It started way back in the 90’s and here in the US the first Smart car was offered to the American public in January of 2008.

Currently there are three models available for sale: the smart fortwo coupe, the smart fortwo passion coupe and the smart fortwo passion cabriolet.

All three models are equipped with the same 3 cylinder, 12 valve 1.0 liter 70 horsepower engine.

The same 5-speed automated manual transmission and the same 9 spoke alloy wheels. Gas consumption is also identical-33mpg for city driving and 41mpg highway.

The differences lie in the level of appointments of each model.

For example, the roof: the Pure has a Solid roof, the Passion a Panorama roof and the cabriolet a fully automatic convertible top.

The Pure doesn’t have a radio but does have a provision for installing one.

The Passion comes with a Smart radio while the Cabriolet comes with a factory installed Smart premium radio and Smart sound system.

Overall, for simply just getting from point A to point B in the city, it will serve its purpose.

See one today at your local Smart Car dealer

The 2009 smart ForTwo is scheduled to arrive November 2008.

A small number of changes have been reported.

These will include two new exterior colors

• Rally Red will be replacing the 2008 models yellow
• Metallic Gray will replace the current “Red Metallic” option.

Smart will be offering a more intense red interior color option to match the exterior “Rally Red”.

Door storage areas will be netting that gives a more flexible and larger storage area.

A “Loose Gas Cap” indicator light has been added to the instrument panel.

You can now choose between the panoramic roof or a solid roof at no extra charge.

Prices for the 2009 Smart Cars have not yet been confirmed but expect a 2 to 3 percent increase.

Keep your eyes open for the 2009 Smart ForTwo.

Pros: Comfy seats, Safety features, easy parking in urban areas, handling
Cons: no remote start or cruise control available, 91 octane gas requirement

Ride is very tight on the bumps but corners remarkably well.
Roominess inside is suprisingly well thought out.
Not much room for cargo but plenty for a Six foot One Inch, 215 pound man.

The NASCAR cage design explains why it did so well in the crash testing
You can easily fit into the parking spaces that all the other cars will have had to have passed up on.
It is nice to have the option to drive it in manual mode when you want to.
Radio/CD player is decent but no bluetooth option on it for the cell phone.
Recommended options
Definately order one with the Heated leather seat/ lighting, etc. option. It is well worth the extra money.
Also order the fog lights and alarm from the factory since It is hards to find on the order form.
The huge glass sunroof and wide windows give you a fantastic view when driving and the excellent headlight design makes for easier night driving.
Overall, this car will exceed your expectations.