Model Strengths:

Distinctive design; room for two tall people; great gas mileage; inexpensive

Model Overview

All models of the Smart fortwo have a 1-liter, 3-cylinder engine that makes 70 hp and 68 lb-ft of torque. It may not seem like much, but with its small, lightweight body, the car is capable of a highway-ready 90 mph and 0-60 in 12.8 seconds, which is pretty average for a commuter car. The engine is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Safety comes from Smart's "Tridion Safety Cell," which is the underlying structure that gives the fortwo its egg-like shape. The curves of the cell provide strength in the event of a crash. The car also carries four airbags and has electronic stability control, ABS, cornering brake control, electronic brake assist, skid and torque control and hill-start assist. The Passion Cabriolet's targa-like convertible roof is noteworthy for being adjustable at any speed to any position. If you want the full wind-in-your-hair experience, the side roof bars can be removed and stowed in the tailgate. The base level of the fortwo, called the Pure, is very basic. It features a leather steering wheel, 15-inch tires, electronic locking system, electric tailgate release, flat-folding passenger seat and one windshield wiper (which is all it needs). Options include air conditioning, power steering, AM/FM/CD sound system and heated seats. The Passion coupe adds a panorama roof, alloy wheels, standard a/c and stereo, plus paddle shifters, power windows, and electric, heated mirrors. The Comfort Package equips the Passion with power steering, heated leather seats and fog lamps. The Passion cabriolet is similarly set up, but features a soft top with heated rear glass window and an upgraded MP3-ready stereo. At the top of the lineup sits the Brabus coupe and cabriolet, which includes a sport suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, sport exhaust, heated seats, leather gear knob, power windows and locks, and power steering. An uprated sound system is available as part of a package.

Model Changes

There's not much room for change in the 2010 Smart fortwo, being that it's the smallest, shortest car for sale in the U.S. Surprisingly, there is room for a driver up to six feet, eight inches. It's still available in the base-level Pure coupe and the better-equipped Passion as a coupe or convertible, plus the performance edition by Brabus. An electric version of the car will be sold in small numbers in limited markets starting this summer, but large-scale production won't happen until 2012.

Model Value

For city commuters with parking and fuel economy concerns, the Smart fortwo is ideal. Its small size means it parks like a dream -- even parallel parking -- and two fortwos can pair up in a standard-sized space. The Smart is rated at 33 mpg in the city and 41 on the highway, for a combined 36 mpg according to the EPA.