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2009 smart ForTwo consumer reviews

$11,990 starting MSRP
side view of 2009 ForTwo smart
(56 reviews)
91% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.1
  • Interior 4.6
  • Performance 3.9
  • Value 4.5
  • Exterior 4.6
  • Reliability 4.6
Explore the 2009 smart ForTwo

I've downsized and have no regrets!

I've recently purchased a 2009 Smart ForTwo Passion. I have downsized after having several trucks, most recently a Bronco. I shopped around for comparable small cars, but felt this fit my needs the best. There's very adequate legroom and the seats are pretty comfortable. Though the acceleration isn't that of an average car, it gets up and goes once it's moving. I was hesitant about the auto-manual transmission as this is a big stink with some. For me, it's easy to adjust. The trick is to let off the accelerator when the gears are changing, similar to a manual. The fuel economy is fantastic compared to what I've been driving -- going from 15 and less to 35+ is a Godsend. It's nimble and scoots around town very well. On the highway, it'll hold 70 with no issue and I haven't experienced too many issues with passing semis or wind more-so than any other similarly situated vehicles. I feel it's a vehicle you'll grow used to if you haven't driven one with a similar build before. Myself, I've driven several types of vehicles and think this one is just fine for its class. My only stink is no cruise control & the fact that many local mechanics (oil change when I purchased) don't know how to get to the motor...or past the back hatch, so I had to do that part of the work. It's inexpensive, easy to park, nimble and a conversation piece. I feel very safe in it after doing research and watching crash test videos. She's my sturdy little squeaker toy and I don't regret going from "I'm bigger than you, move" to "*squeak*".

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Unbelievable little car

This is the second one I've owned and it is a real blast to drive. Handles like a rally car and gets economy like a moped...that's right, a moped. It's build by Mercedes and acts like it. level of equipment actually follows the "C" class of Mercedes, so driving it is very safe (5* crash test). I use it as my primary car since I drive a BIG TRUCK for a living. If you want fun and economy with safety build in, the Smart for two Passion Plus is the perfect car. I take long trips with it so economy is important. As long as I keep my foot out of it and drive it sensibly, 50 MPG is normal. That's right...50 Miles per gallon at highway speeds of 65. Go much faster and the mileage drops off, but still very impressive in the mid to high 40's. The only drawback might be it only seats TWO. Enjoy the Smart For Two. It might just be "SMART" for you.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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best car

i want to say that russell sconyers was awesome, he knew his product and was good at what he does. he asked great questions and listned , who does that anymore

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
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Smart car is a gold mine

The Smart line is due for a new body style in 2014 utilizing a body made of carbon fiber and solar cell film in the roof. No idea what it will cost. 2009 Smart convertibles can now be purchased for less than $10,000 with 5000-20000 miles on them. This car is safe. It gets over 50mpg. The sticker says 41 but that was done to appease regulators after test vehicles in very hot climates with the air on full got 41 or higher. Insurance is $300-500/year full coverage. This car is a bargain and never needs maintenance.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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City Car

The smart car is an amazing little car for city living/driving/parking. It gets about 40MPG and zips in and out of traffic easily. Mine is a convertible with heated leather seats, a GPS, electric windows, etc. The smart is a bit challenging to drive on the highway on a windy day because it "sits" somewhat tall. I use it as a second car so I have access to a lower, more stable car under these circumstances. I'd recommend the smart as a perfect second vehicle. I love it!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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What a fun car!

We bought our Smartie with 10 miles on the odometer in 2009, and it's getting ready to turn 70,000 miles soon. We drive it everywhere and it's been one of the most reliable cars we've ever owned. I've had many people tell me all about the "other cars" I could have bought, but I tell them that I didn't want any of them. The Smart is a niche car for sure, but one that anybody could love! We've had only one mechanical issue, and that one was easily fixed with the replacement of a pump of some sort. It was an inexpensive fix. I change the oil myself every 10,000 miles and it's very easy to do. When I suggested to my wife that we look at the Fiat 500's and consider trading in the Smart, I was informed that was out of the question. So, looks like we'll be trading in the Mazda 6!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Does recommend this car
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Super fun to drive.

I drive a few miles to work each day. The gas economy is excellent. I have the cabrio an I like that I can drop the top when I am moving down the road. Very fun car to drive. The wind will blow it around on the highway if it is a windy day and you have to watch following a semi truck because you will be blown around by the wind coming off the truck. But for city driving it is a lot of fun. The cargo area is plenty big enough for groceries and light shopping.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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It is awsome!

I think that I could become a car salesman now that I've owned my secound smart car. I had my first car called a passion model .I had it for four days until I saw the brabus modle . I traided it in and bought the brabus. I'm somewhat of a sports man when it comes to cars and this little baby is whats hattin!!!!!! Every where I go someone is asking questions about the car so it takes 5 minutes longer to get to my destination . I truely feel like this car is the car of the future. Just Bill

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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I laugh at the gas station

I love my car! It gives me great gas mileage and its truly comfortable to drive in. I just took it to my 1st road trip and it was awesome! I drove 349 miles on 1 Full Gas Tank!! The only bad thing I'm still not comfortable with is how much people stare at me when I'm driving it.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Perfect for me, but not for everyone . . .

I love my Smart. That being said, it's not for everyone. I was not in the market for a high-performance car; I wanted a fairly inexpensive, reliable, fuel-efficient car. The Smart fits all these criteria. It's also really frigging cute, and I love that. I get 40 mpg, and never have much problem finding parking. There are some minuses, however. For the most part, these apply to city driving in stop-and-go traffic: the Smart has a serious transmission issuer, which is basically a design flaw. In lower gears, the drive can be very jerky. You learn how to baby the gas pedal to try to avoid this, but there are still times my car literally jumps and jerks forward. Until you get up to 28-30, you can feel the gear shifts, and there is a slight hesitation as it shifts up. Going from a red light to green light, the car takes several seconds to get up to speed; you may find cars behind you getting impatient with the slow acceleration. there just isn't a lot of get-up-and-go. That being said, on the highway, most of these problems disappear. In higher gears and constant acceleration, the Smart has no trouble with 75 mph, and easily keeps up with surrounding traffic (I laugh when people ask me if it's highway-legal, like its some kind of golf cart!) And, when I only spend $30 to fill the tank (in Southern California!), I always smile. Especially when I see the customer before me spent $80;)

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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