DecodedCars2008 smart fortwo
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Two Seaters
- Body styles
- Passion 2dr Conv RWD, Pure/Passion 2dr Coupe RWD
- Engines
- 1.0L 3-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 36 combined · 33 city / 41 hwy
- Length
- 106.3 in
- Curb weight
- 1,808–1,852 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 36 MPG combined — 94% better than the average 2008 two seaters (18.6 MPG).
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 smart fortwo is a two seaters offered with a 1.0L 3-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 106 inches long and 61 inches wide on a 74-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 1,852 lb (Passion 2dr Conv RWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 36 MPG combined (33 city / 41 highway), 94% better than the 2008 two seaters average of 18.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,300 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 92 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Hambach, France
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 1 2008 fortwo configuration; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passion 2dr Conv RWD | 106.3 in | 61.4 in | 60.6 in | 73.6 in | 50.4 / 53.5 in | 1,852 lb | 43/57 |
| Pure/Passion 2dr Coupe RWD | 106.3 in | 61.4 in | 60.6 in | 73.6 in | 50.4 / 53.5 in | 1,808 lb | 43/57 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| fortwo convertible | 1.0L 3-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 33 / 41 / 36 | +94% | $2,300 | 247 |
| fortwo coupe | 1.0L 3-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 33 / 41 / 36 | +94% | $2,300 | 247 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 smart fortwo under the current (2011+) test program.
Recalls (1)
Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System · Apr 27, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V273000 · 42,781 vehicles
- Problem
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2008-2009 smart fortwo cabrio and fortwo coupe vehicles. The rear insulation mat in the engine compartment may deform, deteriorate, and loosen over time, allowing the mat to contact hot exhaust system components.
- Risk
- If the mat contacts hot exhaust system components, it can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear insulation mat with an improved one, free of charge. The recall began in July 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018060010.
Not every 2008 smart fortwo is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 smart fortwo buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 33 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 12 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 10 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 59,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 smart fortwo. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other fortwo years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 fortwo | 58 mi | 106.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 1 |
| 2018 fortwo | 58 mi | 106.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2017 fortwo | 35 | 106.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 9 |
| 2016 fortwo | 35 | 106.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 22 |
| 2015 fortwo | 36 | 106.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 11 |
| 2014 fortwo | 36 | 106.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 16 |
| 2013 fortwo | 36 | 106.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 17 |
| 2012 fortwo | 36 | 106.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 6 |
| 2011 fortwo | 36 | 106.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 10 |
| 2010 fortwo | 36 | 106.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 3 |
| 2009 fortwo | 36 | 106.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 75 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or smart. How we calculate this →