2008 smart fortwo coupe 1.0L

Overview

The 2008 smart fortwo coupe marked the official entry of the micro-car brand into the United States market. Developed by the Mercedes-Benz division of Daimler AG, the fortwo was engineered to address the growing need for urban mobility, offering a footprint significantly smaller than traditional subcompact vehicles. The second generation (W451), which debuted in the US for the 2008 model year, featured a distinct “tridion” safety cell—a high-strength steel frame designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision, which became the signature aesthetic and engineering hallmark of the brand.

Positioned as a niche vehicle for city dwellers, the fortwo was marketed on its ability to park perpendicularly in spaces that would not accommodate standard cars. It was powered by a Mitsubishi-sourced 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine paired with an automated manual transmission. While its unconventional design and unconventional driving dynamics polarized the automotive press, the fortwo found a dedicated following among commuters and urban professionals who prioritized fuel efficiency and ease of maneuverability over traditional performance metrics.

Vehicle Overview
Brand	smart
Model	fortwo coupe
Model Year	2008
Generation	W451
Trim	pure / passion
Body Style	2-door hatchback
Vehicle Segment	Microcar
Vehicle Class	Two Seaters
Market	USA
Platform	W451
Assembly Plant	Hambach, France
Country of Origin	France
Production Start	2007
Production End	2014
VIN Identifier	WME
Base MSRP	$11,590
Destination Charge	$645
Total MSRP	$12,235
Powertrain
Powertrain Type	Internal Combustion Engine
Engine Family	Mitsubishi 3B2
Engine Name	M132
Engine Code	–
Engine Configuration	Inline-3
Displacement	1.0 Liters
Bore x Stroke	72.0 mm x 81.8 mm
Compression Ratio	10.5:1
Aspiration	Naturally Aspirated
Fuel Delivery	Multi-point fuel injection
Valve Train	DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Engine Block Material	Aluminum Alloy
Cylinder Head Material	Aluminum Alloy
Oil Capacity	3.0 Liters
Oil Specification / Viscosity	5W-30
Horsepower	70 hp @ 5,800 rpm
Torque	68 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm
Redline	6,500 rpm
Drivetrain	Rear-Wheel Drive
Transmission	Automatic (S5)
Final Drive Ratio	–
Axle Ratio	–
Fuel Economy
Fuel Type	Premium Gasoline
Recommended Octane	91 AKI
EPA City MPG	33
EPA Highway MPG	41
EPA Combined MPG	36
Fuel Economy (L/100 km)	6.5 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)	8.7
Estimated Driving Range	350 miles
Annual Fuel Cost	$1,300
CO₂ Emissions	245 g/mile
Greenhouse Gas Score	–
Smog Rating	–
Performance
0-30 mph	4.5 s
0-60 mph	12.8 s
0-100 mph	–
Quarter Mile	19.2 s
Top Speed	90 mph
Braking Distance (60-0 mph)	125 ft
Lateral Acceleration	0.75 g
Power-to-Weight Ratio	0.04 hp/lb
Dimensions & Capacities
Length (in)	106.1
Width (Without Mirrors) (in)	61.4
Width (With Mirrors) (in)	–
Height (in)	60.7
Wheelbase (in)	73.5
Front Track (in)	50.4
Rear Track (in)	54.6
Ground Clearance (in)	5.0
Curb Weight (lbs)	1,808
GVWR (lbs)	2,425
Towing Capacity (lbs)	0
Payload Capacity (lbs)	550
Passenger Volume (cu ft)	45.4
Cargo Volume (Behind Rear Seats) (cu ft)	12.0
Cargo Volume (Max) (cu ft)	15.5
Turning Circle	28.7 ft
Approach Angle	–
Departure Angle	–
Breakover Angle	–
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Overall Rating	–
NHTSA Frontal Crash	–
NHTSA Side Crash	–
NHTSA Rollover	–
IIHS Award	–
Small Overlap Front	–
Moderate Overlap Front	–
Side Impact	–
Headlights Rating	–
Front Crash Prevention	–
Technology & Connectivity
Infotainment Display	–
Instrument Cluster	Analog
Apple CarPlay	No
Android Auto	No
Navigation System	Optional
Audio System	AM/FM/CD
Speaker Count	2
Wireless Charging	No
Wi-Fi Hotspot	No
OTA Updates	No
Digital Key	No
Warranty & Ownership
Basic Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles
Roadside Assistance	4 years / 50,000 miles
Complimentary Maintenance	No
Specs.Autos Exclusive Data
Engine Assembly Plant	Mitsubishi, Japan
Transmission Supplier	Getrag
Gear Ratios	–
Differential Type	Open
Cooling System Capacity	–
Roof Load Capacity (lbs)	110
Safety Recall Count	–
Production Volume	–
Units Sold in USA	–

Consumer Insights & Market Appeal

The 2008 smart fortwo is widely regarded as a polarizing vehicle in the used market, valued primarily for its extreme parking convenience and high fuel efficiency. Reliability is generally considered acceptable for the engine and chassis, though the automated manual transmission is a frequent point of criticism due to its slow, jerky shift patterns. Prospective buyers should prioritize vehicles with documented service histories, specifically checking for clutch wear and electrical gremlins associated with the body control module. While it is not a highway cruiser, it remains a cult classic for urban commuters who appreciate its unique engineering, provided they are willing to accept the compromises inherent in its ultra-compact design.