2009 Smart Fortwo Review

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One of the newest vehicles to cruise American streets could easily win the comment: "What happened to the rest of your car, toots?" Our 2009 smart fortwo review reveals a car, looking something like a robot toy, that hadn't been seen by most Americans until a few months ago, when it started popping up on local roads.

2009 smart fortwo Interior

At first glance of the fuel miser smart fortwo, part of it seems to be missing, but it's not. It's a two-seater (as the name implies) that's likely to stay that size since smart execs point to the number of four-seaters already available for American buyers. And this newbie for 2009 makes it clear there's an alternative to going broke with $4 a gallon gasoline prices. In addition to its minimalist size, smart fortwo downplays the kinds of equipment that can add to price and steal fuel economy. And with power from a three cylinder rear-mounted gasoline engine ekeing out 70 horsepower (despite its three digit speed capability), it rates at 33/41 mpg. Company execs point out it's surpassed in fuel economy only by two hybrid models.)

Unlike usual manual or automatic transmission vehicles, the smart fortwo has a mutated version of both. The only transmission available is an automated five-speed manual that doesn't use a clutch pedal. Drivers who don't want to fuss with shifting can set it to drive like an automatic.

Originally developed by Mercedes-Benz in Germany, first generation smart cars, sporting changeable exterior body panels, have cruised Europe for about 10 years. It took a second generation model before the vehicle was brought to the U.S. Some have questioned the safety of a tiny vehicle about the same height as its length. But it easily meets U.S. safety requirements, and its "safety cage" remained intact in multiple tumble rollover tests.

For those who might consider the smart fortwo a joke that won't last, mileage conscious American drivers have made it clear it should stay around for a long time. There are smart fortwo clubs sprouting around the U.S., and lengthy waiting lists to buy one. Expect to pay $11,590 for a "smart fortwo pure" (base) before options — if you can get one.