Pros: Outstanding close-quarters maneuverability; incredibly easy to park; fashion-forward styling; personalization options
Cons: Weak acceleration; seriously subpar transmission performance; premium-grade gas is required; bouncy ride; not a good value for the money
CG Says: There are no significant changes to the 2015 Smart ForTwo in 2015. Colloquially known as the “Smart car,” the two-seat ForTwo is the smallest four-wheel passenger car on the U.S. market meeting applicable federal standards. In fact, it’s so short and narrow that one standard parallel-parking space can accommodate two Smarts side-by-side, nose-to-curb. Even so, the ForTwo must compete with larger, more-conventional minicars like the Chevrolet Spark, Ford Fiesta, and Scion iQ. Built in France by a division of Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler AG, the ForTwo departs from typical small-car practice by having a rear-mounted powertrain. It’s offered as a coupe and as a Cabriolet semi-convertible with a power-operated soft top that rolls back along channels in the roof siderails. As ever, the ForTwo is an exercise in Euro-centric minimalism, sacrificing the space, refinement, performance, and dynamic ability of conventional minicars for Tinkerbell size and maneuverability. With its unusual styling and Mercedes-Benz connection, it’s really more of a fashion accessory than practical daily transport. Then too, it’s not exactly cheap or that stingy with gas. We think the electric version (see separate entry) makes a better urban runabout than the gas-engine models, but none of them make much sense outside the city limits.
| Class | Subcompact Car |
| Body Style(s) | 2-door coupe, 2-door convertible |
| Passenger Count | 2 |
| Drive Wheels | rear-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | Smart |
| Nation of Manufacture | France |
| Base Prices | Pure coupe: $13,270 Passion coupe: $14,930 Passion convertible: $17,930 |
| Base Engine 1.0-liter 3-cylinder |
| Horsepower 70 |
| Std. Transmission 5-speed automated manual |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 34 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 38 |
