This tiny two-seater is good on gas and a snap to park. It features a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder engine that does a decent job keeping up with traffic, but the car is very slow when starting from a stop. We measured 39 mpg overall, but it requires premium fuel. It has a harsh ride, clumsy handling, and an automated manual transmission with extremely jerky and jarring gear changes. Access to the cabin is very easy, and the seats are comfortable. An electrically powered version will be available soon.
A subscription to ConsumerReports.org includes Consumer Reports road test reports (based on over 50 different tests).
Smart Blog Content
The disappointing dozen: Cars that fail our tests
The Consumer Reports Annual Autos Issue is a great resource for researching the best cars. Flip through the magazine or tour the website, and it is clear there are many great choices. However, just as there are many good cars...
2013 Detroit: Smart forstars Sports Utility Coupe (SUC) concept charges up the crowd
Yes, I had to look up the name of this car three times. In fairness, the company says that the "tongue-in-cheek name" is referring to the car's glass roof, which "offers passengers a clear view of a starry sky or,...
The worst cars of 2012
As the year winds to a close, it is natural to look back and recall the high points. But, it is also useful to remember the lows, including those cars that disappointed. Here, we commemorate the worst models in our...
Electric Smart ForTwo car might be the smartest one yet
The relatively affordable electric Smart ForTwo ED (electric drive) may be the best Smart car yet. While not a high compliment, it does point to the promise of this diminutive two-door model as a green alternative for commuters. We recently...
Smart offers redesigned gas and electric models for 2013
For 2013, Daimler is updating the Smart ForTwo and for the first time offering a choice of a gasoline or electric powertrain in either coupe or convertible models. The gas version is a minor update of the one we tested...
