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2008 smart fortwo Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The 2008 smart fortwo makes its U.S. debut with a good amount of buzz in the background. An eco-friendly mini-car best suited for urban roads, the fortwo comes in three trims that sound like tropical drinks: pure, passion, and the passion convertible.
The '08 fortwo measures 8.8 feet long, 5.1 feet tall, and 5.1 wide, with smart claiming you can fit two fortwos in a single parking space. Gas mileage comes out to around 40 mpg, and top speed hits 90 mph. The trunk holds 8 cubic feet of cargo. If you're worried about safety, the smart fortwo features a "safety cell" consisting of three layers of steel.
So far, the fortwo gets props for its unique look and stable ride. On the other hand, remember that the fortwo rides best in the city, so make sure not to veer off onto the highway. Overall, the fortwo looks like a cool car that should do well in a market looking to go green.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2008 smart fortwo
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Anonymous
Sep 17, 2021
Absolutely Love this Smart Car!!!! I have wanted one of these for so long and now I have it and enjoy driving it everywhere!!!Sep 17, 2021
by Josh H
Oct 05, 2020
This car is amazingly well rounded. It is perfect around town, on the highway, or anywhere I have needed it.Oct 05, 2020
by Anonymous
Sep 01, 2020
I like the car because it’s cute, though the engine and automated manual transmission made me nauseous at first and took me some time to get used to.Sep 01, 2020
User rating:
by Anonymous
Sep 17, 2021
Absolutely Love this Smart Car!!!! I have wanted one of these for so long and now I have it and enjoy driving it everywhere!!!Sep 17, 2021
by Josh H
Oct 05, 2020
This car is amazingly well rounded. It is perfect around town, on the highway, or anywhere I have needed it.Oct 05, 2020
by Anonymous
Sep 01, 2020
I like the car because it’s cute, though the engine and automated manual transmission made me nauseous at first and took me some time to get used to.Sep 01, 2020
by Nancy G
May 15, 2015
I have a disability, and need very comfy seats, this doesn't have that. But, it's so fun to drive around town, and I always can find my car in the parking lot! I like seeing people point and smile! Economy and pep!May 15, 2015
by Anonymous
Sep 02, 2014
great car for getting around in the city. fine for freeway driving, not the best for climbing hills and high speed work but overall, a fine commuter. handling and braking are great - but acceleration is not very inspired... needs about 100 more horses to be a killer!Sep 02, 2014
by Bill B
Oct 20, 2013
My wife commutes daily in the Smart. She loves it. The EPA rates this at 39 highway but we have never, since getting past the break-in period, had less than 40 mpg on mixed driving. Typically 42 or there abouts. We don't do long highway trips because the ride is punishing after a while. This is strictly for commuting (22 miles) to work and running to the grocery store. And for that it is great.Oct 20, 2013
by Marcy A
Oct 09, 2013
I waited for ten years to purchase this car after seeing them everywhere in Europe. This is the number one selling car in Europe for a reason. Fun to drive, easy to park, cheap to operate, etc. I paid the deposit and it took a year to get mine made when they finally opened up smart USA. It was worth the wait. Lots of fun to drive and very uncomplicated to own. ANY reputable car dealer can provide standard maintenance, repairs, etc. like oil change, battery installation, etc. Made in the US by Mercedes-Benz.Oct 09, 2013
by Anonymous
Nov 23, 2010
We unexpectedly received this car into our inventory, and it has certainly surprised us. As dumb as it may sound, the cabin is actually very comfortable and spacious, with amenities that are surprising. With a huge panorama roof, heated seats, MP3 input, good sounding stereo, large windows, and even paddle shifters, this car is in fact fun to drive around and even does great on the highway! It also feels very solid and substantial on the road, like you're driving a much larger car. If you're looking for something that is economical and comfortable for urban driving and/or commuting, the Smart is definitely worth taking for a spin! Nov 23, 2010
by John S
Nov 11, 2010
Transmission shifts like a stick shift but is an automatic, which is great if you are use to driving a manual car. Engine has only 71 BHP but can be greatly increased by changing out air filter to a K&N, air intake hose, exhaust manifold, different muffler and adding a turbo kit which you can get either a stage 1,2, or 3 turbo. This car is great weaving in and out of traffic, going in tight places other cars cannot go and turning around when other cars have to back all the way up. Plenty of people are very inquisitive about this car. Sometime this can be annoying and other times it can be fun.Nov 11, 2010
by Anita C
Apr 29, 2010
BEE BEE is very cute and fun to drive. we always have people asking us about it. The most popular question is, "Is it electric?" No, it is not electric it has a small 1 liter engine and it holds 9 gallons of gas. This car really stands out to people and they really seem to like it. I have alot of fun with this carApr 29, 2010
by Chase B
Nov 12, 2009
Performance- nothing special. 65HP Naturally Aspirated Kawasaki 3-cyl.
Build- Decent. Outside is put together really well, inside consist of alot of plastics, but is quality built none the less.
Appearance- car is less that 7 foot long. Turns heads.
Cost- Premium only, but 35-40 in town, over 50 on the highway.
Car is a blastNov 12, 2009
by Elizabeth G
Nov 05, 2009
My smart car is amazingly cute, convertible, black,
sleek and can even get speeding tickets!
Although you may want to "tip" my Smart car, it can
handle its own.
Parking is easy, if you know how to park (I don't), and
it's a perfect city car.Nov 05, 2009
by Anonymous
Jul 30, 2009
What a piece of crap. OMG if this is what being green means I have to put up with forget it. Its noisy, handles like a soap box car, never mind the go-kart another reviewer used. Sure its cute to look at but outside of that I might be better off with a moped or segway. Sure will be able to sell it as demand for this beer can is way up. Rather wait for some of the new clean diesels to roll out. REAL cars, with a REAL, engine and suspension...Jul 30, 2009
by Roby S
Jul 08, 2009
car quite good i was one of the first to have in us had 6 factory defects the dealer took carei recomend to any wantinga toy but you will need to instal turbo air intake exsaust and new trany to make it do something special also tins dont hurtJul 08, 2009
by Bill S
Jun 10, 2009
MY 1st new car was a 1969 Dodge SuperBee. Some to follow: 1973 340 Plymouth Duster, 1972 HO 455 GTO, 1970 SS396 Chevelle, Many 5.0 LX Mustangs including the most desirable coupe, a few mustang GT's. The one thing most of my cars had in common was performance. The 'smart' car gets more compliments and draws more people than all the above. Its a blast to drive and getting 38-40 mpg in town. I only have 4900 miles and the mileage is suppose to level off at 7500. There are more 'smart' car events than I can go to.. "smart' people are not only the friendliness bunch but also theres no jealous owners of others upgrades to their car. With my muscle cars, it was always a jealous thing when someone else did something to make theirs better.. Not just others, but me also. I hope to buy another 'smart' next summer. I want a convertible.Jun 10, 2009
by Mikkel D
Feb 21, 2009
smart fortwo passion 0,8 cdi 2008
45 hp
top speed 135
a/c
electricl windows
automatic transmisson
red seats
esp
cd player
diesel
15" alu wheels
fog lights
silver
panorame roof
fun to drive
small fun car
35 l diesel tank
Feb 21, 2009
by Mike O
Jan 03, 2009
Great little bomb around car. Acceleration is ok if you
use the car in manual mode. Upshift, release the
accelerator and reapply the accelerator. The plastic
panels are a brilliant idea. The powertrain could be
more efficient as we were obtaining only 39 mpg. Jan 03, 2009
by Bridget Z
Dec 23, 2008
My grandpa recently got a Smart Car. I drive my grandparents to doctor appointments and on errands a lot so I driven it fairly often. I like that it is cute, unique, the style of the dash and, of course, the ease of parking! Oh, and the ability to easily turn around in a street without having to maneuver much. The gas mileage is also great I hear (40+ m/gal?). It's easier to run my grandparents around in because it's much easier for them to get in and out of ( compared to my grandpa's Chevy Silverado, which my grandma needs a step ladder to get into). I believe that the Smart Car may actually fit it the back of the truck! The Smart Car is also convenient when dropping them off in front of a building and then going to park. It has heated seats, and is just as spacious as many cars I've driven (in the front anyways). It isn't the best for shopping obviously, although I believe we fit at least 4 paper bags of groceries in the back along with 2-24 packs of pop. An interesting thing about this car is that you are able to drive automatic or manual. For manual, there are buttons on the steering wheel to shift. I don't know how to drive a manual, so I've only used automatic. I don't like how it shifts, and it takes a little longer than I'm used to to get up to speed. The brakes take a little getting used to also. At first it seems like everyone is 'riding your ass' because the back window is so close behind you. It's taken some getting used to. The car 'dings' if the passenger is not wearing their seat belt. It gets annoying but it's definitely effective in getting people to wear their seat belts! Other than that, my only complaint/suggestion would be the have a little more space between the seats. It's pretty fun to drive. I find a lot of people staring, so if you drive one make sure you're not picking your nose!Dec 23, 2008
by Scudder M
Nov 09, 2008
350 miles for about $22 and lots of looks. It has a lot of pick up and can go about 95 miles per hour but handleing is more like a shopping cart than a car. I just wish my family of 4 could all ride in it together. I like to drop the top at any speed.Nov 09, 2008
by Cecilia L
Oct 12, 2008
Hey if U live in town, this is the car for U if yr tierd of parkingtickets.....Also as a 2nd car in a familly its the best.
Life shouldent be hard why make it hard...
A car is like a nice falling in love so allways take yr time fallingOct 12, 2008
by Eliana T
Aug 31, 2008
This car makes me so happy. I got it and as soon as I
stepped inside, I started smiling. The color and the
music system and the way it drives are so awesome.
You can drive it automatic OR manual, but either way
there's no clutch! I'm so happy I got it. It makes my
life.Aug 31, 2008
by Ferhat C
Aug 22, 2008
Tiny car. Excellent fuel economy, drives okay on
motorway, better than expected. Though feel the wind
when you overtake lorries and large vehicles, and has
trouble reaching 80 if you're going up hill. Styling is
not too bad. Small size makes it dead easy to drive,
excellent semi-auto box, perfect for city traffic jam
driving.Aug 22, 2008
by Benjamin S
Aug 08, 2008
I had one and smashed it, fell asleep doing 60kmh and
hit a tree head on, very safe little cars, i got out
unharmed. Ordered my new one to arrive in
september, can't wait. The new model is so much fun
to drive, just like the old one but better. its a 1.0L
turbo, only weights 750kg so it goes really well.Aug 08, 2008
by Nicholas W
Jul 30, 2008
very spacious inside
can park this thing anywhere
the tritium frame really keeps it together
you can always change the color by switching the panels
many people love looking at the car, very cute
the shifting is a bit rough, i got car sick the first time i drove it
very small and easy to manage engine, all oil changes were done in my garageJul 30, 2008
by Rebecca K
Jul 25, 2008
I love this car! It's absolutely amazing and it makes me smile every time I see it. It's wonderful for scooting around town and definitely catches people's attention! :) I love it!!!!! :) It's in the lowest road tax bracket, number 2 for insurance and gets around 50mpg (at least) so it's easy on the wallet. The new model has been made much more sturdy than the previous one and has been given a bit more of a Mercedes look and feel in the interior. And you'd be surprised how spacious it is! It sounds silly but it is quite roomy inside. And the boot can actually fit one large and one small suitcase. Not bad for a super(super) mini! Can you tell I love it! ; -)Jul 25, 2008
by Patrick C
Jul 23, 2008
This car is awesome, it saves gas, tiny, park it anywhere u want, and the best part 70 hp, oh yeah, haha
This car has heated seats, it is semi automatic, this car when you drive it, it is awesome to drive, best part is that it comes in a convertible, oh yeah.Jul 23, 2008
by Anonymous
Jul 19, 2008
Extra small doesn't mean unsafe. $11,500 gets you into the most fuel efficient gas only car on the market. I have driven this car 3 times and am now in line for it. Very nice. This is not a sports car. This is a city commuter. Its a bit slow to start, but is fast enough for highway use. Rated 35-40mpg, but some have reported 50+mpg. Great for anyone. Im 5ft 8 inches 150lbs, and fit nicely with my large girlfriend. There are videos of taller and larger people fitting nicely. The transmission is an automated manual. That means no clutch for stop and go traffic. It also has a sequential shifter, so you don't have to worry about which gear it is in, just up or down. It has a light on the gauge that tells you when to shift for maximum mpg. This is a lovely car, so dont knock it before you try itJul 19, 2008
by Jennifer S
Jul 15, 2008
I love my car! I've averaged 40 mpg driving around the city. It's surprisingly roomy. There's room for two people and our dog. Affordable, practical and fun!Jul 15, 2008
by Dan M
Jun 11, 2008
I like this car becuz its different and not tht mny people hav oneJun 11, 2008
by Anonymous
May 03, 2008
everyone should have this car it is greatest car in the whole world. and it is worth the moneyMay 03, 2008
by Anonymous
Apr 23, 2008
Cheap on gas but not saftApr 23, 2008
by Michele B
Apr 17, 2008
Non so che scrivere...Apr 17, 2008
by Cristiano C
Apr 17, 2008
a funny carsApr 17, 2008
by Adam S
Apr 14, 2008
The smart fortwo is a very nice car. It's interior, unlike it's exterior, is quite roomy. It's amazingly fast for a 3 cylinder bike motor. It needs work in the transmission department, as shifting, in auto or manual, as both are available, is very drawn out, and clangy.Apr 14, 2008
by Aaron S
Apr 05, 2008
nice car, cleverly built, stylish, and customizableApr 05, 2008
by Jeremy W
Apr 02, 2008
My dad owns this car. It would be pretty nice if you have to parallel park in the city or something, but that's about it. He loves it, but it's just not my style.Apr 02, 2008
by Carl B
Mar 30, 2008
It's a benz; it's amazing.Mar 30, 2008
by Susanna B
Mar 29, 2008
This car looks, from the outside, like you could tuck it in your pocket, but it is surprisingly
roomy inside, and really fun to drive. Mar 29, 2008
by Romylos R
Nov 07, 2007
the best car for parking anywhere!Nov 07, 2007
What users have asked
who works on smart cars when they break down
smart for two passion dash lights on won't come out of park
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Do I have to buy car mats made specifically for smart cars?
I recently bought a used 2008 smart car fortwo passion coupe and I want to buy some cute car mats for it. I noticed that most car mats offered online are the same size, but I'm not sure if they would fit a smart car? I've done the measurements and the passenger side seems fine, I'm just concerned about the driver side as I want to make sure it will fit properly around the gas and brake pedals. Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated!
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Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2008 smart fortwo?Compare this car
2008 smart fortwo Pricing
Original MSRP
$11,590 to $16,590Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Side airbags: front with head protection chambers
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 2
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 8.0 · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: electric · Storage: door pockets
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 4
Exterior Features
Rear trunk/liftgate: split liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Roof
Sunroof: panoramic
Safety
Impact sensor: post-collision safety system
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: cloth
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: de Dion tube · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 4
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 8.0 · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: electric · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: storage organizer · Vanity mirrors: passenger
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 4
Exterior Features
Rear trunk/liftgate: split liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Roof
Sunroof: fixed glass
Safety
Impact sensor: post-collision safety system
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: cloth
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: de Dion tube · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 5
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 8.0 · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: electric · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: storage organizer · Vanity mirrors: passenger
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 4
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: dusk sensing
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power
Safety
Impact sensor: post-collision safety system
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: leather
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: de Dion tube · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing