow, thanks for that.

[ziggy]

Someone would have to be really, really drunk or really, really stupid to knock over a Harley but I could see them doing it to a Smart...drunk, stupid, or otherwise.

[alex]

i bet they will sell some of these cars... but buyer beware. Thie is a mercedes sub brand, so how good is reliablity? it take premium gas, another bad thing, especially if 3 and 4 dollar gas is here to say. How good is the safety? I know im biased because im a life long honda owner, but my 2007 honda civic ex is in the same ballpark in gas economy, and i have the peace of mind that my honda will be reliable. For my 2 cents at least, spend 18,500 and get a civic ex with your alloys, moonroof, anf unlike smart, u get cruise control. I think this car will be a sign on how serious americans are about gas prices, and weather 3 dollars a gallon even raises an eye brow anymore.

[Per Olaf]

Conquering the European and Asian markets?? I lived in Europe and the sales of this cars had been really disappointing. If Mercedes weren't behind it, it would have disappeared long time ago.
In Europe you can get small Fords, Opel (GM), Renault, Fiat, hatchback, which can seat 4 people and with diesel engines cheaper than this car.

As far as I know, most of the sales are for affluent people as a second car. In the USA they will be garaged after the fad finishes.

[Tall Bloke]

In Europe the Smart passes the FIA EuroNCAP testing with 4 out of 5 stars. This is equal to (http://www.euroncap.com/large_off_road_4_4.aspx):
-Range Rover
-Jeep Grand Cherokee
-Mercedes M
-Kia Sorento
-Hyundai Santa Fe
-Nissan Pathfinder
-BMW X5

They did not show any of the usual American pick-up trucks as they are irrelevant in Europe.

Mercedes owns Smart and makes sure they are safe. My girlfriend drives a Smart Roadster Coupe which I occasionaly borrow and eventhough SUVs might be a lot bigger I do not generally feel threatened.

As far as milage is concerned: in a Smart you can actually achieve the estimated MPG. Try doing that in a hybrid and you will fail. Plus the Smart does not have big Ni-Cad batteries to store that hybrid power in either.

[Tall Yank]

I don't know about Euro crash testing, but in the states the ratings are not comparable between classes. So a 4 star sub-compact may not be as safe as a 4 star SUV or large sedan, mearly safer than a 3 star sub compact.

I do know that this video (Smart vs. big Benz) makes me think that I'd be safer in a lower, wider, longer, heavier car.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02eghIfyHP0

The Smart "driver" doesn't look crushed. But I suspect if he were real he would be leaving in an ambulance on a backboard, unlike the Benz driver.

[kim]

it's a shame americans are so closed minded when it comes to new things........this little car is probably the best little commuter pod on the planet. i've had mine for 2 years and still grin like an idiot everytime i step inside. also i'm 6 feet tall and my little smart fits me perfectly. just get over it, in a few years all cars will be similar to this...the yank tank is dead...thank god. believe it or not i even have managed a few speeding tickets on the highway......

[kim]

almost forgot to add that it is virtually immune to shopping trolley bumps and other parking disasters. also if i was a pedestrian and had a choice as to which car was going to run me over, i'd pick the smart any day.
it is much more pedestrian friendly than any other car out there. it's plastic front end just bounces back and because the engine's in the back you could still drive away after a somewhat harder knock. try getting up after a run in with a 4x4 in a parking lot and you'll wish a smart had hit you.......think!!!

[Carmenz]

If you never go to the highway it can be a good small car for driving in the city, but the price is very high.

[451 smart fortwo]

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451s.com was created to help bring together worldwide smart owners and smart enthusiasts. While this site is focused on the 451 smart fortwo sold in America and Canada it is open to all smart's and the worldwide smart community.

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[NJ]

The most horrifying car I have ever driven, and I've driven everything from smarts to supercharged jags and back. On small roads it lacked the grunt to do anything. On motorways it felt like a bug about to be crushed by a lorry. A friend got hit in one of these at 40 miles an hour and - despite the NCAP rating - came away with a damaged spine and two shattered legs. Six years on she's still recovering.

Go for a mini. Go for a Micra. Hell, go for anything, but don't go expecting to get out of one of these if you crash it.

[NJ]

The most horrifying car I have ever driven, and I've driven everything from smarts to supercharged jags and back. On small roads it lacked the grunt to do anything. On motorways it felt like a bug about to be crushed by a lorry. A friend got hit in one of these at 40 miles an hour and - despite the NCAP rating - came away with a damaged spine and two shattered legs. Six years on she's still recovering.

Go for a mini. Go for a Micra. Hell, go for anything, but don't go expecting to get out of one of these if you crash it.