2009 smart fortwo passion cabriolet

Pros

Great fuel economy, roomy, 4 star crash rating - rides nice.

Cons

??? None so far.

I got my orphan from Smart Bloomfield in the spring - have not had this much fun driving ---EVER!!!!! An affordable little 'luxury car' with heated seats, convertible, automated manual trans that lets you choose your mode of shifting, lotsa lotsa room and very comfy seats! Smart 10 radio ROCKS too!!!!!!!!!! I drove this little vehicle to Chicago and back - it handled excellently and I would recommend this vehicle to ANYONE who likes to have fun (and you don't mind two seats only!) It would make a great second car for family or like myself, main vehicle. If I was rich I'd own a fleet of em, one in every color!!!!!! It is the most awesome vehicle I have ever driven or owned......the service center is very helpful, as was my wonderful salesman Dean - thank you Dean for your awesome customer service and encouragement to have some fun again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I vow never to have a neat hairdo again in warmer weather, that convertible top goes down the minute I get into my car!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...read morehide

Pros

Looks nice, different from the rest, cheap to buy.

Cons

Needs a turbo

The brake handle is very funny looking. it reminds me of a school bus. the interior is spartan - if they could make the inside a little more like the Mini, I think it would sell better. after all I spend my time inside the car, not out side admiring it.

Pros

Great fuel economy, zippy and fun to drive

Cons

A bit of a rough ride on poorly paved roads

I love my Smart car, I get so many smiles and thumbs up as Im driving, along with people asking questions at stoplights and in parking lots. If you dont mind sharing your knowledge of your car and recieving second looks everywhere you go, this is the car for you. I am currently getting between 35-40 mpg around town and 41-44 on the highway. We took the car on a road trip into the mountains and made it up the steepest inclines with ease and the small trunk had ample space for 2 suitcases and other bags....read morehide

Pros

Excellent mpg, Roomy for two, Anti-rollback on hilla and inclines

Cons

Paddle shifters should be on the column, not on the wheel, shifting can be a problem

I've had my Cabriolet for about 7 months now, just crossed 11K miles. Waited a year to get it. But so far its been well worth it. Overall its an excellent car, exceeded my expectations. It has a learning curve to appreciate its simplicity. Performance improves during the first 10K miles (suspension smoothes out, you learn how to paddle shift). It was my first time with a vehicle that has an automatic transmission that wasn't meant to be used. By that, I mean that once you get climatized to the paddle shifters and shift points you will not stop at "D" again. I know it's there but I don't know why you would drive it there.
Performance is impressive for a vehicle with 71 HP and a weight of 1800 lbs. 40+ average mpg are normal with this car. I did get 38 mpg once, but it was in the 90s, 100s degrees and I had the A\C on instead of the top open. Smooth starts, smooth stops and Heads- up driving are the keys to squeezing extra mpg out of this car.
Its very road worthy, my wife and I flew to Seattle, WA. from Spokane WA. Approximately 300 miles, the dealership is in Tukwila, WA. We drove it back to Spokane in March. Big city driving, in traffic with lots of bigger vehicles, at rush hour. Crossing Snoqualimine Pass with snow and ice on the road with lots of big vehicles. Crossing the central plains of Washington at 70 mph returning to Spokane in eastern Washington. After about 15 minutes behind the wheel I didn't have a worry about driving such a "small" vehicle. I even watched to see how my wife reacted to our little trip. I didn't see anything that looked like fear. If for nothing else, the experience was an unexpected pleasure. It's sure footed, nicely balanced and easy to handle. Since then I drive approximately 70 miles round trip between Spokane WA and Coeur d' Alene ID every day. I enjoy every mile I commute.
I'm not trying to paint SMART as the perfect vehicle for everyone. Performance and beauty is in the hands of the driver. That why drivers have so many brand choices. I invested my money in Smart and I haven't been disappointed with the value I bought.
May you all be as lucky.
DM...read morehide

Pros

fuel economy, roomy interior, easy to park, hign safety ratings

Cons

true standard is not available, only manu-matic

Over all I love the car. It was worth the year wait. I drive all the time for work so I traded in my clunky SUV for something more practical.

Pros

Fun convertible without breaking the bank

Cons

Would love tilt steering wheel, cruise control

The tranny takes some getting used to, but once you do it is no big deal. I change back and forth from manual to auto as needed. Plenty of power. Biggest problem is people in other cars that try to carry on conversations about the car at 40 MPH!
Get used to answering questions like is it electric, can it go on the freeway etc....read morehide

Pros

Fuel Economy is excellent, but not as good as expected... Manual Tranny a must, FUN w

Cons

Fun 4 awhle, untl we got into SF. Nice "escapability",..too much escap'g needd in BIG CITY w/tiny cr

Auto Tranny is garbage...the old Plymouth 'Push Button' A/T's of the 70's & 80's were smoother. Seems a unit this small should be able to push the mid to hi '40 MPG' range on freeway... actually seems to struggle more on open road than in town.

Fun in town, but feel all units should come in "safety Orange or Yellow" for others to spot better. Had to engage in evasive manuveres constantly. (SF, Calif; Boston, Mass; Las Vegas, NV; LA, Ca.)...read morehide

Pros

We have two of the 2008. Passon coupe and Cab/convert. We love them

Cons

Shifting is a little rough, but place the tiptronic in manual mode,,much better.

We hate to get out of the cars. They are so fun. The drive like a much larger auto. They turn in a very small radius. We love our Smarts.

Pros

Cool to walk up and buy gas and have cash still in your wallet and be able to drive EVERYWHERE!

Cons

Having a rock star car....what you say? Can't stop without people asking questions.

Wonderful! Owned since april have 11K miles and have saved enough on fuel that it made the CAR PAYMENT! Yes the money I saved payed for this car. Plus it is great to drive. With the top down (Push of a button that easy) it is fun and get around with easy. Parking...forget about it..anyt place is an open spot!...read morehide