2008 smart fortwo Consumer Reviews

I love it!!!

Written by: Rick3bears on 11/04/2008

Vehicle

2008 smart fortwo passion 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)

Review

I drive 102 miles daily on my commute. Backroads and Interstate. My little bumblebee (yellow and black) takes it all in stride. I buzz along the interstate at 75+ with no problems and tootle down the backroads in fine style. I have talked to dozens of people about the car, given away a dozen brochures and extolled the virtues of Smart driving to anyone who would listen. I'm a big guy 6'3" 250 and have plenty of room.

Favorite Features

Love the roominess, style features and zippiness when driving in "paddle" mode.

Suggested Improvements

Cruise control, tilt steering wheel, bigger rearview mirror.

29 out 31 people found this review helpful

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Smart Passion - Better than expected

Written by: trcboyd on 10/28/2008

Vehicle

2008 smart fortwo passion 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)

Review

I originally purchased the smart car to resell. After the first week, not only did I decide not to sell it, but I'm gonna order a convertible for my wife. I have quick take offs & average driving speed is 75 mph. I get about 35 mpg in standard mode & 39 mpg in auto mode. The best I can obtain is 46.8 mpg. I'm impressed with the interior room, performance & features. I don't always like the attention. People ride too close & as a result, I'm afraid I'm gonna get a ticket for >85 mph trying to get away. It handles well, is a blast to drive and is a huge surprise to everyone who sits inside. I'm 6'0" & 200 Ibs with plenty of room to spare. I don't move seat all the way rearward. Love It!

Favorite Features

Bright Lights! The dim & fog lights stay on with brights. The auto lights & auto adjust windshield wipers are awesome. The ESP is much more advanced than expected for this price range. Electric windows, heated leather seats, moonroof, optional std or auto trans, storage space & fuel economy!

Suggested Improvements

Needs: Tilt, CRUISE CONTROL, driver armrest, little more acceleration ( 0- 60 in 12 sec ), rear speakers (Maybe on safety cell @ roof level, window & rear-view mirror adjust moved forward, oil drain plug & screw on oil filter, full service manual. Electrical adj lumbar seating . Cruise Control 4 sure.

4 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Love my car

Written by: Jaq on 10/24/2008

Vehicle

2008 smart fortwo passion 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)

Review

The car is fun to drive, handles well in the corners and in traffic it is very nimble. Interior is comfortable and when you keep in mind what the car is designed for it meets all the criteria very well. Fuel economy is basically how well you control the right foot. Need to adjust to limited space.

Favorite Features

Fun to drive, does attract a lot of attention and comments.

Suggested Improvements

Would like a bit more insulation on the engine cover, and would like interior mirror raised a bit more.

0 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Thought they would never get here!

Written by: Hal on 10/23/2008

Vehicle

2008 smart fortwo passion 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)

Review

Started driving them in Europe over 7 years ago and they were a delight, cute , very maneuverable, and fit in all the very small places in Rome,Paris, and London. Tried immediately to buy one (they were 60,000 lire/$6000 US in Rome) when I first tried. They would not sell me stating that the U.S. would not allow me to import them. My wife and I ordered one each in late 2007 and they arrived in May and July 2008. They are a delight to drive and have plenty of pep, a delight to merge onto the freeway and can easily go 90 mph or higher if some SUV gets testy and aggressive. They are very safe & stable weighing in at more than a ton, have ABS and ESP, 4 airbags & a 5+ crash rating. Go for it!

Favorite Features

Very maneuverable,effortless steering (especially with power steering). Very BIG and LITTLE (big inside and small outside),very colorful, attractive,cheerful and outright fun. Lots of thumbs up and many many inquiries. My wife and I often fit our two Smarts in one parking place-NO tickets yet!

Suggested Improvements

I believe that the cars suspension (quite firm) is set up to assist its stability but a little softer would be desirable. Surprisingly there is considerable torque for its engine size and it negotiates steep hills even when the auto shift has it in 5th gear. I believe an overdrive could be installed.

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Can't be shy if you own a Smart Car

Written by: Terry on 10/18/2008

Vehicle

2008 smart fortwo passion 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)

Review

I awaited my Smart car with great anticipation. Ordered it online in late April of 2007 and took ownership May 1 2008. The room inside is amazing. This summer I drove all over Boston, usually 40-60 miles a day. I had a minimum of 5 full conversations with strangers about this cute little car. When in stop in go traffic I realized that using the car in manual provided a much smoother ride. I now prefer to drive that way and I find I get 10 more miles per gallon. Having the option of shifting on the stick or on the steering wheel is a great choice. Beware of potholes, railroad tracks and road work going over these too fast- scares the wits out of you. Easily driven at 70 mph with no problem.

Favorite Features

The large heated seats, the rear storage area, the constant attention form total strangers. The option of auto or manual is great. I never drove a manual because of the clutch, with his car I don't have one. I love that. When I want to drink coffee or chat on my cell I leave it on automatic.

Suggested Improvements

Would love cruise control-better rear viewing and a tilt steering wheel. The ride could be much more comfortable. Do not buy this car of you expect a smooth ride-you feel every bump but the gas mileage outweighs that disadvantage.

19 out 22 people found this review helpful

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First review

Written by: Slowpitcher on 10/16/2008

Vehicle

2008 smart fortwo passion 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)

Review

I brought a new 1959 Volkswagen back from Germany in 1959. This car reminds me of the 1959 Volkswagen. It performs better than you think it could and people wonder what it is. I can't believe how well it handles on the highway. I really like the way the transmission operates. I expected poor performance but if you know how to drive this car you will be happy with it. I had only 37 HP with the Volkswagen while this car has 70 or so. I was extremely pleased with the Smart dealership in Orlando.

Favorite Features

For the size and price this is a fun car. Like the A/C, transmission, steering, handling, safety features

Suggested Improvements

A reasonable priced cruise control. Longer sun visor. Longer warranty.

4 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Smart Car is the Best

Written by: OCDad on 10/11/2008

Vehicle

2008 smart fortwo passion 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)

Review

Best car ever for those who need something to drive back and forth to work with. Not good for family use.

Favorite Features

Sun roof

Suggested Improvements

12 out 12 people found this review helpful

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fatter tires

Written by: william on 10/08/2008

Vehicle

2008 smart fortwo passion cabrio 2dr Convertible (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)

Review

love the car, mostly,except the jerking transmission, and the ROUGH ride. I think it need fatter tires to soften the ride over rough areas, like rail road crossings, and pot holes, etc. A speed control would be nice, too. Now take a look at the sun visors, too small & try turning them to the left, hmm, room inside is great,style is great, & I would love it more if the ride were smoother. I like the attention. Get one.

Favorite Features

the view, you can see out really well. steering is good. design get an A. the seats are very good. I like the horn.

Suggested Improvements

make the clock easy to set. an adjustable steering wheel. improve the transmission (a must) and BIGGER Tires, god it needs them, for sure.

10 out 11 people found this review helpful

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new type of car

Written by: keypeds on 10/03/2008

Vehicle

2008 smart fortwo passion 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)

Review

Midsized car seating is comfortable , visibility to front and sides is good to the rear it is poor . the interior layout is good as are the basic cd and A/C . Steering and handling are responsive and with a small turning circle as you would expect. Corners well . Winds of 50 mph will nudge the car but you still have control. Engine is minimally audible from inside even at high rpm . The transmission I would compare to a motorcycle being shifted without the clutch but in an excellently smooth manner . so that eventually you basically shift with the accelerator . actually fun and smooth no complaints. Power delivery depends on the drivers ability to master shifting. Can be driven on highways .

Favorite Features

It is a fun car to drive . Yet has a comfortable interior. And Power is surprisingly adequate. The transmission is what makes the car fun. Much faster than you would expect thanks to the transmission . Parking is a cinch.

Suggested Improvements

Rear visibility. Center console and rear cover standard. Easier engine latch cover. Include ratchet and jack for wheels. Offer spare tire. Blue hid's. Factory installed Glass tint option. Rear disk brakes. H rated tires. Bigger rear window. Better latching for hood. No deductible on extended warranty .

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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The Start of Smart

Written by: Kliegmite on 10/01/2008

Vehicle

2008 smart fortwo passion cabrio 2dr Convertible (1.0L 3cyl 5AM)

Review

I first saw Smart in Rome. I was convinced that it would be hot in America. Now that I own the 'Americanized' version, it is clear - this car will be Hot in the USA. Solid, Reliable, Convenient, comfortable, practical, attractive, interesting, and it keeps up with the rest in a respectable way. Smart is here. Finally. A truly innovative car in the US market. Once it starts marketing to the young crowd - look out. It's the next fad. Beyond the VW.

Favorite Features

Solid construction, roomy interior, accessories far beyond the size. Performance of a Mercedes, packaged in a small footprint. An engineering award-winner.

Suggested Improvements

17 out 19 people found this review helpful

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