2012 & 2013 Smart Convertible Reviews & Ratings

It makes sense that the creators of the Smart car would want to include a Smart convertible. After all, the basic concept of the car was designed on the versatility that existed with the Swatch watches of the 1980s. The CEO of SMH, the maker of those watches, decided he wanted to create cars that followed the same concept. He began looking for a company to work with and designing his idea. Initially, it appeared that Volkswagen would be the company to work with him on his design of the Swatc... (full review continues below)

It makes sense that the creators of the Smart car would want to include a Smart convertible. After all, the basic concept of the car was designed on the versatility that existed with the Swatch watches of the 1980s. The CEO of SMH, the maker of those watches, decided he wanted to create cars that followed the same concept. He began looking for a company to work with and designing his idea. Initially, it appeared that Volkswagen would be the company to work with him on his design of the Swatchmobile, but when a new CEO took over at VW, that deal was nipped in the bud.

Looking for another partner, Daimler Benz agreed to sign up. A division of Daimler was set up for the sole purpose of this new vehicle. The name, however, would have to go. A compromise was reached and the new name would be an acronym that had been used behind closed doors for quite some time. Smart, Swatch Mercedes Art, would become the name of the car and eventually the division of the company. While the first release was not a Smart convertible, it was not far behind the introduction onto the market.

The first Smart convertible to hit the market was the Smart City Cabrio. This is a version of the Fortwo that is also known as the Fortwo Convertible. These small cars have a small engine that offers very little power, but the innovative design and surprising comfort couple with the excellent fuel economy to keep them popular. The Fortwo Convertible is still being produced today and continues to sale at a profit.

In 2003, Smart would introduce a roadster version of their vehicle. This Smart Convertible was also based on the Fortwo and would feature the choice of a removable Targa top or an electrical softop. The rear engine was a turbocharged 3 cylinder that featured 81 hp. The steering wheel boasted gear paddles that helped the owner to work the transmission. A unique design, low cost to maintain and excellent fuel economy helped add to the popularity of this vehicle. Production of the roadster was stopped in 2005 due to declining sales.

There were two other types of Smart convertible that were released on the market for short periods as well. The Crosstown was a convertible based on the Fortwo that was merely a concept car. This convertible that featured a foldable windshield has yet to be brought to the market, though it has not been ruled out by the company. A limited edition of the City Cabrio known as the Crossblade was released in 2002. This convertible had no windshield, roof or doors. While neither these nor the roadster is available at this time, the Smart City Cabrio continues to go strong in production. Just as people automatically recognize the Fortwo as being a Smart car, the same is true of the Fortwo convertible.