2009 Smart fortwo

Review

Although the adorable 2009 Smart ForTwo is great for city living, it is ill-equipped to handle the rigors of the average suburban commute. The ForTwo’s impressive fuel economy, responsive handling, and spacious seats make it ideal for city driving. On the other hand, the ForTwo’s poor safety record, sluggish performance, and premium-gasoline requirements make it impractical for highway use. Read our road test of the 2009 ForTwo to see how it compares to other affordable small cars.

Improvements from the 2008 ForTwo

The 2009 Smart ForTwo is mostly a carryover from 2008, although Smart has added the performance-focused BRABUS trim level to the lineup. The new model year also brings two new color options and additional door nets for more storage space in the vehicle’s cabin.

Performance

Auto reviews are typically the most critical of the 2009 ForTwo’s lackluster performance. The microcar’s 1.0-liter, 3-cylinder engine makes only 71 horsepower, which essentially renders merging or passing on a busy freeway an impossibility. The ForTwo’s most noticeable failing in the performance arena is its five-speed automated manual transmission, plagued by awkward pauses between gear transitions and jarring lurches when moving from first to second gear. On the bright side, car reviews praise the Smart ForTwo for its incredibly agile handling, noting its surprising ability to corner and maneuver through city traffic.

Exterior Features

The diminutive and indisputably cute design of the 2009 Smart ForTwo elicits generally positive reactions from the auto press. The 2009 ForTwo will surely turn heads, but it’s hard to tell if people are staring in awe or simply acknowledging a bizarre novelty. One of the strongest appeals of the ForTwo’s exterior is its interchangeable body panels that allow the owner to customize the look of the vehicle. On the convertible trim, the ForTwo comes with a fully automatic convertible top and a glass rear window. The Smart ForTwo has three trim levels: pure, passion, and BRABUS (sports-oriented trim). As you’ll see in photos of the BRABUS edition, the vehicle is about 10 millimeters lower than the other ForTwos due to a ground-hugging sports suspension.

Interior Features

For such a small car, the 2009 ForTwo has a remarkably roomy cabin. The Smart ForTwo gives both of its occupants plenty of space in addition to supportive seating. The quality of the interior materials is also surprising, with the ForTwo’s instruments bedecked in unconventional, top-notch materials. Although basic models don’t come with many features, buyers can add conveniences like air conditioning and power windows for a small increase in price. Cargo room is also respectable for such a small car, with the 2009 Smart ForTwo offering 12 cubic feet of cargo space if items are stacked to the roof.

Safety and Specifications

In crash tests, the 2009 Smart ForTwo received average car safety scores from the federal government and very good ratings from the car insurance industry. This has an effect on the cost of insurance, as you can see if you search for online car insurance quotes. Despite its decent marks in crash tests, the government has voiced concerns over the ability of the ForTwo to protect its occupants. In fact, the government even issued a safety warning about the 2009 ForTwo for side-impact collisions. On the up side, the car insurance industry has named the Smart ForTwo one of the cheapest cars to repair after a collision. The ForTwo also comes with four airbags, electronic stability control, and anti-lock brakes as standard safety equipment. An overview of the Smart ForTwo’s specs is offered below.

• Car pricing: $11,990 - $16,990 MSRP; $11,151 - $15,801 invoice
• Engine: 1.0-liter, 71-hp three-cylinder gas engine
• Transmission: five-speed automated manual transmission
• Acceleration: 0-60 in 12.8 seconds

Upgrade Options

The Smart ForTwo is intended as a bare-bones way to get from point A to point B, but Smart nevertheless offers a number of attractive options. Depending on the model buyers select, they can enjoy upgrades like power steering, a panoramic roof with sun screen, heated seats, leather upholstery, a 10-speaker premium sound system with auxiliary jack, and 15” alloy wheels. Most of these options are available only as packages on certain models of the 2009 ForTwo, such as the BRABUS edition.

How the 2009 ForTwo Compares to Other Affordable Small Cars

The Smart ForTwo usually does not fare well compared to other affordable small vehicles because of its lackluster performance, poor safety ratings, and inflated price tag for its size. For these reasons, U.S. News and World Report ranks the 2009 ForTwo 26 out of 29 affordable small cars. However, the Smart ForTwo remains a class leader in fuel economy. The gas mileage of the 2009 Smart ForTwo is rated as 33 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway.

New car guide information estimates the ForTwo’s Intellichoice 5 year cost of ownership as $24,404, which is very good for its class. The ForTwo falls short of the competition in terms of reliability, earning only 4.0 out of ten on the J.D. Power Quality Ratings for predicted reliability. The Smart ForTwo’s warranty is poor for its class, offering basic coverage for only two years or 24,000 miles.

Conclusion: Is the Smart ForTwo a Smart Buy?

If you rarely drive outside of the city, the 2009 Smart ForTwo is a cheap way to keep your fuel expenses down, not to mention the fact that you can park the ForTwo just about anywhere. The spacious cabin will surprise you, and the handling is ideal for maneuvering city streets. On the other hand, if you ever plan to venture out on the highway, the ForTwo’s disconcerting safety ratings and sluggish performance might cause trouble. Overall, the 2009 ForTwo is a great second car or a primary vehicle for budget-conscious city dwellers.