Overview & Reviews

Fiat is one of the earliest and grandest names in automobiles, dating from the establishment of Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino ("FIAT") in 1899. During the early years, its racing cars were the envy of every nation. Later on, the Fiat Topolino ("Little Mouse") was as famous as the Volkswagen KDF (subsequently known as the "Beetle") in the 1930s and '40s. The 1950s saw Fiat put much of Italy on wheels with the hugely popular 500, sparking the "Italian Miracle," a renaissance of European consumer products.

Sadly, the company's fortunes in the United States were mixed. Here, the Fiat 1500 won over a fair share of enthusiasts in the mid-'60s, and the early-'70s saw the Fiat 850 (Spider and Coupe) become popular among college students. Yet the Pininfarina-designed Fiat 124 sports car did the most to keep the Fiat image alive in America, as cars like the front-wheel-drive 128 and midengine X1/9 ultimately failed. Even Lancia, Fiat's premium brand, withered quickly after an introduction in the mid-'70s. Ultimately, Fiat's poor reputation for quality and its inability to cope with ever more stringent emissions regulations led the Italian company to pull out of the U.S. market altogether in 1984.

In 2000, General Motors acquired a stake in Fiat as part of a joint venture to create a new generation of small, affordable cars for Europe. GM's financial troubles led to the unraveling of this agreement in 2005, but Fiat had invested the GM money wisely in new air emissions technology. When the bankruptcy of Chrysler took place in 2008, Fiat saw an opportunity to return to the U.S. In 2009, Fiat acquired a controlling interest in Chrysler.

The Fiat 500, debuting for 2012, was the first of Fiat's new generation of cars to come stateside. Staying true to its lineage, the new 500 is very small, nimble and stylish. In addition to the 500 coupe, there are also the 500 convertible and hot-rod 500 Abarth to further tempt those looking for a small car with plenty of personality. More recently, Fiat has expanded its lineup with the fully electric 500e and the family-friendly, four-door 500L.

User Reviews:

• 

  Best build fiat - 2016 Fiat 500x
  By Viken K - November 27 - 9:46 pm

• 

  Fiat 500e is really fun driving machine - 2015 Fiat 500e
  By FLJeff - November 17 - 8:59 pm

  I purchased a used low mileage 2015 Fiat 500e a couple of months ago and was so impressed with how it handles that I purchased another for my sister. These cars are a real steal on the used car market. I live in South Florida where it is warm and flat and generally have been getting over 100 miles of range (EPA 87). A Fiat 500 in general is not the most practical car but if you want something really fun to drive, this is it. This car handles very similar to my former Mini Cooper but without the gas.

• 

  Impressive SUV! Worth every penny. - 2017 Fiat 500x
  By Shawn J - November 12 - 1:35 am

  I moved into the 500x Trekking AWD from my 2013 FIAT Abarth. I really really liked my Abarth but absolutely love my new 500x! I have some physical disabilities and the Abarth was while very fun to drive also hard for me to drive and was starting to find that people just do not see you in that small of a vehicle. Looking for comfort, and size over the Abarth and the high quality of a precision Italian SUV boy did I find it! The new interior of the 500x Trekking is amazing and the technology in the features blew me away! It may take me a month to learn how to use everything this SUV has to offer. Styling is great and the optional 18" wheel package and AWD I got adds even more tremendous styling. Acceleration is so so but then again Im coming from the Abarth. Fuel economy is also not real fantastic but still pretty reasonable. Overall I have zero complaints on this SUV. The one serious recommendation I have though is, get either the Trekking AWD or Lounge AWD model. I test drove the Pop and Easy FWD models and they do not even compare. All the bells and whistles with the two higher models are 100% worth it!

• 

  Love my Fiat 500 C Pop - 2012 Fiat 500
  By Anthony - May 10 - 8:15 am

  I have owned several Fiats through the years and i can honestly say, they are misunderstood. I have had a 1974 124 Sport, which was fun as could be to drive. I owned a 1980 Fiat 2000 Spider convertible ( also known as a 124). That was a blast to drive. I went through a midlife crisis and got another 1981 Fiat Spider convertible, this will always put a smile on your face, something about the top down and the wind in your hair and face. Forward to the 2012 Fiat 500C Pop, what a great design to put a cloth retractable top inside the roof pillars, much safer and way cooler. The car rides and feels like a big car, it is very solid and sure footed. I am 6 foot 1 and have plenty of room and I find the front seating extremely roomy and comfortable. I always sit in the back whenever i purchase a vehicle to see how much headroom and legroom my less fortunate passengers will have. While i am an empty nester, i tend to flop the rear seats down and create a nice little cargo hauling area that is very practical for hauling my two dogs around or for groceries. I bought my car used with 20,000 miles on it in 2014, i have since put 60,000 miles with regular oil changes and tire rotations. i have changed my own spark plugs twice, which is fairly simple, as is changing the air filter and cabin filter. I purchased an aftermarket warranty, but I have never needed to use it. There was a recall on a manual clutch spring replacement, where they also have to replace the brake sensor, but that was covered under the recall. I am sad that the cars do not hold their resale value, but I believe that the 500 C model was done correctly. I know there have been alot of complaints with the 500 L 4 door, but that is a different engine and model altogether. I love my 500C Pop convertible manual transmission. If you dont know about manual transmissions, they are the best kept secret. They are a lot more fun to drive. You are more involved with the driving experience and that is what you are doing driving! therefore one tends to pay more attention. I spoke with a used car salesman recently and he stated that he specifically bought a manual transmission vehicle for his daughter.... Because she would not be able to text and drive! She was initially upset.. but she thanked him later for this. Something to think about. I have had my Fiat up to 101 MPH and it rides the same at all speeds, 50-70 is the perfect speed for this vehicle, I cant stress enough , the big car feel. This is something American cars are getting better at, but I honestly do not know if I will ever buy American. I have owned several German cars and brands and there is nothing quite like their feel for the road, however reliablity and parts and pricing is a different story. I have owned Japanese and Korean and found them to be the most reliable. To make a long story short, on a beautiful day with the top down and a nice day trip planned with you and that special someone, I highly reccomend that you take the route less traveled in the vehicle (Fiat 500C Pop, Manual) less driven. You will not be disappointed. Just do your homework and check the car fax maintenance records. Good solid car, great gas mileage, unlimited smiles and Italian sexy.

• 

  Love it or leave it. - 2016 Fiat 500x
  By Vasile Ianos - November 6 - 4:42 pm

  I love this car. Better and bigger than my Countryman S. First impression is when you open the door and just slide into the comfty and firm leather seats. You sit high and have a commanding view of the road. You can remotely start your engine so a warm cabin with heated seats and heated steering wheel await you. Engine is strong and in the manual or S mode will put you ahead of the pack ,just watch for the cops. Its a easy driving car with very tight steering wheel . Car is a little noisy on the highway on rough pavement. My sugestions : LED lights , No need for Ferrari exhaust noise. Car has no spare tire so I think it gets complicated if you have to use that pressurized container to inflate the tire . And the worst: Rear view camera has very poor visibility at night and when it rains the lens gets wet and you see nothing. Otherwise the car is a great car and I just love it.

• 

  Better than a Honda - 2012 Fiat 500
  By Dave - October 18 - 3:13 am

  Very reliable. No mechanical issues. A great, fun little car. Tony hasnt even had to fix it once! If FIAT keeps making them like this, poor Tonys going to go broke.

• 

  A smile that lasts a lifetime - 2012 Fiat 500
  By Joel - October 8 - 11:39 am

  First off, my car was purchased on a whim I didn’t do any research before buying it. I didn’t need the car as I already had an suv. I was bored one day drove down to the Fiat store and the rest is history. I bought a 2015 brown fiat 500 pop. 101 hp, now it does feel underpowered in automatic mode, but I drive it in the manual mode all the time and I get better response time. So I think 101hp is manageable. I commute between towns which is about 90 miles one way. I average 36mpg on the commute! Bout $20-25 fills the tank which gets me about 364 miles give or take. The engine is stock for now, I am playing with the idea of trading it in for an Abarth. However, for what the pop offers, it’s a solid car! I use the pump under the drivers seat all the time to fill my tires with air, I love the convenience of this on board pump. Blue tooth is very handy to have when driving. I feel safe driving the car, it handles turns like a go cart! Plenty of storage with the back seat down. I fit a 55” tv in it once for a local move I made, desperate times call for desperate measures! Cup holders are a bit annoying, but it’s a small car, so I guess this is the best I’ll get out of the car. Vehicle is cheap on repairs! If your mechanically inclined like me, you can save money doing things yourself. I get comments all the time, regarding how cute it looks, or how does it handle, is it good on gas? I would for sure buy the car again! I have not been stranded once other than to replace the battery. Ac blows cold and quick, it does help to have tinted windows. I also have a VW Golf TDI, which our performs my fiat, and gets better mpg, but whenever I drive my fiat there is just this smile I get that’s lasts a lifetime!

• 

  Eye Catcher - 2012 Fiat 500
  By Laveda Darby - June 9 - 9:23 pm

  The car is small but it is great on gas and it serves it purpose. If I get another car it will be a Fiat I love the car.

• 

  Pope Mobile is great car! - 2014 Fiat 500L
  By Ron Margheim - May 22 - 10:12 pm

  I bought this new in March of 2015. Advertised $8000 off MSRP. Great buy. The turbo kicks in @ 3000 rpms and it becomes a rocket! Easy access, massive headroom. I have 10,000 miles and no problems. I personally love the European Automatic Transmission (DCA). Feels like a manual without the clutch, Most new 2016 models at the dealers have an American Automatic. Guess some people didnt like the DCA. Plenty of trunk space, Always get great mileage.

• 

  Endearing, comfortable and surprisingly reliable - 2012 Fiat 500
  By Ed the Fiat Owner - April 22 - 6:08 am

  This purchase was originally meant to be a stylish toy, a cheeky weekend companion with a full-length cloth sunroof. Yet its incredibly convenient for any drive that requires a parking spot hunt or commute. Heated leather seats are upright and comfortable, good sound system and Sport driving mode make it more fun. Top down, it makes me smile and only exposes me to as much nature as I choose. Exterior sounds are muted when the insulated top is closed, and Ive seen no leaks in five years. The trunk opening is narrow, but reasonably sized. The engine sounds a bit agricultural, but it scoots when needed. Fog lights are helpful, and the A/C is powerful. Gas mileage reflects my eagerness to toss the car around, and the visibility with the top down is poor. Switchgear is more stylish than substantial, but I love the use of color and materials. If Fiat adds a backup camera and some additional tweaks, Id certainly buy another. The only issues in five years: three resets of the top mechanism (remedy is thoroughly described in the manual), a squeaky seat frame, occasional scraping of the front end on speed bumps, and a complete battery failure after five years. Overall, fewer trips to the dealer than my Honda and Toyota!