Easy to maneuver and park; fuel-efficient; low base price
Limited use beyond the city; pricey with desirable options
The fortwo is unchanged for the 2014 model year.
While we might prefer rivalssuch asthe Scion iQ, we don't blame you for being set on the smart fortwo's unique combination of reasonable pricing and city car style. If you do get a fortwo, be sure to get the passion model, as it offers the best possible value in the model's lineup. While we like the fortwo electric drive, its $10,000 price bump is difficult to justify given the smart's tiny size.
The smart fortwois offered in two trim levels. Only the coupe comes in the base-level"pure" trim, and only with its gasoline engine. Step up to the higher-end "passion" model and you can have your pick of coupe or cabriolet, and gasoline or electric.
The pure($13,800) includes keylessentry, an automatic transmission, power locks, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and basically nothing else. Yes, you'll have to pay extra for cruise control, a stereo and even air conditioning, and we highly recommend doing so.
Step up to the passion ($15,500 for the coupe and $18,500 for the cabriolet, or $25,500 for the electric coupe and $28,500 for the electric cabriolet) and you get a more sensible equipment list that includes automatic climate control, power windows, power mirrors, a driver's armrest, shift paddles for the automatic transmission, and a stereo with an auxiliary jack and a USB port.
The fortwo's options list is surprisingly long, and it includes items from leather upholstery and heated seats to a navigation system, a 7-speaker surround sound system, LED daytime running lights and fog lights.
| Convertible | Original MSRP / Price | Engine | Horsepower | City MPG / Hwy MPG | Transmission | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| fortwo 2dr Cabriolet Passion | $17,930 / N/A | 3 Cylinder | 70 | 34 / 38 | 5-Speed Shiftable Automatic | RWD |
| fortwo electric drive 2dr Cabriolet Passion | $28,000 / N/A | Electric | 74 | N/A | Automatic | RWD |
| Coupe | Original MSRP / Price | Engine | Horsepower | City MPG / Hwy MPG | Transmission | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| fortwo 2dr Cpe Passion | $14,930 / N/A | 3 Cylinder | 70 | 34 / 38 | 5-Speed Shiftable Automatic | RWD |
| fortwo 2dr Cpe Pure | $13,270 / N/A | 3 Cylinder | 70 | 34 / 38 | 5-Speed Shiftable Automatic | RWD |
| fortwo electric drive 2dr Cpe Passion | $25,000 / N/A | Electric | 74 | N/A | Automatic | RWD |
Despite its small size, the fortwogets good marks for safety. In every Insurance Institute for Highway Safety test, it received a Good rating, the highest possible result. While the federal government's National Highway Traffic Safety Administrationhas not yet fully tested the smart fortwo, the coupe model received three stars out of five in the group's rollover test.
The 2014 smart fortwohas four airbags in the cabin: two in front and two side-curtainairbags. The entire interior has been designed with passenger safety in mind, and the Tridion cell -- the exposed metal beam just aft of the passenger doors -- is so strong that it needs to be cut into sections before being put in a crusher.
| Basic | 4 Years/50,000 Miles |
| Drivetrain | 4 Years/50,000 Miles |
| Corrosion | 4 Years/50,000 Miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 Years/50,000 Miles |
Scion iQ-- We really liked the iQwhen we reviewed it last November, recognizing it as one of the best values in the segment. The ride is better than the fortwo's, as is its list of standard equipment. And although it's tiny and suitable only in a jam, the iQ actually has a back seat. City fuel economy is better by a couple ticks, too.
FIAT 500-- The 500 is also bigger and more expensive than the fortwo. But the FIAT is very maneuverable in the city, and the drive experience is much more satisfying. Plus, the 500 has a usable back seat (or more cargo space with the rear seat folded), and is rated at 40 mpg on the highway.
Toyota Prius c-- If it's fuel economy you're after, the Prius c is a good candidate, and its 4-door body style makes it far more practical than the tiny smart fortwo. But the Toyota doesn't offer the smart's unique styling.
A new study looked at new- and used-car pricing to determine which cars are best bought used.