Hatchback · Gas
Smart Fortwo 2008–2015 (W451)
- Your fit
- Take the quiz
- Price
- $13,270–$28,000
- MPG
- 36
- Watch-out: Poor cargo & utility
- Watch-out: Poor passenger space
How it scores for you10 scores
Parks where nothing else can and sips fuel, but the lurching single-clutch gearbox, choppy ride, and two-seat limit make it a last-resort commuter.
Recalled about half as often as cars of the same model years; its only recall was not rated serious. Based on recalls and serious defect reports — it doesn't capture everyday repairs or problems fixed by warranty extensions. Limited history so far, so this score may move as more recalls are filed. Adjusted -5 points for its wider reputation.
Not yet crash-tested by NHTSA, so this is scored as middle-of-the-road.
About $2,250 a year in fuel (EPA estimate) — cheaper to run than about 65% of cars we track.
7.8 cu ft of cargo space — among the smallest of the hatchbacks we track.
Two occupants sit comfortably tall, and that is the entire cabin.
The automated-manual gearbox lurches through every shift; tiny-footprint agility is the sole dynamic virtue.
Spartan even by city-car standards; the Electric Drive's plug was its one modern trick.
A choppy short-wheelbase ride plus head-tossing shifts make even short trips busy.
EVs have typically lost value the fastest.
No published tow rating; front- or rear-wheel drive only.
Safety & recalls1 recall
Not yet rated by NHTSA.
1 recall across 2015
- Recall — Steering (2015)
2015
- RecallSteering15V192000
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Smart Fortwo Coupes and Convertibles, and 2014 Fortwo Coupe Electric and Fortwo Convertible Electric vehicles. The affected vehicles have steering gear mounting bolts which may break during vehicle operation.
Cost to own
MSRP, new
$13,270–$28,000
Estimated used price, by model year
$2,250/yr
EPA estimate, combined fuel cost per year.
5-year cost to own
Not enough price history to estimate
Specs
City MPG
34
Highway MPG
38
Combined MPG
36
Electric range
68 mi
Horsepower
74 hp
Doors
2
Cargo volume
7.8 cu ft
Limited data — dimensions unavailable.
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