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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  I love my FIat! - 2013 Fiat 500
  By SNewman - July 28 - 2:56 pm

  I have had my little yellow Fiat since October 2013 and have 37,000 miles on her, having driven across country twice. Everyone is amazed at the amount of stuff the little car can carry! The only problem I have had, head lights sprung a leak and CDs get stuck in the player. I have wanted one since seeing one in Italy 15 years ago. When my Toyota 4 Runner with 200,000 miles decided to die, I bought my Fiat. A very happy Fiat owner.

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  great little car - 2015 Fiat 500
  By Cameron - July 28 - 2:21 am

  Ive had this for around 8-10 months, so I cant really say much on long term reliability, but its a fun little car. No parking aids on my, but then again whats the point. just aiming it in the general direction is good enough. Its small enough where i can just go "Eh, good enough" and it is. Its a quick car, and still has decent acceleration at 60+ mph. It handles and grips well, is a lot of fun as a daily driver, well at least when there isnt too much traffic. The driving position is quite high, coming from my 98 BMW, but it somehow just adds to the fun. Ive seen people complain about the lack of space, and granted, the rear seats kinda suck, but theres more than enough room if you only need to drive yourself or one other person around, not to mention it just is a physically smaller car which I like. If Im careful, I can get 36-37 mpg between city and highway with traffic, could probably get 38-39 if there wasnt any traffic, but I generally dont bother with it. More fun not worrying about mileage, and even when being rather liberal with the gas it still gets decent mileage. Gets about the same range as my BMW did, I use a higher grade gas, and it still costs ~15$ less to fill up the tank. I think the ride is quite good, though my dad said the BMW felt like a rock (never really noticed myself). It makes a nice sound making it somewhat ridiculous, but not over the top. Its not super loud or anything, but its enough to put a smile on my face. I couldnt be happier with it,

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  im on my second one - 2014 Fiat 500L
  By francesco3 - July 5 - 12:48 am

  50,000 miles in less than two years not one single problem on top of that I chipped and I abuse it every time I drive I even tow 4 x 8 trailer I pool little over 2000 b.l with no problem and yes my its automatic its funny The transmission doesnt belong in USA market my opinion for European is fine but since Im European myself I like it but you just have to get usted it its not that bad I know some people still saying fix it again Tony they need to change Tony is long gone its not any different In liability of a Honda Toyota Subaru etc.

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  Love my 2013 Fiat - 2013 Fiat 500
  By ddmarre - May 21 - 5:54 pm

  When i purchased my Fiat new in 2013 i did not know much about this car but saw it online went to get it...i have the guacamole green and i am so happy with its performance. I have had a Honda, Toyota, Chevy, Mitsubishi, and Saturn...but this is the BEST car i have ever purchased. The turbo button for highway driving is awesome. My Fiat is so quick, i always have cars or trucks! Race me...i win at take off! I only have 14k on my car and i have gone to Vegas and Sedona twice...great on gas!

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  Another Fiat - 2014 Fiat 500L
  By Mark Rivera - April 30 - 8:56 pm

  Just upgraded my 500(Manual) after 53000 miles with only two issues - one was one headlight stopped working and Fiat replaced both, also, a problem caused by my cigarette lighter phone charger(blowing fuses). I needed more space, so, decided to upgrade to 500L(Manual) - Rosso Perla with White Roof. I am mid age person with plenty of experience as a car enthusiast. I do not buy European cars with automatic trannys, PERIOD!(bad experiences). Going to 200 miles so far and I am very happy at the least on how this puppy feels. Still have to get used to first gear(it sure is weird). MPG so far is around 29. Will post again in a few months again with more evaluation after break in period.

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  BEST CAR I HAVE EVER DRIVEN - 2014 Fiat 500L
  By angelito1 - April 10 - 2:23 am

  I have had this car for a couple of months And totally love it. Let me start by saying that it is true the first gear in the manual transmission takes a little getting use to. And no it doesnt takes off Or drive like a rocket..... But I love the styling because there is nothing like it. It is reliable, super confortable And awesome on gas. You want a testament to this.... With barely 2500 miles on it I took it on a loong road trip from WA state to Fairbanks Alaska. It drove up and down the mountain roads like it is what it was made to do. By the way I was fully loaded with suitcases, duffle bags with clothes and theblike... Average 34 MPG. Again best car ever.

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  Very Happy! - 2015 Fiat 500L
  By tjmk - March 23 - 12:31 pm

  At first I was skeptical about this car but I am thrilled with it. It is so comfortable and fun to drive Feels very sturdy and reliable. The exterior is a bit quirky but I think that makes it fun...I am sick of buying the same old same old. Very roomy vehicle with lots of bells and whistles.

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  2013 Fiat Sport Manual Black on Black w/Leather Seats - 2013 Fiat 500
  By packers14 - March 22 - 7:27 pm

  We purchased this little beauty new on 12/29/13, so we have owned it now for 15 months. The wife is 52" and I am 511". We both fit comfortably whether driving or riding. The wife is the primary driver and loves everything about this car, the look (with the chrome appearance package) the acceleration (with the manual), the ride comfort (with the leather seating), the upright seating position for a great all around view, and the wonderful handling. The Sport model is the Fiat 500 to get. The Sport model offers much better handling than the Pop model, but does not diminish ride comfort, especially when the leather seating upgrade is included. Also, huge difference with "stick" vs "auto".

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  Italian Tardis - 2013 Fiat 500
  By Michael Gagliano - March 13 - 9:38 pm

  I bought a used 2013 with 7k miles and an automatic transmission and use it as our "fun" car for my daily work commute. Weve got 4 kids and our other car is a minivan so this Fiat is a much needed injection of small car sprightliness and tossable fun. Great commuter car. I am amazed at how much "bigger on the inside" (for the Dr Who fans) it feels compared to how it looks from outside. Perhaps its the tallness of the cabin but the front 2 seats are plenty big for adults, comfortable and well supported. Plus I just like that its small. Ive owned an SUV and it always felt like I was carrying around a bunch of extra space back there. Not so with this.

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  2015 FIAT 500 Pop (1.4 l gas, 5 Speed Manual) - 2015 Fiat 500
  By reviewer83 - March 11 - 12:18 am

  Although the MSRP is $16,000, I paid $13,000 for a brand new 2015 model on Black Friday after a lot of negotiating. While the price is the best feature of this car, putting an affordable nice new car within reach of anyone at any income level, the FIAT just has so many other great qualities on top of that. It gets 40 miles per gallon on the freeway, and I average 34, including city driving, in my typical commute. It easily reaches freeway speeds and feels very safe and comfortable at 75 MPH. It has excellent handling in all circumstances. The interior was actually "designed," not "thrown together." The manual transmission is very fun to drive with, even when its not in sport mode.