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- Styling
- Ease of parking
- Comfortable seating position
- Responsive steering
- Low-speed agility
- High fuel economy ratings
- Harsh ride
- Slow acceleration
- Awkward transmission operation
- Use of premium fuel
- Mediocre fuel economy
- Short warranty period
The Smart ForTwo is the smallest car currently on the market, and the lowest-priced new convertible available. In either hatchback or cabriolet, it's a rear-drive two-seater powered by a 70-horsepower rear-mounted one-liter three-cylinder. Auto reviewers seem to want to like the Smart ForTwo, and they say there's a place for such a tiny city car in the automotive marketplace. Those who test-drove the ForTwo Cabriolet enjoyed the positive attention from the public, who seem to be drawn to its European fashion and responsibility to the environment. Reviewers love the ease of parking this 106.1-inch car (the Smart ForTwo is only a few inches longer than some vehicles are wide), and they praise the Smart ForTwo's quick reflexes, great maneuverability and tight turning radius. The interior feels larger than it looks, with plenty of room for tall occupants, reviews say.
On the open highway, however, reviewers report the Smart ForTwo is out of its element. The firm ride becomes choppy and harsh, there is not enough power for passing or maintaining speed on hills, and the lightweight car is easily affected by wind. The five-speed automated manual transmission is almost universally disliked for its clunky, slow-shifting behavior. While fuel economy is good, many reviewers say they expected better. A further disappointment relates to the fact that the engine requires premium fuel. The fabric roof retracts fully at the push of a button, or it can open halfway as a large sunroof. For a full convertible experience (if desired), rear roof rails must be removed. While there are no other convertibles in this price range, the higher priced Mini Cooper convertible (*est. $21,950 to $25,400) or the sporty Mazda MX-5 Miata (*est. 20,635 to $28,210) are alternatives.
The best review of the Smart ForTwo comes from CNNMoney.com, which includes a detailed description of driving a Smart ForTwo cabriolet and general comments that apply to the hatchback as well. Edmunds.com lists its "Consumers' Top Rated" cars in a variety of categories, and the Smart ForTwo Cabriolet tops the list for low-price convertibles. Popular Mechanics includes the Smart car on a top 10 list for fun and affordable convertibles.
Our Sources
1. CNNMoney.com
CNNMoney.com describes the ease of finding a parking spot big enough for the Smart ForTwo Cabriolet, and gives the lightweight car credit for high fuel economy. Though the Smart ForTwo is praised for its nimbleness and stability, negatives include the limited warranty coverage, harsh ride and transmission behavior.
Review: Smart ForTwo Smart for Few, Peter Valdes-Dapena, Feb. 25, 2008
ConsumerGuide.com test-drives both the coupe and convertible versions of the Smart ForTwo, and reports an average 38.8 mpg in mixed driving. Editors say the Smart ForTwo is an excellent urban vehicle but claim that its price and other limitations will "likely limit its appeal for many shoppers."
Review: 2008 Smart ForTwo Full Review, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, Aug. 1, 2008
3. Motor TrendDetails/Subscribe
Motor Trend provides driving impressions of Smart ForTwo and notes that the convertible top system is "well-conceived." Despite other drawbacks, Motor Trend concludes that the Smart is "not the right transportation choice for many, but a brilliant one for some."
Review: First Drive: 2008 Smart ForTwo, Matt Stone
This review is a descriptive write-up based on other published reviews, as well as the editor's time behind the wheel. The Smart is described as being more fun than a Mini Cooper in urban settings, but its limitations are said to become readily apparent on the open road.
Review: 2008 Smart ForTwo Review, Bengt Halvorson
5. Car and DriverDetails/Subscribe
Car and Driver evaluates the Smart Cabriolet, with good coverage of the top operation. The reviewer comments that the convertible drives just like the hatchback, but is a bit noisier and weighs 37 pounds more. Surprisingly, its acceleration times are fractionally quicker than the hardtop.
Review: 2008 Smart ForTwo Passion Cabriolet -- Short Take Road Test, Tony Quiroga, May 2008
6. Motor WeekDetails/Subscribe
MotorWeek editors say the Smart ForTwo's cabin is "impressively roomy," even for their tallest staff members, and reports an average of 34 mpg for the Smart ForTwo in mixed driving. While the Smart is said to have admitted appeal, it is pointed out that there are more practical subcompacts available for the same price.
Review: Road Test: 2008 Smart ForTwo, Editors of MotorWeek
7. Edmunds.com
The Smart ForTwo cabriolet is Edmunds.com's "Consumers' Top Rated" convertible under $35,000." The article links to a price list and Edmunds.com's comprehensive summary.
Review: Consumers' Top Rated for 2008, Editors of Edmunds.com
8. PopularMechanics.comDetails/Subscribe
Popular Mechanics highlights 10 fun, affordable, and economical convertibles, including the Smart ForTwo Cabriolet. Editors note that although the Smart is slow, it's also fun and frugal.
Review: 10 Fun Convertibles That Won't Pinch at the Pump or the Lot, Editors of Popular Mechanics
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