2012 smart ForTwo

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$3,294 — $8,794 USED Shop local deals
(4.5) 25 reviews
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2012 smart ForTwo
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Key Specs
Our Take
Overview
Photos
Reviews
Safety & Recalls
Warranty & CPO
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Compare 2 Trims View Local Inventory

Key Specs

of the 2012 smart ForTwo. Base trim shown.

Our Take

From the Cars.com Vehicle Test Team

The Good

  • Unexpectedly roomy interior
  • Maneuverability
  • Turning circle
  • Iconic styling
  • Seating position
  • Slick convertible-top operation

The Bad

  • High-speed stability
  • Limited cargo capacity
  • Rock-hard brakes
  • Unrefined auto-manual transmission
  • No cheaper than other small cars
  • Premium gas recommended

Notable Features of the 2012 smart ForTwo

  • Hardtop or convertible
  • Minuscule dimensions
  • Seats two
  • 33 mpg city
  • Stability system, four airbags

2012 smart ForTwo Overview

By Cars.com Editors
Vehicle Overview

The two-seat Smart ForTwo arrived at U.S. dealerships for the 2008 model year as a tiny runabout groomed for city streets and tight parking. Trim levels include basic Pure and the better-equipped Passion. The ForTwo is offered in coupe and convertible body styles. Its novelty rules out a rigid set of competitors.

New for 2012
There are no significant changes.

Exterior
Built on a 73.5-inch wheelbase, the rear-wheel-drive ForTwo measures just 106.1 inches long — more than 3 feet shorter than a Mini Cooper. Exterior features include:

  • Standard 15-inch wheels
  • Contrasting colors along framework around passenger compartment
  • Convertible has fully powered soft-top

Interior
Smart markets the car as offering an unexpectedly large cabin for its shrink-wrapped size. The front seats boast 45.4 cubic feet of passenger volume. Interior features include:

  • Standard fold-flat front passenger seat
  • Optional CD stereo
  • Optional power windows
  • Optional heated leather seats
  • Optional panoramic roof
  • Optional automatic air conditioning

Under the Hood
The ForTwo uses a three-cylinder engine with an automated-manual transmission that can be left in automatic mode or shifted by the driver. Mechanical features include:

  • Standard 70-horsepower, 1.0-liter three-cylinder with 68 pounds-feet of torque
  • Standard five-speed auto-manual transmission
  • Optional power steering
  • Top speed of 90 mph

Safety
Safety features include:

  • Standard front and side-impact airbags
  • Standard antilock brakes
  • Standa...
Vehicle Overview

The two-seat Smart ForTwo arrived at U.S. dealerships for the 2008 model year as a tiny runabout groomed for city streets and tight parking. Trim levels include basic Pure and the better-equipped Passion. The ForTwo is offered in coupe and convertible body styles. Its novelty rules out a rigid set of competitors.

New for 2012
There are no significant changes.

Exterior
Built on a 73.5-inch wheelbase, the rear-wheel-drive ForTwo measures just 106.1 inches long — more than 3 feet shorter than a Mini Cooper. Exterior features include:

  • Standard 15-inch wheels
  • Contrasting colors along framework around passenger compartment
  • Convertible has fully powered soft-top

Interior
Smart markets the car as offering an unexpectedly large cabin for its shrink-wrapped size. The front seats boast 45.4 cubic feet of passenger volume. Interior features include:

  • Standard fold-flat front passenger seat
  • Optional CD stereo
  • Optional power windows
  • Optional heated leather seats
  • Optional panoramic roof
  • Optional automatic air conditioning

Under the Hood
The ForTwo uses a three-cylinder engine with an automated-manual transmission that can be left in automatic mode or shifted by the driver. Mechanical features include:

  • Standard 70-horsepower, 1.0-liter three-cylinder with 68 pounds-feet of torque
  • Standard five-speed auto-manual transmission
  • Optional power steering
  • Top speed of 90 mph

Safety
Safety features include:

  • Standard front and side-impact airbags
  • Standard antilock brakes
  • Standard traction control and electronic stability system

Latest 2012 ForTwo Stories

See all 2012 smart ForTwo articles >

Consumer Reviews

4.5
25 reviews
Exterior Styling
(4.6)
Performance
(4.2)
Interior Design
(4.4)
Comfort
(4.3)
Reliability
(4.4)
Value For The Money
(4.5)

What Drivers Are Saying

(5.0)

this is my 2nd one

by collinsj61 from somerset,pa. on August 6, 2018

this is a great little car. the new ones will be all electric. i prefer the gas models. lots of inside room & a well designed dash. Read full review

(5.0)

my 2nd one

by collinsj61 from somerset,pa. on August 6, 2018

this is my 2nd one i've owned. i love it. great little car. they are switching to all electric models. think i'll stay with gas model. Read full review

Safety & Recalls

Recalls

The 2012 smart ForTwo currently has 0 recalls

Crash and Rollover Test Ratings

The 2012 smart ForTwo has not been tested.

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Cars.com Car Seat Check

Certified child passenger safety technicians conduct hands-on tests of a car’s Latch system and check the vehicle’s ability to accommodate different types of car seats. The ForTwo received the following grades on a scale of A-F.*
* This score may not apply to all trims, especially for vehicles with multiple body styles that affect the space and design of the seating.

Warranty FAQs

What is a Bumper-to-Bumper warranty?

Often called a basic warranty or new-vehicle warranty, a bumper-to-bumper policy covers components like air conditioning, audio systems, vehicle sensors, fuel systems and major electrical components. Most policies exclude regular maintenance like fluid top offs and oil changes, but a few brands have separate free-maintenance provisions, and those that do offer them is slowly rising. Bumper-to-bumper warranties typically expire faster than powertrain warranties.

What is a Powertrain warranty?

Don't be misled a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty doesn't promise a decade of free repairs for your car. It typically covers just the engine and transmission, along with any other moving parts that lead to the wheels, like the driveshaft and constant velocity joints. Some automakers also bundle seat belts and airbags into their powertrain warranties. With a few exceptions, powertrain warranties don't cover regular maintenance like engine tuneups and tire rotations.

What is included in Roadside Assistance?

Some automakers include roadside assistance with their bumper-to-bumper or powertrain warranties, while others have separate policies. These programs cover anything from flat-tire changes and locksmith services to jump-starts and towing. Few reimburse incidental costs like motel rooms (if you have to wait for repairs).

What other services could be included in a warranty?

Some automakers include free scheduled maintenance for items such as oil changes, air filters and tire rotations. Some include consumables including brake pads and windshield wipers; others do not. They are typically for the first couple of years of ownership of a new car.

What does CPO mean?

A certified pre-owned or CPO car has been inspected to meet minimum quality standards and typically includes some type of warranty. While dealers and third parties certify cars, the gold standard is an automaker-certified vehicle that provides a factory-backed warranty, often extending the original coverage. Vehicles must be in excellent condition and have low miles and wear to be certified, which is why off-lease vehicles feed many CPO programs.

See also the latest CPO incentives by automaker