Used Smart buying guide
About Smart
Smart's iconic brand is known for its compact, city-friendly cars designed for urban mobility. Originally a joint venture between Swatch and Mercedes-Benz (the "S" and "M" letters were combined with "art" for the brand's name), Smart's first car debuted as the City-Coupé model in Paris in 1998. Ten years later, a version of the urban two-seater landed on U.S. shores, sold under the now well-known Smart Fortwo moniker. Variations of the Fortwo were sold in the U.S., including a convertible and eventually an electric EQ Fortwo, before the brand exited the U.S. in 2019 due to lackluster sales.
What CarMax customers like
Fuel Economy
Value
Interior Space
What CarMax customers don’t like
Ride and Handling
Cabin Noise
Power
Smart FAQs
The Smart Fotwo receives a 4.0 out of 5.0 reliability rating from RepairPal, which is above average. While RepaiPal doesn't specifically identify the best model years, it ranks Smart cars 16th out of 21 in reliability for subcompact cars.
All used vehicles have varying mileage, and it's typically better to buy a car with lower mileage. However, a Smart car with higher mileage that's received regular routine maintenance could be better than a lower-mileage car that hasn't been well-maintained.
Smart car prices vary by model and year. For example, a higher-end Smart ForTwo Prime model, with leather seats and a panoramic sunroof, might cost thousands of dollars more than an older model with fewer features. Take a look at our inventory to find out more.
Yes, the Smart brand is partially owned by Mercedes. In 2019, Smart became a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and China-based Geely Holding Group.
Smart cars are subcompact cars. They were sold in the U.S. as two-seater coupes and convertibles until 2019. Larger Smart models, with four-doors and room for five-passengers, are sold in other countries.
1. Smart Fortwo
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RepairPal reliability ratings
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to these featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of 3/18/2025. Learn more at repairpal.com/reliability.
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Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Fuel economy figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new. Fuel economy may vary for reasons like driving conditions and vehicle history. Unless specified, figures are for vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. See fueleconomy.gov.
Range figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new and assume a full battery charge. Range will vary based on things like battery age, vehicle condition and history, driving and charging habits, accessory use, and driving conditions. Battery capacity may decrease with time and use. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.
We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.