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:

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  Fix It Again Tony - 2012 Fiat 500
  By The italian job - December 19 - 1:58 pm

  The car performs relatively well only under warranty. Soon after warranty is over, everything brakes and is very expensive to fix it.

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  Looks arent everything... - 2012 Fiat 500
  By Madri - December 6 - 10:41 am

  I purchased the car in 2012, brand-new,and wish I hadnt. First off, the car randomly powered off (the engine stopped, all the lights turned off, it just turned off!) well making a slight left turn on a very hot day. I went to the mechanic they said it was a fluke. Next, the car light turned on but the car wouldnt, the engine light all of the dashboard lights turned on, but the car wouldnt start. We managed to get the car running, drove 30 miles to the dealer where we purchased this Fiat (in Ontario California), and ritual by the mechanics to leave it overnight so they can check it out. Four days later The dealer calls us and tells us on the car needed was a new battery (the car was still under warranty, and the battery was covered). Shortly thereafter (our warranty expired), The dashboard lights will turn on and the car had trouble starting. It was mellow at first, taking a couple of key turns to get the car running...until one day the car just stopped running. We got it to the mechanic, this time we went to the dealership in Riverside, and they told us there was a leak, and it was dripping on the starter. They let us know it would be OK but that we needed to take care of the leak and possibly get a new starter. We drove the car home, less than 10 miles, and it completely stopped running. Now we have to take it to get towed to the dealer, pay close to $1200 to get it fixed (and thats if they dont find any other crazy thing going on with the stupid car). Every time I see a Fiat in the freeway or on the street, I get a stomachache. This is the most unreliable car ever.

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  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.

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  little one - 2012 Fiat 500
  By Richie.C - October 30 - 3:58 pm

  Roomy enough inside for 2 average adults,simple radio with steering wheel controls ,mine has the power sunroof,really nice dont see alot these in brooklyn ny awesome city car,parking is pretty much point and park.Power is not the best ,but runs better on 93 octane in sport mode and helps that its a 5speed manual.If you want a 2 door compact car thats simple and goes a long way on 15 bucks of gas and isnt a mini or smart car,this ones good.

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  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.

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  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!

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  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.

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  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.

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  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!

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  As good as my GTI Autobahn - 2017 Fiat 500
  By Marc - April 13 - 6:35 am

  Car is wonderful, as much fun as any car Ive owned. Enjoy driving it as much as if not more that my GTI. Enough power for this light car. Manual tranny great. Ride and handling great. The Abarths extra power must ,(I have the non turbo) be a real treat in this Italian tomato on wheels. Mine is red,adorable. Highly recommend good quality throughout.