What year is the Smart car the most reliable?

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.

What is high mileage for a Smart car?

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.

How much does a Smart car cost?

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.

Is Smart still owned by Mercedes?

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.

What body style is a Smart car?

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.

Used Smart buying guide

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Smart reliability rating (by RepairPal)

Above Average

RepairPal gave Smart an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Smart 17th out of 34 among all car brands. This rating is based on an average across all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.

Cost

RepairPal reports that the average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on all Smart models is $521, compared to an average of $579 across all the models RepairPal considered in its dataset. This includes both scheduled maintenance and unscheduled repairs.

Frequency

According to RepairPal, Smart owners bring their vehicles into a repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 1.3 times per year, compared to an average of 1.1 times across all the models RepairPal considered in its dataset.

Severity

RepairPal reported that the probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 9% across all Smart models, compared to an average of 13% for all the models RepairPal considered in its dataset.

Smart customer ratings

4.3 out of 5

92 customer reviews

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

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

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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.

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Smart EQ Fortwo EV vs Smart Fortwo

The Smart EQ Fortwo EV and the Fortwo share the same dimensions, shape, and design, with the powertrain being the main difference. The EQ Fortwo is basically the all-electric variant of the gasoline-powered Fortwo. The EQ Fortwo is actually the successor to the Smart Fortwo ED (Electric Drive). It was renamed in 2019 to align with the naming conventions of the rest of the electric Mercedes-Benz models. Both the EQ and the standard Fortwo are extremely compact and easy to maneuver, making them perfect for urban driving and short commutes. The 2019 EQ Fortwo comes with a 17.6-kWh battery and an 81-hp motor, while the 2019 Fortwo uses a 0.9L three-cylinder engine. The electric motor in the EQ Fortwo enables faster acceleration, while the Fortwo can reach a higher top speed and offers better highway performance. However, the electric powertrain provides a quieter, smoother ride. Another difference is the distance you can cover before recharging or refueling. The EQ Fortwo has an EPA-estimated range of 58 miles

, whereas the Smart Fortwo with a 0.9L three-cylinder engine gets an EPA-estimated 35 mpg combined.

This gives the gasoline model more flexibility, as you can use it for longer journeys on the open road before having to refuel it.

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Smart Fortwo vs Smart Fortwo Electric

The Smart Fortwo is powered by a gasoline engine, whereas the Fortwo Electric is its all-electric counterpart, which shares the same exterior design and dimensions. The latest model year of the Smart Fortwo is 2017, after which only the electric variant continued to be manufactured. The 2017 Smart Fortwo is powered by a turbocharged 0.9L three-cylinder engine and is available in a coupe or a convertible variant. It gets an EPA-estimated 35 mpg combined

, whereas the 2017 Fortwo Electric comes with a 17.6-kWh battery and an 80-hp electric motor, for an EPA-estimated 58 miles of range

. The biggest difference between the two is the driving experience: the electric model is smoother, offers a more refined ride, and accelerates faster thanks to its instant torque. However, if you prioritize the practicality of fast refueling over hours-long charging with electric cars, then the gasoline-powered model is the way to go.

Compare more vehicles using our comparison tool.

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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.

Price excludes government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any electronic filing charge, and any emission testing charge.. Price assumes that final purchase will be made in the State of CA, unless vehicle is non-transferable. Vehicle subject to prior sale. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions. Limited warranty is 30 days. See store for details. We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.

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.