Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2015 Smart Fortwo
Our scoring places the 2015 Smart Fortwo at 6.6/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.4/10, while Performance at 5.6/10 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: 6.4/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 7.4/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 5.6/10 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 6.1/10 — 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 $13,140–$15,203, 27 MPG, seating 2, the Smart Fortwo sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. The 7.3/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 11 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 2015 Smart Fortwo 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 →
How It Ranks Among Sedans
The 2015 Smart Fortwo ranks #1259 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 4% of the segment. Its 6.6/10 overall score is 0.9 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $13,140 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 53%.
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Fortwo Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2012 Smart Fortwo scores 6.5/10 — within striking distance of the 2015's 6.6 — and starts roughly $1,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Accessible entry price makes it one of the more affordable options in the category
Broad dealer network supports easy servicing and parts availability
✗ Where it falls short
Below-average reliability data — factor in potential repair and maintenance costs
Performance is a genuine liability — well below class rivals and worth factoring into any decision
Infotainment and tech features feel dated compared to newer rivals in this segment
Common Questions — 2015 Smart Fortwo
Is the 2015 Smart Fortwo reliable?
We rate the 2015 Smart Fortwo's reliability 6.4/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance.
Is the 2015 Smart Fortwo worth buying?
It scores 6.6/10 overall, ranking #1259 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 4% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2015 Smart Fortwo cost?
The 2015 Smart Fortwo starts at $13,140 and ranges up to $15,203 across trims (MSRP when new). At 27 MPG, expect roughly $1,944/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Fortwo years should you avoid?
No standout weak years: across the 8 Fortwo model years we've scored, every year lands within half a point of the best (6.8/10). Pick on price and condition rather than year.
Owner Essentials — Smart Fortwo
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Similar Sedan to Consider
Other sedans at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Representative photo — may show another model year
