Photo gallery:2011 Smart ForTwo Cabriolet
6.1
2011 Smart ForTwo Cabriolet
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The Good
A compact design makes the 2011 Smart ForTwo an excellent urban vehicle, and its unique looks make it instantly identifiable. Smart offers an iPhone app to replicate many cabin tech functions.
The Bad
Both brakes and steering require a lot of effort. The transmission takes too long with its gear changes, which leads to serious power dips while accelerating.
The Bottom Line
The 2011 Smart ForTwo is one of the most unique cars on the road, but works best in an urban environment.
Tell any car enthusiast that he is about to drive a two-seat convertible with an automated manual transmission, and he will imagine a fast roadster--some bullet-shaped car in Ferrari red or British racing green--cheerily chopping up corners over some winding, wooded highway. Mention a 70 horsepower, three-cylinder engine, and that same enthusiast's glee will turn to bafflement. Could this be some historic car, maybe a 1960s vintage BMW?
How about none of the above? Although a two-seater, the 2011 Smart ForTwo Passion Cabriolet is the opposite of sporty. Despite the convertible top, this is not a grand tourer appropriate for weekend wine country excursions. The Smart ForTwo is a bona fide city car, its boxy shape about as un-carlike as you can imagine.
To come up with the Smart ForTwo, its creators must have had everything they knew about automobile design surgically excised from their brains. Starting with a clean slate, they came up with an excellent mode of personal transport for congested urban centers.
Along the way, the Smart's designers discovered some interesting practicalities, such as the best place to put the engine (answer: in the rear, under the cargo area). And since the engine is in the rear, it might as well drive the rear wheels.
With a CNET editor in the cargo area, the Smart ForTwo becomes a ForThree.
2011 Smart ForTwo Cabriolet
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And yes, despite the very short ForTwo, there is a cargo area. In fact, it is big enough to fit a full person, useful for those of you who have more than one friend. But the ForTwo's biggest virtue by far is the ability to park it in places other drivers can only dream about.
Take your average urban jungle, an environment in which people leave cars perched at any legal curb space for weeks at a time, just because leaving that space will mean hours spent searching for another one. Amid this parkacopalyptic landscape lay short curb spaces between driveways, little parking oases of which only the ForTwo can take advantage. That option alone will make the ForTwo attractive to any city dweller.
Smart snazzes up the ForTwo in its Cabriolet version by fitting it with a clever, if frivolous, soft top. The Smart ForTwo on its own is like an engineering nerd. With the convertible top, it's like an engineering nerd wearing a silk shirt. In its first stage, the top rolls back to open up the roof. Press the open button again, and the top bunches up behind the car. At this point, the roof rails can be manually snapped off and stowed inside the rear hatch, which is really going to be too much effort for most people, given that the reward is merely making the identity of the driver even more visible.
The Smart ForTwo's roof rails stow inside the rear hatch.
Stock tech
Highlighting the modernity of the ForTwo, in stock form there is no CD player; audio sources are limited to radio and a USB port in the glove box. And no, that USB port is not compatible with an iPod cable. On top of that, there is no Bluetooth phone system, and the audio system only has two speakers. The stereo is like one big boom box. Directional buttons to the right of the stereo make it easy to browse music on a USB drive, but the audio quality from this stereo is seriously lacking.
The ForTwo's stock stereo lacks a CD player, but does have a USB port.
Fortunately, that is not it for cabin tech. Smart makes a surprising number of options available in the ForTwo, including a Kenwood-sourced navigation head unit. This head unit integrates Garmin navigation, includes a Bluetooth phone system and iPod compatibility. Even more impressive is the available surround-sound audio system, with six speakers and a subwoofer.
But as those two tech options add $1,780 to the price, less ambitious buyers may want to look at Smart's iPhone app. This app is specifically designed for car use, with large buttons to access the iPhone music library, phone functions, navigation, and even a special Smart roadside assistance line, giving the car basic telematics functions. For better integration between app and car, Smart offers an accessory cradle that plugs into the car's power and audio system, muting music when a call comes in, for example.
70 horsepower
Performance tech in the ForTwo is similarly limited, except for one important optional upgrade. The tiny engine is average, tech-wise. No turbo or direct injection, which may be a blessing as these technologies might not make sense on an engine this small. At 1 liters, and with only three cylinders, the engine makes 70 horsepower and 68 pound-feet of torque. But at around 2,000 pounds, this engine delivers enough power to get the car moving quickly, and lets it maintain freeway speeds of 70 mph.
Appropriately sized for the small ForTwo, the engine brings in fuel economy numbers of 33 mpg city and 41 mpg highway. In freeway testing, the instant fuel meter averaged around 40 mpg. During CNET's time focusing primarily on city driving, it turned in only 26 mpg. Put that low figure down to typical car reviewer driving, mashing the gas pedal at every start.
The transmission's manual mode does not eliminate the slow shifting problem.
Holding the ForTwo back is its most technically advanced piece of performance tech, the transmission. Similar to versions of the Lancer Evo and Volkswagen GTI, the ForTwo's five-speed transmission uses an automated clutch. But unlike those cars' dual-clutch systems, the ForTwo only gets a single clutch, so gear changes take a horribly long time.
This gearbox has evoked much criticism of the ForTwo, and will make first-time drivers of the car think it almost undriveable. Accelerate from a stop, and the car picks up speed until the first gear change, when power drops drastically. And again, from second to third, another long power drop. It is unnerving until you get used to it.
And the transmission's manual mode does not cure the problem; telling the car to upshift delivers the same, slow gear change. After some time with the car, however, you can adjust to it, timing the shifts and throttle control to smooth over the dips. The addition of a tachometer, which the ForTwo lacks, would really help drivers time the shifts. The transmission is one area of the car that Smart could definitely stand to improve.
As much of the car is designed to save money and space, it does not come with power steering, which becomes immediately noticeable on trying to crank the wheel around from a stop or at slow speeds. It takes effort, even with the car's tiny tires. But this issue can be fixed with the optional electric power steering unit, a feature that Smart should really make standard.
Power steering is an option in the Smart ForTwo.
One aspect of the ForTwo that probably can't be helped is the awful ride quality. Its small wheels and short wheelbase lead to plenty of jouncing around, the car getting lifted back and forth by any bumps in the road. The suspension tech in front is fairly modern, if average, with Macpherson struts, but the rear uses a solid bar, a DeDion axle that keeps the rear wheels from completely independent travel.
The brakes are also troublesome, as they don't feel like there is any power assist at all. Drivers of the ForTwo must anticipate braking situations much more than in other cars, as it takes a lot of effort to stop the car.
Although the ForTwo can easily keep up with freeway speeds, it can feel a little scary. Wind and grooves in the pavement pull the car around more than they would a heavier vehicle, and the ForTwo is not particularly aerodynamic. Although the car can feel tippy in cornering, its stabilizer bars keep it surprisingly balanced. And its short length allows for easy traffic maneuvering, jumping into gaps too small for other cars.
In sum
If it weren't for its options, the 2011 Smart ForTwo would have been a complete failure for cabin tech. But the available navigation system, iPod support, and iPhone app all bolster it. The surround-sound audio system is a surprise feature that also contributes to its cabin tech score.
As to performance tech, the engine is only average, and the suspension is very rough. But the transmission, despite its slow shifts, pushes the tech envelope, and the electric power-steering unit also gives it a boost.
The ForTwo's real win is design. Some people might find it ugly, but it is certainly a unique car. And the two-seater practicality is really amazing, giving occupants plenty of headroom along with usable cargo space--more so than in a typical roadster.
| Tech specs | |
| Model | 2011 Smart ForTwo |
| Trim | Passion Cabriolet |
| Power train | 1-liter 3-cylinder engine, 5 speed automated manual transmission |
| EPA fuel economy | 33 mpg city/41 mpg highway |
| Observed fuel economy | 26 mpg |
| Navigation | Optional flash-based navigation |
| Bluetooth phone support | Optional |
| Disc player | Optional CD/DVD |
| MP3 player support | Optional iPod integration |
| Other digital audio | USB drive, auxiliary input |
| Audio system | Two speaker standard, optional 7 speaker surround system |
| Driver aids | Park distance sensor |
| Base price | $17,690 |
| Price as tested | $19,620 |
6.1
2011 Smart ForTwo Cabriolet
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Score Breakdown
Cabin tech 5Performance tech 6Design 8
Specs
Available Engine GasBody style convertible
FAQs
What are common faults on smart cars? ›
- The Engine Can Be Unreliable. One of the most commonly reported issues that Smart car owners report is that the engine can be unreliable. ...
- Transmission Issues. ...
- Efficiency. ...
- Quick-Wearing Brakes. ...
- Poor Suspension Leads To Bottoming Out.
Are Smart cars reliable? According to repairpal.com, the Smart car receives a ⅘ in reliability, putting it at 10th compared to 32 other car brands. It has an 8% probability of the necessary repair being severe, and users will take their Smart car to the repair shop an average of 0.3 times a year.
Why is Smart car discontinued? ›In 2006, after dwindling sales and heavy financial losses, Smart GmbH was liquidated and its operations were absorbed by DaimlerChrysler directly. Until April 2019, Smart operated under the Mercedes-Benz Cars division of Daimler AG, offering the Fortwo coupé, Fortwo convertible and Forfour hatchback.
What is the gas mileage of a Smart car? ›Smart Cars And Fuel Efficiency
They usually have an excellent gas mileage of about 40 mpg and come at a low price of $12,000. On average, they have a tank capacity of 8.7 gallons with a 1.3-gallon reserve, so you can expect to drive about 350 miles before stopping for gas.
| Model | Starting price | Years to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Fortwo | $14,650 | 2008, 2009 |
| Fortwo Cabrio | $28,100 | 2015, 2016 |
| Fortwo Coupe | $41,145 | 2019, 2016, 2010 |
| Fortwo Electric Drive (EQ) | $23,900 | 2019, 2016, 2010 |
Most Smart car engines will last about 150,000 miles before they begin to require serious repairs. Some Smart car owners have reported their engines lasting as long as 200,000 miles with proper maintenance and care.
Are Smart cars cheap to fix? ›So, how much does it cost to maintain a Smart car? Electric Smart cars are much cheaper to maintain since they don't need oil, fan belts, air filters, timing belts, head gaskets, cylinder heads, and spark plugs, making them less expensive compared to conventional automobiles.
What is considered high mileage for a Smart car? ›What is considered high mileage on a car? Often, 100,000 miles is considered a cut-off point for used cars because older vehicles often start requiring more expensive and frequent maintenance when mileage exceeds 100,000.
What is the best year for Smart car? ›When you're shopping for a used Smart car, the best buy is the 2016 Smart Fortwo. Its redesign fixes some issues found in older model years and gives you more room than ever—plus great fuel economy. It's available in a manual or automatic transmission.
What is the life of a Smart car? ›With proper care, a Smart car can last anywhere from 150,000 to 450,000 miles. No matter what car you drive, factors such as its mileage, condition, and age can determine how long it stays on the road. According to Smart Car, the average vehicle should last at least 150,000 miles.
Do people still buy Smart cars? ›
smart cars are no longer sold in the US, but we're keeping owners covered with the resources they need to drive in style.
Why are Smart cars so good? ›It offers combined fuel efficiency of around 67 miles per gallon and means you don't need to make the regular journey to the fuel pump. Smart cars not only have low ownership costs but are one of the least expensive cars to insure.
Is a Smart Car safe to drive on the highway? ›The answer is a definitive, YES. SMART cars are safe, and here's why. SMART cars have a Tridion safety cell - a structure that surrounds the vehicles' occupants and acts as a strong protective cage, preventing any distortions and keeping those inside intact in the event of an accident.
Can I drive long distance with Smart Car? ›This means that Smart Car can typically run 350 miles without stopping for gas. This number can fluctuate depending on the weather or whether you're traveling on the highways or local roads.
How much does it cost to fill a Smart Car? ›| 2017 smart fortwo coupe | |
|---|---|
| Annual Fuel Cost* | $1,850 |
| Cost to Drive 25 Miles | $3.11 |
| Cost to Fill the Tank | $38 |
| Tank Size | 8.7 gallons |
The Mk2 Fortwo has been chosen for our buying guide treatment because it's more reliable than the Mk1, plentiful and reasonably good value for money. If you need more space, there's the bigger Smart Forfour but it's more mainstream and less accomplished than rivals. So the Mk2 Fortwo it is.
Is it expensive to maintain a Smart car? ›On average, a Smart car costs about $827 per year for standard maintenance. You'll save on fuel by driving such a lightweight vehicle, but regular servicing will require some spending. Keep in mind that your own Smart car maintenance cost will depend on the specific year and model you own.
Do smart cars have a timing belt or chain? ›Timing Chains
We STRONGLY RECOMMEND that on smart cars, particularly the 700cc models, the timing chain is replaced every 75,000.
You'll mostly need an oil change every 7,500 miles or 10,000 miles, depending on your vehicle's oil consumption. This interval can be shorter if you generally drive in severe driving conditions.
What was the last year of Smart car? ›| Smart Fortwo | |
|---|---|
| Also called | SmartCar (1997–2002) Smart City Coupé |
| Production | 1998–2007 (MkI) 2006–2014 (MkII) 2014–present (MkIII) |
| Assembly | Hambach, France (Hambach plant) |
| Body and chassis | |
How much electricity does a Smart car use? ›
The battery capacity is 17.6 kWh, out of which 16.7 kWh is usable. Its electricity consumption is 13.1 kWh/100 km, therefore equating to a range of 127.48 km.
Are Smart cars good on insurance? ›Cost of insurance for a Smart car
Smart cars cost less to insure than other cars, on average. Because of the small size of Smart cars, they cost less to make and do less damage than other vehicles that are much bigger. For these reasons, it's often cheaper to insure a Smart car compared to larger vehicles.
They are considered as a green and eco-friendly vehicle due to its size, and low emission of hazardous exhaust fumes. Many smart cars are hybrids, meaning they use electricity, thus they utterly reduce chemical pollution to the Earth's ozone layer.
Do Smart cars save gas? ›Yes, Smart cars are very good on fuel. Smart cars are designed for city driving, and their compact size makes them very efficient in terms of fuel economy. Studies have shown that Smart cars can achieve up to 55 miles per gallon, making them one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles on the market.
At what mileage should I buy a used car? ›To determine whether a car has reasonable mileage, you can simply multiply 12,000 by its age. That means good mileage for a car that's 5 years old is 60,000. Significantly more or fewer miles could indicate a problem or trouble in the future.
Is it a bad idea to buy a car with 200k miles? ›In general, most modern cars can cross 200,000 miles without any major issues, provided the vehicle is being well-maintained. Considering that an average person drives 10,000-20,000 miles per year, this will account for roughly 15 years of service. Here are some factors to consider when assessing used car mileage.
What is the highest mileage you should buy for a used car? ›There's no rule to how many miles on a used car is too much, but by attempting to stick to the 12,000 miles per year rule is a great place to start. Find out how old the car is, multiple the number of years by 12,000, and if the number on the odometer is significantly higher than that, some concern might be warranted.
Is the Smart car made by Mercedes? ›Smart is a division of Daimler AG, the parent corporation of Mercedes-Benz. The Smart cars are no longer sold in the U.S. The primary models was the ForTwo, a two-door car designed primarily for urban use.
What is the max speed of a Smart car? ›So, what is the top speed of a Smart Car? Well, it depends on the model and year. The Smart Fortwo, for example, has a top speed of around 96 miles per hour (mph). This may not sound like much, but when you consider the size and weight of the car, it's pretty impressive.
What does Smart car stand for? ›Before you go thinking that Smart is a dumb name for a car company, you should know that it actually stands for Swatch Mercedes ART to reflect the partnership of the Swiss company Swatch with Mercedes-Benz.
How long do Smart car batteries last? ›
Generally, electric vehicle batteries last 10-20 years, but some factors may reduce their lifespan.
Can a Smart car overheat? ›The most common reasons a Smart Fortwo is overheating are a coolant leak (water pump, radiator, hose etc.), the radiator fan, or a failed thermostat.
How long do you have to charge a Smart car? ›You can charge your smart in 40 minutes at a public charging station. Just enough time to do your weekly shop whilst you smart refreshes its energy.
Is a car a smart investment? ›And the fact is that a car represents a significant financial outlay on an asset that will depreciate between 10% and 20% in the first year after leaving the dealership. In other words, looking at it strictly as an investment, you are allocating your money to something that will be worth less money year after year.
How much are Smart cars worth? ›So, basically, a used Smart Car costs about $10,000 bucks in the US. A brand-new Smart Car costs about $30,000 – give or take.
Are Smart cars made in America? ›Smart is a German car company and a division of Daimler AG (as is Mercedes-Benz). Though the brand was discontinued in the United States, Smart cars are still sold abroad, and you can find used models stateside.
What are the pros and cons of smart cars? ›- Small size. The most obvious advantage of a Smart car is the small size. ...
- Low noise. Smart cars are quieter than other cars. ...
- Lower Pollution. Smart cars use less fuel than normal-sized vehicles. ...
- Small Size. ...
- Less Safe. ...
- Aesthetics. ...
- A matter of choice.
Air conditioning system.
The Smart car has a sophisticated air conditioning system that requires regular maintenance. Checking the system every year will help identify any issues before they become significant problems.
As Forbes stated in a 2006 article, one of the biggest problems with the Smart Car on this side of the Atlantic is that it's built to solve a problem North American markets don't have: lack of space. The US is roughly twice the size of Europe, and Canada's even bigger.
What is the negative things about smart cars? ›Smart cars have notoriously poor suspension compared to similar vehicles and it can be a major drawback for some drivers. The suspension is poor in general which not only affects the driving experience, but can mean that it fails to take potholes, speed bumps or other bumps in the road well at all.
Can smart cars get up hills? ›
Since the Smart has a semi-automatic transmission it exhibited some roll back on the hill—not something you expect when there is no clutch pedal. The good news is a judicious application of the accelerator did get us up and over the hill.
Can smart cars drive in snow? ›Originally Answered: Does Smart Car run well in winter snow conditions? The Smart Car should be fine for winter snow conditions provided you live somewhere that they plow regularly. With 6 inches of snow on the ground, you'll have a hard time getting the car going because it sits low to the ground.
Are smart cars good for commuting? ›The smart fortwo has been a great commuter car, best turning radius of any car sold in US, easy to park, 40-45 miles per gallon, fun shifting the 5-speed, fixed glass moon roof makes the car feel very spacious for its size.
Can you do a burnout in a Smart car? ›Yes, You Can Make an Electric Smart Car Do a Burnout (If You've Got All Day)
Should I take my car on a long drive? ›The first thing you're probably wondering is, “Can my car make a long trip?” Generally, the answer is "it depends." Age usually doesn't determine if you should drive your car long distances or not. An older or high-mileage vehicle that is regularly maintained should be safe to drive on a road trip.
How long do Smart car engines last? ›Most Smart car engines will last about 150,000 miles before they begin to require serious repairs. Some Smart car owners have reported their engines lasting as long as 200,000 miles with proper maintenance and care.
Should you fill your car up? ›Prevention is better than cure, so we would always recommend filling up as soon as possible. Just before the fuel light comes on is a good habit to get into, or when you pass a fuel station once the warning light comes on.
How often do you need to fill up your car? ›While different experts have different suggestions, it's typically agreed that drivers should refuel their vehicle when they have anywhere between a quarter of a tank or half of a tank left for maximum efficiency.
Are Smart cars expensive to maintain? ›So, how much does it cost to maintain a Smart car? Electric Smart cars are much cheaper to maintain since they don't need oil, fan belts, air filters, timing belts, head gaskets, cylinder heads, and spark plugs, making them less expensive compared to conventional automobiles.
Do Smart cars have a timing belt or chain? ›Timing Chains
We STRONGLY RECOMMEND that on smart cars, particularly the 700cc models, the timing chain is replaced every 75,000.
Where is the diagnostic on a Smart car? ›
Look in the small cubby hole under the dash situated between the steering wheel and the door on the driver side of the car.
Is Smart car safe on highway? ›Some of its safety features include a hefty steel frame and high-tech front and side airbags. It's not just the NHTSA that rates the Smart ForTwo high either. The vehicle has received “good” marks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the two areas that have been tested thus far.
Are Smart cars good for long trips? ›Smart cars are urban commuter vehicles that are not intended for long trips. If you are a relatively small person and not in any kind of hurry you certainly can take a smart car on long trips. You will have to plan the trip around recharging the cars batteries.
How much does it cost to fill up a Smart car? ›| 2017 smart fortwo coupe | |
|---|---|
| Annual Fuel Cost* | $1,850 |
| Cost to Drive 25 Miles | $3.11 |
| Cost to Fill the Tank | $38 |
| Tank Size | 8.7 gallons |
Air conditioning system.
The Smart car has a sophisticated air conditioning system that requires regular maintenance. Checking the system every year will help identify any issues before they become significant problems.
So, what is the top speed of a Smart Car? Well, it depends on the model and year. The Smart Fortwo, for example, has a top speed of around 96 miles per hour (mph). This may not sound like much, but when you consider the size and weight of the car, it's pretty impressive.
Does Smart car have emergency brake? ›The emergency brake will automatically set if a driver opens the driver's door while the vehicle is in gear. You can also set the emergency brake by pushing down on the button.
Can I diagnose my car with my phone? ›The process is really simple. You buy the BlueDriver dongle, download the app for iOS or Android, pair it with your smartphone, and then plug it into your car's OBD port and start reading data. The first hurdle that many people have is finding their car's OBD port. It's usually under the dashboard or glovebox.
Do smart cars have sensors? ›Automated vehicles are equipped with a range of different sensors used for environmental recognition, from ultrasound, radar, and lidar sensors through to video systems.