carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 4 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $18,040–$22,413 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2018 Smart Forfour at 6.8/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.7/10, while Performance at 5.9/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.6/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 7.7/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 5.9/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.4/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $18,040–$22,413, 28 MPG, seating 4, the Smart Forfour sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. The 7.6/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 8 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2018 Smart Forfour is a passable sedan but not a standout one. Weaknesses in reliability and technology and performance hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2018 Smart Forfour ranks #1169 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 11% of the segment. Its 6.8/10 overall score is 0.7 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $18,040 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 35%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking → · Best Sedans under $25k →
Smart-money pick: the 2015 Smart Forfour scores 6.8/10 — within striking distance of the 2018's 6.8 — and starts roughly $2,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 7.0/10 | $18,700 | Read review → |
| 2018 (this review) | 6.8/10 | $18,040 | |
| 2017 | 6.8/10 | $17,380 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 6.8/10 | $16,720 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 6.8/10 | $16,060 | Read review → |
We rate the 2018 Smart Forfour's reliability 6.6/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance.
It scores 6.8/10 overall, ranking #1169 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 11% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
The 2018 Smart Forfour starts at $18,040 and ranges up to $22,413 across trims (MSRP when new). At 28 MPG, expect roughly $1,875/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Other sedans at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Smart models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
