2008 smart ForTwo consumer reviews

Feel of dramatic shifting takes some getting used to, car is not very good in snow/ice, obviously, otherwise super fun to drive, good pick up for speed when needed, unbeatable turning radius, park virtually anywhere. I love this car. I have the Smart For Two, Passion Cabriolet & recommend it to anyone who questons me about it.

I was one of the first to take delivery of the 2008 Smartofor two. Now with two years under my belt, I can truly say that I would buy another one in a miunte. I have to agree with Kelsey Mays review of the car, but not his endorsement. Yes it's a bumpy ride on rough roads, quirky transmision, limited storage, slugish pickup, and some trepedations on safety. But you know, I'm not racing at Indianapolis, and for the price, I'll live with a few jarring jolts now and again. I also drive a motorcycle, and have found many a dreaded NYC pothole, and survived. The Smart car handles the bumps easier than my bike, but don't compare it to a standard medium or full size car. Last year, I drove from Indiana to NYC. The car did a steady 65-70 the whole trip, and never felt underpowered. The ride was comfortable, and neither of us felt fatigued at any point of the trip. We had enough storage for all our gear, plus my girlfriends two dogs, and their collapsable cage. Ok, they were annoying little lap dogs, but still everybody had enough room. The other half of the coin is the ease of parking, a major consideration in an urban environment, low cost, both initial, and, at least so far, maintenance. Yeah, pick up isn't stellar, but I've yet to have a problem getting into any highway. Along with the electronically modified transmission in 2009, which allowed the gears to run a bit longer before shifting, Smart also modified the paddle shifters. If you need to downshift, just touch the down shift paddle, and the vehicle automatically converts from full automatic, to a manual setting requireing you to use the paddles to change gears. Want to go back to automatic? just hold the upshift paddle for two seconds, and you're there. On the earlier models, you were required to change between the two via the gear shift lever between the two seats. Parking is the greatest asset this car has to offer. Most times I had to go to the western suburbs, I'd need 20 minutes to try and find parking with my pick up, and then have to walk three, four or five blocks to get to where I'm going. With the Smart car usually finds a spot within one block of my destination. Salesman, Locksmiths, Tradesmen or any one who need to be mobile in an urban area, carry their tools, and find parking frequently will revel in this car. I've even see a few used as pizza delivery vehicles. Now, the Smart car isn't for everyone. Forget about it if you have a family, however it is a perfect commuter vehicle.

Hiit a deer with my motorcycle - traumatic brain injury - bought a smart convertible 40.3 mpg average with 36,200 miles...shouldn't love inanimate objects, but I love my smart. Shifts great when you realize it is an automated manual. Wind is not a big deal. Rides a little rougher than my Lincoln Continental, but mpg is 3 times better... it is worth it.

Okay, I have always liked smaller cars. I had a Swift, a Metro, a CRX.... you name it, I have tried it. And this is the BEST. I have made long trips, short trips, around town, and the only annoying aspect is being stopped by people and having them ask me about it. Yes, you are right, you feel those bumps on the road.... oh, and having run over an extension ladder on the interstate and had to go through a repair/insurance process, I have to tell you, this little thing is a BEAST! This is one tough car. People look at me while they drive their big trucks and SUV's, and you can see how annoyed they are when they see you driving on "their road", but the whole thing is I am in this tiny car, just me, and they, all alone in their big ol' vehicles.... it's not about a carbon foot print, it's just that it makes sense.

My 2008 Smart Cabriolet has over 33,000 miles, and I am averaging 40.2 mpg. Plenty of room for me and my laptop. Granted it is slightly rougher riding than my Lincoln Continental, but saves a me lot of money. Smart cars are smart, if we care about preserving resources for our children and grand children. It is a hoot to drive.

We bought our first a year ago on the "orphan" program when our ordered car arrived two months later. GREAT commuter car! When gas was $4 a gallon the savings over our BMW made the car payment! Not quiet as free now, but still a huge gas saver on a weekly basis. The car does best in the city, but will ride on the interstate without trouble. Not a long distance car on the highway (comfort) but is do-able. We live in the mountains and have had no trouble on trips on the uphill. I would recommend!!

I purchased a smart for two a year ago and I love it. I hate when critics put down a car they don't know. I get 60 miles to the gallon highway not 41 and do plenty of city driving to say that I saved over 50% in gas purchase over the year. That's a whopping $2000.00. I looked at other cars in the category and since 95% of my time in the car I'm alone, there was not need for a larger car like the Mini Cooper. It costs much much more and I didn't like their design. I think the Smart for Two or the future Smart for Two+2, which I am purchasing in 2012, gives you a lot more for your money. I hope that the consumer does their own homework before they purchase a car that someone else recommends. Talk to someone who actually owns one.

I have had my smart for about a year now. Comfort- Superb, you sit up high, and visibility is great! Performance- 71 hp is deffinatly enough to make this car zippy in the city, or on the highway! Handling- "Think Go-cart." Love it! Styling and Design- Only the best! This car is Art on wheels! Features- Panoramic roof, heated seats! Value- A brand new car for under 13,000.00.. that come standard with this many safety features is always worth the money. You can't put a price on life. Reliability- Never any problems.

I drive my Passion Coupe to work and shopping, I have accumilated about 11,000 Smart mile with an average of 40 MPG and have made as high as 44 MPG. Think about this; 70 HP from 60 CU (1.0L), that gives the car the same HP per cube as a Corvette, it just doesn't have as many cubes as the Vette. About the transmission, it has a pause to shift, just like someone needs to pause between gears on any stick shift car. If something happens to mine, I will buy another in a NY minute. It is a love or hate car, it is in a class all by it's self. Freedom of choice, if we all drove the same car, what a boring place this would be!

It's size, economy, and handling make the smart the perfect urban commuter. Even using premium fuel, I average 37 mpg. Fillups are not painful. Ride can be poor on less than perfect streets. You'll feel every dip, every gap. However, it's not an exercise in torture as the seating is excellent. The transmission is manual, but with an electronic clutch. The smart decides when to shift, and coupled with the low horsepower, the response is usually disappointing. A casual driver, like me, does fine, but if you have a lead foot, it's behavior may give you a coronary. With steering wheel mounted paddles, you can shift for yourself, but even then, the response is lethargic. It's an acquired skill. Acceleration can be best described as "eventual." Cargo capacity? A few grocery bags or a medium sized suitcase is about the limit. Long trips? I've been to Boston and Ohio in the smart. I miss cruise control, but it can be purchased aftermarket. It's also a bit more tiring than a typical, larger car, but overall, on the interstate, just fine. No need to worry about those big ol' nasty tractor trailers. Crosswinds on a rainslicked road can be scary. Solution? Drive intelligently. The smart is well made and the maintenance schedule is pretty much an annual oil change. Excepting insurance, the car's running cost is about seven cents a mile. Really. Not perfect for everyone, but if you're single and most of your driving is the daily commute with an occasional pleasure trip, the smart deserves serious consideration. I love it.