Best economy car, hatchback 2011 Honda Fit *Est. $15100
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See All Economy Cars

2008 Smart ForTwo

(*est. $11,590 to $16,590)

Pros

Maneuverability
Easy to park
Loads of standard safety equipment
Excellent fuel economy

Cons

Not suitable for highway driving
Troubling crash-test results
Preference for premium fuel
Pricey for its size

Our Analysis

The 2008 Smart ForTwo has garnered a great deal of attention from review sources. The most helpful comparative reviews for the 2008 Smart ForTwo come from Consumer Reports magazine and ConsumerGuide.com. Editors at Edmunds.com provide a review of the Smart ForTwo 'that's not formally comparative but is thorough and easy to understand. Less in-depth (but still interesting) features are presented by Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine, ForbesAutos.com and About.com, where experts applaud the Smart ForTwo for its innovative design and outstanding fuel efficiency. CNN Money provides an overview of the ForTwo's performance in NHTSA crash tests.

The Smart ForTwo, a product of Mercedes-Benz subsidiary Smart, has been available in some markets since 1998; it debuted in the U.S. for the 2008 model year. The 2008 Smart ForTwo "microcar" – a two-seater coupe or convertible – is the smallest and shortest vehicle on the North American market. Because the ForTwo is so small, Smart emphasizes safety features, but recent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash tests indicate that safety is a concern nevertheless. Experts also caution that the Smart ForTwo isn't suitable for highway driving; it's too small, light and underpowered. Some reviewers say the ForTwo is great for congested cities, with EPA fuel-economy estimates of 33 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. With a similar price and excellent fuel economy, the highly rated subcompact Honda Fit (*est. $13,950 to $16,070) is a more versatile choice.

Where To Buy

Bid on
2008 Smart ForTwo

Our Sources

1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe

Consumer Reports magazine includes the Smart ForTwo in its extensive testing and evaluation of budget cars. Tables allow easy comparison of data in such categories as safety, fuel economy and handling.

Review: 2008 Smart ForTwo, Editors of Consumer Reports

2. ConsumerGuide.com

The 2008 Smart ForTwo isn't recommended by editors at ConsumerGuide.com, where its performance scores in independent testing fall well below the average for all subcompact cars. Fuel efficiency for the Smart ForTwo is exceptional.

Review: 2008 Smart ForTwo, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, Aug. 1, 2008

3. Edmunds.com

Editors here evaluate the new 2008 Smart ForTwo on such qualities as performance, design and safety. They say the ForTwo works well as a city-driving commuter car for people who have two cars.

Review: 2008 Smart ForTwo Review, Editors at Edmunds.com

4. Kiplinger.com Details/Subscribe

Kiplinger's magazine assesses the car market and picks the best 2008 cars in a range of classes. In the $20,000-andunder group, the ultra-compact Smart ForTwo nabs the best fuel efficiency title.

Review: The Best Cars for 2008, Mark Solheim and Jessica Anderson, March 2008

5. Money

While not a traditional performance review, this fairly brief write-up from CNN Money provides pertinent data regarding the 2008 Smart ForTwo's unimpressive showing in government-conducted crash tests.

Review: Smart crash tests show weak points, Peter Valdes-Depena, Apr. 3, 2008

6. ForbesAutos.com

Patton lists seven up-and-coming "small luxury cars", including the Smart ForTwo. He says the ForTwo may be "perfect" for city driving. Forbes Autos provides links to slideshows containing more information about each car.

Review: Hatchback Comeback, Phil Patton

7. About.com

In this list of small cars that counter typical excuses for not buying a small car, the Smart ForTwo is praised for its exceptional fuel economy and ease of parking. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)

Review: 10 Small Cars You Can Live With, Aaron Gold

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