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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2009 Smart fortwo

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Smart fortwo

Overview

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2009 Smart fortwo Review

By KBB.com Editors

Americans don't like small cars. That's an over-generalization, of course, but there's little doubt our country's is the biggest, heaviest vehicle fleet in the world. Record gas prices and increasing environmental awareness, though, have combined to create a bona fide boom in sales of compact cars. In some respects, Mercedes-Benz couldn't have chosen a better time to introduce to the U.S. its smart brand microcars that have been tooling around Europe for 10 years now. The new, second-generation fortwo is also larger than the first (believe it or not), which is just the way we Americans like it.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you like the idea of driving a car that turns heads and starts conversations, or if you face parking challenges on a regular basis, the fortwo may be for you. The fortwo cabriolet boasts the added advantage of being the most affordable convertible available.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you're looking to mitigate the financial impact of a longish highway commute, you might be disappointed in the affordable and fuel-efficient smart fortwo's skittish highway manners. You may also find frustrating the shifting behavior of the fortwo's "automated manual" transmission.

What's New for 2009

Fresh from its American debut last year, the smart fortwo sees little change for 2009. Daytime running lights are now available as an option, and a "loose cap" indicator light is added on the dash, alerting the driver when the gas cap hasn't been screwed on tightly enough. To increase storage space, expandable nets replace plastic bins on the side doors.

Driving the fortwo

Driving Impressions For a vehicle so extremely compact and lightweight, we found the 2009 smart fortwo's highway ride quite comfortable. The faster you go, however, the more skittish the fortwo becomes, and...

we eventually tired of having to constantly "steer" the car straight down the road. Similarly, we never got used to the automated manual transmission that swaps gears with all the grace of a backhoe. Where we most enjoyed our time at the controls of the smart fortwo was in parking lots, where the car's micro measurements and sub-30-foot turning circle combine to deliver an almost comical sense of agility. Although the smart fortwo's 90-mph top speed and 13-second zero-to-60 mph acceleration qualify it as one of the slowest new vehicles on the road, the upside is that you get to "floor it" more often.

Favorite Features

Tridion Safety Cell
There's no escaping the fact that the 2009 smart fortwo is essentially the smallest, lightest vehicle on the road, but it's demonstrated impressive crashworthiness.

Convertible Roof
Some newer convertibles let you open or close the top at speeds up to 25 or 30 miles per hour. In the smart fortwo, you can let the sunshine in – or shut the rain out – even when maxed out at the car's 90-mph top speed

2009 Smart fortwo Details

Interior

The big story inside the 2009 smart fortwo is roominess. Plenty of headroom, a relatively compact instrument panel and open space where you'd expect a center console all contribute to an interior that feels less confined than that of the significantly longer and wider MINI Cooper. The fortwo even boasts a larger rear cargo area than the MINI Cooper (the MINI's two extra fold-down rear seats notwithstanding). The interior styling is unique, but not as quirky as the car's exterior design might lead you to expect.

Exterior

More than just tiny, the smart fortwo looks like nothing else on the road. The body panels are made of dent-resistant plastic, and the design element that runs from behind the front wheel up to the roof is actually part of what the company calls the "tridion" safety cell – made of high-strength steel and painted black or metallic silver. The second-generation fortwo is nearly eight inches longer than the first model, which can be parked nose-first between parallel parked vehicles. Whether local law enforcement and the added length allow that to happen in the U.S. remains to be seen.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Conspicuously absent from the smart fortwo's standard equipment list are a sound system, air conditioning, power windows and power mirrors. "Luxuries" provided at base price include power locks with remote keyless entry, plus a leather-wrapped steering wheel and transmission selector. A full complement of standard safety equipment includes four airbags, electronic stability control and an advanced braking system.

Optional Equipment

In addition to power windows and mirrors, a CD sound system and air conditioning with automatic climate control, the 2009 smart fortwo's options list includes heated leather seats, a fixed panorama glass roof and a sport steering wheel with paddle shifters.

Under the Hood

Tipping the scales at just 1,800 pounds (700 pounds less than a Mazda MX-5 Miata), the rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive 2009 smart fortwo is able to make its way in the world by means of an unusually small three-cylinder engine (that requires premium-grade fuel). The attached five-speed transmission is also distinct in that it's essentially a manual gearbox that the fortwo electro-mechanically manages automatically – there's no clutch pedal or manual shift lever.

1.0-liter in-line 3
70 horsepower @ 5800 rpm
68 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 33/41

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Smart fortwo vehicles for sale near you.

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2009 Smart fortwo Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.5

Out of 10

Based on 165 Ratings for the 2008 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.7/10

Quality

8.7/10
Reliability

8.9/10

Performance

8.3/10
Comfort

8.6/10

Styling

9.1/10

You get more than you pay for.

By dkraft (GA) on Monday, April 29, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 6,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Fun, Financially rewarding, and User Supported."

Cons: "Shopping requires shipping considerations."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I thought long and hard about my driving tasks and this fit the bill with the usual suspects. Smart had the unparalleled user support, rather user fanatics and likely hood of longevity compared to the usual suspects. With the price of fuel (two year low), teacher incentives ($1000), popularity with my 10 year old daughter (best toy in the parking lot) and ZERO FINANCING FROM MERCEDES, this was a no brainer after the test drive. I'm 6'2" and I felt more cramped in my BMW 535. seriously. True the transmission takes some getting used to but it is FUN and can be fast. Quite fast enough in any situation. Win a stoplight drop with any other coupe? no. but there isn't a single SUV that can hang in the tight corners."

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great for intended use.

By Big John (NJ) on Saturday, April 06, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 50,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "good price, good gas milage, ease of access"

Cons: "no spare tire, rough ride"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Bought car to save gas while commuting to work, traveled 95 miles a day, did excellent in gas use. averaged 45 mpg highway/ 35 mpg city. milage drops when using AC. Ride is rough, interior comfort is excellent with single passenger, I am 6' 4 and had plenty of room. Two passengers can be cramped. It is easier to get into and out of then all other cars , I don't have to be a contortionist. Safety wise never had a problem winds didn't create drift (exception being the 50-60mph gusts last year) and turnpike/parkway/throughway travels never created problems. For strictly commuting and local travel this car is great for intended use. Cons to the vehicle- leave room when entering roadways, the pick-up is slow. No spare, front & rear tires are different sizes, a pump and sealant are provided if you have a flat, but that is no help with a blowout/ large puncture."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Great company car

By Grigio (SC) on Monday, March 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 50,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 5/10
Reliability: 5/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great marketing tool"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"We have now 4 cars for our employee since 2008 . Great marketing tools and reliable car For delivery goods. Look forward the eletric smart. This was the best choice for our company. Easy to mantain ,park ,drive."

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It is great for getting around

By Big Mike (TX) on Monday, March 04, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,729

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Fun, 40+ mpg, 9 gallon tank, roomy"

Cons: "only two seats, need to pay for the add ons"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Let's start by saying this car is not for everyone, it is a great commuter car. We have no problem getting around with 40+ mpg, a lot of head room and just plain fun to drive. I recommend this car for a more experienced driver. Not because it is unsafe but because you really need to be aware of your surroundings. The car is small and you really need to pay extra attention to other cars or trucks around you. It does move around a bit on the freeway but no problem for the experienced driver. It is not a race car and it takes about 500 miles to get use to the electronic shifting. It has both automatic and manual shifting (less the clutch pedal). Overall, great car, great price, and yes only for two people at a time."

2 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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It'll make you smile!

By Zinnger (TX) on Monday, February 25, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 42,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 6/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Great car for the price. Fun and easy to drive"

Cons: "Must drive defensively - not the best ride"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought this car over 2 years ago to save gas. I make a 6 hour round trip twice a month. I liked it so much I got one for my daughter in college. Really neat features like heated seats and climate control is a plus. Seats are comfy but ride can be rough and shifting may take getting used to. I drive this more than any other car I own including twin turbo BMW 135 and 2SS Camaro! Not a luxury car but gets the job done and power is not that bad. You will feel the wind on the road but overall it is a great little go cart with comfort and cheap to own and drive. Never had a problem with either one."

2 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Love this car!!

By Lilly (ID) on Sunday, February 24, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 11,100

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have wanted on of these since I first saw them advertised, and finally got one! It is an amazing little car. Very roomy and comfortable. Drives great even on the freeway. Would recommend to anyone who doesn't need more than two seats!!"

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See all 165 reviews