Makes›smart›fortwo›2010

2010 smart fortwo

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2010 models.

smart fortwo
Pictured: 2016 Smart Fortwo Passion Automatic 1.0 Front. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Two Seaters
Body styles
Passion/Brabus 2dr Conv RWD, Pure/Passion/Brabus 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
0 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 36 MPG combined — 89% better than the average 2010 two seaters (19 MPG).
  • No recalls so far

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 2010 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/Brabus 2dr Conv RWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 36 MPG combined (33 city / 41 highway), 89% better than the 2010 two seaters average of 19 MPG, for an estimated $2,300 a year in fuel.

It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2010

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2009 fortwo — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2009; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2009 fortwo →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Passion/Brabus 2dr Conv RWD106.3 in61.4 in60.6 in73.6 in50.4 / 53.5 in1,852 lb43/57
Pure/Passion/Brabus 2dr Coupe RWD106.3 in61.4 in60.6 in73.6 in50.4 / 53.5 in1,808 lb43/57

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
fortwo cabriolet1.0L 3-cylAutomatic (AM5)Rear-Wheel Drive33 / 41 / 36+89%$2,300247
fortwo coupe1.0L 3-cylAutomatic (AM5)Rear-Wheel Drive33 / 41 / 36+89%$2,300247
Save $500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
19 MPG2010 Two Seaters average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2010 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2010 smart fortwo under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2010 two seaterss

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2010 smart fortwo (this car)36 MPGNot rated0
2010 Pontiac Solstice23 MPGNot rated3
2010 Saturn SKY23 MPGNot rated3

Recalls (0)

No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2010 smart fortwo.

Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2010 smart fortwo is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

3Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
93,800 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine2
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Fan/Motor1
Structure › Body1
Electrical System1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
16/06: 118/11: 119/05: 116/0618/1119/05max 1

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2010 smart fortwo buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
  2. Engine — 2 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Fan/Motor — 1 owner reports. Run the A/C on max for several minutes and confirm it blows cold.
  4. Structure › Body — 1 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 93,800 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2010 smart fortwo. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other fortwo years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2019 fortwo58 mi106.3 inNot rated11
2018 fortwo58 mi106.3 inNot rated01
2017 fortwo35106.3 inNot rated19
2016 fortwo35106.3 inNot rated222
2015 fortwo36106.3 inNot rated111
2014 fortwo36106.3 inNot rated116
2013 fortwo36106.3 inNot rated017
2012 fortwo36106.3 inNot rated06
2011 fortwo36106.3 inNot rated010
2009 fortwo36106.3 inNot rated175
2008 fortwo36106.3 inNot rated192

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or smart. How we calculate this →