Fuel-Efficient Smart Cars
The Smart Car practically sells itself. The folks behind the tiny Smart ForTwo don’t do any TV or print advertising. The vehicle is only sold by Penske Automotive Group, the country’s second biggest public dealership group. And all sales orders are taken via the Internet with a $99 deposit on a first-come first-save basis. On top of that, reviewers love to poke fun at the half-pint Smart ForTwo, questioning its highway handling, sluggishness, limited space, and safety.
Kelly Blue Book's comprehensive, and somewhat disparaging, review of the Smart ForTwo.
But those aspersions mean nothing to customers looking for the cutest and trendiest minicar on the road—a car that gets 41 mpg on the highway and squeezes with ease into the tightest parking space. In fact, expect a long wait for the Smart ForTwo, which sold like hotcakes in its first year in the US.
In 2009, a sportier Brabus-version of the Smart ForTwo goes on sale, and an all-electric version is in the works.
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Smart Fuel Efficient Vehicles
| Sort by: | Name | Combined MPG  | Technology | MSRP | Available | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Smart ForTwo | 36 MPG | Small Car | $12,000 | Now | The Smart ForTwo is cute and relatively fuel efficient, but underpowered with a clunky transmission. |
Top news forSmart
Where Are the Micro-Hybrids?- Industry analysts believe micro-hybrids—the most practical and affordable form of gas-electric technology—will exceed all other forms of hybrid technology. In 2010, more than 1 million vehicles could use micro-hybrid technology, which offers about a 10 percent improvement in fuel economy. But the technology has been ignored in the United States.
Brabus Meets Smart in the US- In automotive circles, the name ‘Brabus’ does not evoke images of small, fuel-efficient cars. Just the opposite. The renowned German performance tuner is famous for turning high-end European automobiles from Mercedes and BMW into vicious street machines. So when SmartUSA recently teamed up with Brabus, there appeared to be a disconnect.
Smart EV Moves to Next Generation- The newest version of the electric Smart, set for demonstration projects in the US and Germany, will use lithium ion batteries that should give the car close to 100 miles of range.
New York Times Rips Smart Fortwo- If the diminutive Smart car is going to succeed in America, it will need to make a strong showing in New York City—where driving distances are minimal and parking opportunities are scarce. But according to recent New York Times reviews of the Smart Fortwo, the cute little two-seater from Mercedes is already dead in the water.
Order a Smart ForTwo. Wait One Year.- More than 30,000 customers have placed an order for the ultra-hip high-mpg Smart ForTwo. These customers left a refundable $99 deposit, but have been left in the dark about when their cool cute car will arrive. That wait could be one year or longer.