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:
Showing 161 through 170 of 263.00-
8000 First oil filter change - 2012 Fiat 500
By cuda213 - April 26 - 7:21 pmRed POP,red white interior and stick. 6 months in use. Very happy. Reliable, no issues, none! Confy ride. Gas,gas,gas hapiness. Only drawback, chicks keep stopping and asking me about it, hehehe.
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Amazing - 2012 Fiat 500
By popei - March 30 - 10:42 pm6 weeks in and 3000K miles. If your looking for a fuel efficient, fun to drive, great looking car at a bargin price, this car is it. I bought the 5 speed manual. I average 40 mpg(combined) and I use regular gas. Dont waste your money on premium. No issues. Car feels like a much more expensive car, all around. The car has plenty of pickup and flys on the highway. The convertible is very quiet. The fiat is quieter than a 2005 Honda s2000 that I bought new. Looking at the car you would never think it will fit 4 people, but it does. Brakes are great as is the handling. If you buy it, you wont be disappointed. I cant get enough of driving this car.
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Excellent bang for buck - 2012 Fiat 500
By donovang1 - March 23 - 7:58 pmI was skeptical at first, but so far..everything is great. I just traded in my 08 Mini for the Fiat 500 Sport. I live in Houston, and do a lot of running around the city. Its peppy, quick, and easy to drive and park. If you enjoy a smaller ride, you should seriously consider purchasing a Fiat. I test drove the manual and automatic through city streets and on the freeways. I felt that the manual had much more power and pep. You have to know when to downshift to maximize your driving potential. For the price, you definitely wont find anything remotely close. I miss the speed of my Mini, but not the overpriced maintenance and heavy ride.
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Wow in a small package. - 2012 Fiat 500
By sherimed - March 19 - 11:11 pmI bought my Sport in January 2012. I didnt expect to buy one but, was absolutely hooked after a test drive. I had A Mini Clubman that was being fixed after an accident. When I got the news that the Mini was being totaled there was no hesitation. I was hooked. I had my seats upgraded to red leather (with black tops) and had a black stripe put on the on side doors. It looks adorable and hot!! Still waiting for the black and white checkered graffic for the roof. This isnt Fiats fault 3M is having production troubles. I love being able to make it my own. There are lots of things you can add for this car off the net. I got a fabulous shift knob etc.
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Amazing little car - 2012 Fiat 500
By paul_jacob - March 19 - 8:27 pmBeing priced about 8K less than their Mini competition, this car proves an excellent value and backs it up with MPG and driving pleasure. It is quite literally impossible to be sad in this car. With a manual around the city its the perfect car! Fun to drive, and as long as youre not afraid to rev the engine, its peppy too. Great interior style is combined with very surprising space. My head hits in the back (60"), but the leg room is amazing for what it is. Although a bit bouncy on some streets, the composed ride is just right for a fun, "sporty" ride.
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Prima Edizione - 2012 Fiat 500
By genora - March 15 - 2:53 am[non-permissible content removed] My Prima was reserved on line and I took delivery March of 2011. Im a huge fan of the older 500s, particularly, the Abarths. After driving it for a year, I found NO problems. I missed buying a spyder back in the day and waited patiently for Fiat to return to the US after nearly 30 years. I traded in my Chrysler 300C and am now free from cringing at the gas pumps. People need to do their own research about the cars and be satisfied with their own personal results. I get a lot of inquiries from people and mostly "cute" as remarks.
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Great Little Luigi! - 2012 Fiat 500
By markj5362 - March 12 - 1:24 pmWe bought a 500 Sport in January. 1100 miles on it. No issues other than the fact that the door panels are made of cheap plastic and will scratch easily. Combined mpg so far is 34. Not great but better the the Miata we sold. Our 500 with manual trans. can get 40 on the Highway. Hilly here in Western Washington State which may be dropping the combined mpg down. Feel we got a fair deal from Fiat of Tacoma...Would work with them again. The added cold air intake and reverse exhaust add to the fun factor. Highly recommend this car. First service due at 8500. Will post more later.
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CUSTOMER SERVICE IS PATHETIC - 2012 Fiat 500
By lamorty - March 5 - 5:13 pmI also have had "issues" with my Fiat. Some are being rectified others...my loss. Will need to wait for 6-8 weeks for a part r/t the strut. Concerned with an event.. "slipping into drive" while idling. Not explanable nor able to recreate. Now I am concerned with safety Poor customer service including refusal to give reasoning in writing, an e-mail address and also to give me the persons last name that denied minor repair. Response: "I contacted Fiat Canada via phone and therefore my response was to be via phone". Requested an appeal and denied...told she was the final say and was speaking for FIAT. All I can say is buyer beware!!! Well with FIAT CANADA anyway!
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Open Body Seams During Manufacture - 2012 Fiat 500
By jchasp59 - March 1 - 9:30 amI bought my new, 2012 Fiat 500 Pop on 12/22/2011. Three days after purchase, I noticed an interior water leak and returned the car to the dealer. The dealer found that the cause of the leaks were, "body seams that were left open, unwelded and unpainted during manufacture." Got the car back after 23 days in the shop. That day, I noticed electrical problems and that the leak wasnt repaired. Returned it to the shop More open body seams were found around the windshield. I requested a replacement. Fiat agreed. The dealership acquired my replacement on 02/10/2012, but has yet to get it to me (03/01). My Fiat Case Manager is Kathy Nelson, but I have no way to contact her. I regret my purchase.
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That happy Italian feeling - 2012 Fiat 500
By sruczko - February 8 - 4:44 amI traded in my Elantra for the FIAT and so far Im extremely pleased with the car. It is a very coherent design, with everything I need and nothing I dont. Im tall (65") with long legs and the Pop without sunroof fits me perfectly. A very tight little car with peppy performance IF you understand how/when to upshift and downshift to take advantage of the small engine. I have a base car with no options except alloy wheels and Im amazed at all the features FIAT built into this car.
