THE GOOD 12 v2.0 FOR 2009 - Part XI

SMART FORTWO

In possession of children? A tower of boats or ATVs? Then keep reading on behalf of your unmarried cousin or the young couple next door with the bachelor apartment. The two-time Good 12-winning smart fortwo is not likely for you.

However, the smart fortwo is very much the automobile for some people. Liking the smart fortwo isn't an option. This is a love it or hate it car. The lovers are those people for whom the Mercedes-developed small car is an entirely viable option while haters originate in large family circles or rural areas. Skeptics also point to the fortwo's low horsepower rating, forgetting that in typical daily driving, they're about as likely to use two-thirds of their car's horsepower as they are to see green lights all the way to work. 

In essence, smart's city car (which does fine outside the city, mind you) performs its tasks admirably, effectively, and efficiently. It is the equivalent of a Porsche 911 GT2 lapping the Nurburgring in 7:30 or a Chevrolet Suburban towing 10,000 pounds or a Honda Odyssey ferrying seven passengers in safety and comfort. Expectations declared - expectations met. Until Scion brings us the iQ or Volkswagen debuts the production up!, there won't be a perfect combatant with which to compare the accomplished and competent fortwo.

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Engines: 70 horsepower and 68 lb-ft of torque from a 1.0L inline-three cylinder 

City Mileage: 33-36 mpg

Base USD Price: $11,990

Anything Else? Meyers Parking facilities in New York City (a prime smart fortwo market) offer parking rate reductions of 50% to fortwo owners. This is one of many additional savings (insurance, fuel, maintenance) that must be taken into account by critics of the fortwo's 'supposed' small footprint/high price ratio.