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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 Smart fortwo

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Overview

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2013 Smart fortwo Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 3.5

When the Smart Fortwo debuted in 2008, America's smallest car garnered an instant following as buyers flocked to this 2-seater for its low price, good fuel economy, and the sheer Euro-chic factor it brought to our shores. The years since have not been so kind to Smart, a subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz. Since its launch, the Smart Fortwo has been met with mediocre reviews and dwindling sales. Additionally, better vehicles such as the Scion iQ, Chevrolet Spark and Fiat 500 have entered the microcar scene. Meanwhile, cars such as the Ford Fiesta and Nissan Versa offer comparable fuel economy and more room at a similar price. The 2013 Smart Fortwo coupe and cabriolet can sneak into the smallest parking spots, along with the newest member of the family, an all-electric model.

You'll Like This Car If...

If finagling your car into the tiniest of parking spots is a daily difficulty, you'll appreciate the fact that the Smart Fortwo is the smallest new car in America. At just 106.1 inches in length, the Smart is less than half as long as a regular-cab Ford F-150.

You May Not Like This Car If...

The Fortwo's nervous highway manners and its unrefined automated transmission make driving feel like a chore rather than a privilege. Unless you're married to some facet of the Smart, there are plenty of compact and subcompact cars that offer far better road manners, more standard equipment, and seating for five.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

3.5
Driving Dynamics

1.7
Comfort & Convenience

3.5
Design: Interior & Exterior

4.1
Value

5.1
Safety

7.8

How It Ranks

#2

out of 2

MPG

#2

out of 2

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

8.5 out of 10

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consumer ratings

What's New for 2013

The biggest news for the Smart lineup is an all-new electric version. The plug-in Fortwo is more powerful and will goes farther per charge than its previous, limited-quantity EV version. The standard lineup sees the addition of two special editions and a Brabus sport package.

Driving the fortwo

2013 Smart fortwo Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions For a vehicle with such a short wheelbase – a mere 73.5 inches – the 2013 Smart Fortwo's ride is surprisingly comfortable. However, the Fortwo's road manners become increasingly skittish...

as it leisurely gets up to speed. This car is no picnic on freeways. We also grew tired of having to make constant steering corrections to keep the Smart Fortwo on course. Then there is the Smart's automated manual transmission, which changes gears with all the grace of a farm tractor. A top speed of 90 mph and a 13-second 0-60 mph time combine to make the Smart Fortwo one of the slowest new vehicles on the road. If there's a silver lining, it's that you get to "floor it" on a regular basis, and no self-respecting cop would ever pull you over. There is one thing the Fortwo excels at: maneuverability. With its tiny footprint and turning radius of under 30 feet, the Smart Fortwo could be the easiest vehicle you've ever parked.

Favorite Features

TINY TURNING RADIUS
With a 28.7-foot turning circle, you'd have to hop on a Schwinn to do better than the Smart. This enables the Fortwo to flip U-turns like nobody's business and slide into the tightest of parking spots.

TRIDION SAFETY CELL
A (legitimate) concern about driving a car as small as a Smart is the potential to collide with a larger vehicle, which in the Fortwo's case is, well, any other vehicle except a Smart. To ease those worries is the Smart's high-strength steel cell. Inspired by racecar roll cages, it helps distribute energy if a crash occurs.

2013 Smart fortwo Details

2013 Smart fortwo Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The old adage of "Never judge a book by its cover" is appropriate for the 2013 Smart Fortwo. Though tiny on the outside, the Smart's interior is surprisingly roomy. The Fortwo's tall shape creates ample headroom and legroom for two passengers, while the floating design of its dash adds to the cabin's sense of spaciousness. The Smart's rear cargo area is quite a bit smaller than that of a subcompact, but is large enough to swallow a bag of golf clubs. For further cargo flexibility, the passenger seat folds flat to carry additional items.

Exterior

With its almost toy-like size and shape, the Smart Fortwo looks like nothing else on the road. The Smart Fortwo has a tall profile, doors that take up the majority of its sides, and a long wheel-base relative to the car's actual length. Body panels are made of dent-resistant plastic, a plus for the shopping cart-laden urban environments for which the Smart is intended. On coupe models, the Fortwo's roof can be had as a conventional, solid one or as a large, see-through panel made from polycarbonate. Cabriolet models have an automatic soft-top that can be opened to various positions at any speed. Cabriolet models also have removable roof side bars for a more open experience, and a glass rear window housed within the fabric roof.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The Smart's base trim is dubbed Pure, but it might better be called Spartan because this model is so lacking in creature comforts most of us now take for granted in a new car. Forget not just having power windows – you'll have to crank your own – for its tempting starting price of around $13,000, you won't even get a radio. Air conditioning, too, is considered an option in this model, as is power steering. What you will get are power door locks and a 2-spoke leather steering wheel. Spending over $2,000 more and stepping up to Passion model brings a panoramic roof, air conditioning, power windows, and yes, a radio with two speakers and a USB input. Safety features include eight airbags and stability control.

Optional Equipment

Extras on the Pure trim model include an AM/FM radio with USB and auxiliary inputs, heated seats, air conditioning, power steering, and cruise control. Passion models can be made more passionate with a navigation system, heated leather seats, Bluetooth, cruise control, power steering, and LED running lights.

Under the Hood

The 2013 Smart Fortwo is powered by 1.0-liter, 3-cylinder Mitsubishi engine that makes 70 horsepower. That isn't a lot of power, but at less than 1,900 pounds, the Smart doesn't have much mass to move. The engine is located in the rear of the Smart and, unlike most other small cars of its ilk, drives the rear wheels. The sole transmission is a very unrefined 5-speed automated manual. Highway fuel economy on the Smart is rated up to 38 mpg. That figure is good, but you might expect better from such a tine vehicle. Also note, the Smart Fortwo uses premium gasoline. The all-electric Smart uses a 55-kilowatt motor powered by lithium-ion batteries, and has been rated by the EPA to achieve the equivalent of up to 122 mpg in city driving.

1.0-liter inline-3
70 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm
68 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 34/38 mpg

Electric magneto motor
Horsepower TBD
96 lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 122/93 mpg equivalent

Pricing Notes

The 2013 Smart Fortwo Pure has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price starting of just over $13,000. Better-equipped Passion models start around $15,600, and Cabriolets start around $18,600. The electric-drive Smart coupe is priced around $25,000, while the electric cabriolet is around $28,000. The Smart Fortwo has a tempting starting price to be sure, but it's not the lowest out there. The 2013 Nissan Versa and 2013 Chevrolet Spark start at under $13,000 and have more room and features. The 2013 Scion iQ, meanwhile, starts around $16,000, and a 2013 Fiat 500 comes in at $16,700. Before buying, be sure to check the Fair Purchase Price to see what others in your area are actually paying for the Smart Fortwo. The resale value of the Smart Fortwo is predicted to be average at best for the Pure trim, and worse than average for Passion coupe and Cabriolet trims.

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2013 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