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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  Dont bother! - 2016 Fiat 500x
  By IAHFLIER - March 2 - 6:08 am

  Mine was a European build that happened to make it to the US. Needless to say, Body control module needed replacing.. Three weeks later (with a loaner), Still not fixed. Ive asked for a refund I wouldnt recommend this car.. Stay clear!!!

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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.