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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  Best Value in this segment by far - 2014 Fiat 500L
  By sparkin5280 - February 24 - 9:26 pm

  Like someone else said, this is one of the most underrated small cars on the market today. Its well documented that Americans dont like wagons or minivans for that matter. Well apparently neither do most auto journalists because this car is lambasted in every pupublication. Just go drive one for yourself, these are TONS of fun. In Colorado here at this elevation Turbos and their forced induction rule the land. Maybe in Texas at sea level this car seems pokey, but in this thin air this 1.4 direct inject turbo runs hard and is a blast to drive. I upgraded from a Mini Clubman and LOVE the fact I can fit 3 car seats wide. To be fair I have the 6 speed manual so no automatic problems here.

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  Best Decision I Ever Made - 2014 Fiat 500L
  By basso1 - February 4 - 8:48 pm

  I absolutely love this car. The interior space is incredible for a car this size! Its fun to drive, fine on the highway and very well equipped. I went from a Volvo XC90 to this seeking better gas mileage and got it, averaging about 28 mpg combined city/hwy. I read up on the dual auto clutch from the information Fiat provided and have no complaints. A well equipped car that is reliable and performs. I also purchased the lifetime extended warranty for $2,500 although I read you could get it as low as $2,295.

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  Perfec t little car - 2015 Fiat 500
  By frankbq - January 22 - 4:29 pm

  We have driven this little Italian car and we just love it very reliable no problems at all just gas and oil change, very good on gas confortable city car.

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  25K Trouble free miles and smiles... - 2012 Fiat 500
  By markus1963 - October 14 - 7:26 am

  We bought our new 2012 500C (5MT) from Fullerton Fiat, NJ and could not be happier. The car has performed flawlessly over the past two years. After trading in our Mini Cooper S, we purchased a white body with red top combination Pop. The only services required have been the regular oil/filter changes and tire rotation.

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  sorry that some people are having use or dealer problems - 2014 Fiat 500L
  By marbitman - October 2 - 12:15 am

  I bought a 500L Easy with automated manual transmission from Fiat of Austin in October, 2013. When my wife wanted to purchase the Blue Chiaro color, and the dealer did not have it in stock, or on order, Lisa C., the manager, immediately got on the case, searched the orders coming into the US, and swapped inventory with a regional dealer, getting the color that we wanted. Delivery was smooth, and we (the car and I) got acquainted. This car is beautifully styled, in and out, is well built, and behaves normally in most unextreme conditions. It is not perfect....I find the brakes to be a bit "touchy", but they perform well. I find the transmission quirky, but it performs well.

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  In love with my lil Veleno - 2013 Fiat 500
  By juniperjackal - September 18 - 1:58 pm

  I was considering a Mini or an MX5 around the time the Fiat came back to the US. I purchased a Fiat 500 Sport instead. It was not a complete dog like the regular mini cooper and I loved the extra space that the MX5 did not have. I can go to the grocery store in the Fiat! About 9 months ago I purchased an Abarth. Best idea I ever had. I have a 45 minute commute each way in traffic. The car zips in and out of traffic and I have had no mechanical problems. I have driven many of my friends Mini S, which cost a lot more (I paid $19,000 for new Abarth at year end clearance sale). Abarth drives so much better and the sound is spectacular. The sport button turns the car into a monster. :)

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  FANTASTIC VEHICLE! - 2012 Fiat 500
  By bjv1440 - September 13 - 12:29 pm

  First I have to say that my vehicle is an automatic NOT a 5 speed manual. Im not sure why there is no option for this model on the drop down. My wife drove a rental one to AZ and feel in Love with it! I surprised her with a gift of this one and she has put about 30,000 miles on it in the last year. She averages 42 mpg combined! On a recent trip I drove and we encountered some terrible weather outside of Wendover, NV. The POP drove right through the Heavy Wind and was NOT blown around when passing semis! This vehicle has TONS of room inside for being so small on the outside. Five people can fit comfortably for a trip! Way to go FiatChrysler!

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  Surprised at how much I like this car - 2014 Fiat 500L
  By clj1959 - August 31 - 10:19 am

  I downsized to a 500L Easy with a sunroof and automatic from a VW Tiguan. At first I thought "what have I done?" but after a couple of months, and now that Im accustomed to the quirky transmission, I totally love this car. Its very peppy and incredibly easy to maneuver. I have a 25 mile freeway commute and the 500L handles it with aplomb, and the excellent visibility is a big plus when changing lanes. Another big plus is how unique it is. Im very happy.

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  My fourth Fiat 500... - 2015 Fiat 500
  By sruczko - August 31 - 5:08 am

  Ive owned four 500s since the model was introduced in 2012. Started with a Pop, went to an Abarth, then to a Sport, and am back in the fold with a new 2015 Sport. Subtle refinements to the 2015 are much appreciated, especially the new electronic instrument cluster. I have owned way too many cars but I think the Fiat may be my favorite all around vehicle. FUN to drive, wonderful design inside and out, frugal with fuel, easy to maneuver and park, great driving position and sight lines. Get the Sport model, engage the "sport" button, and enjoy one of the best kept secrets in the new car market.

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  Owned lots of cars- this is one of the best - 2014 Fiat 500L
  By randall118 - July 21 - 7:31 pm

  Ive owned about 20 cars and trucks in my life and the 500L Trekking is one of the nicest vehicles I have owned. Nice design. comfortable, smooth ride. Fantastic pick up with the 6 spd. Trekking trim is really great. plenty of storage. The front side windshield windows make for great visibility. The only cons are the armrest is in the way of the hand brake. But it does fold up out of the way. And the driver side wiper does not lift up for easy window cleaning and snow clearing. You have to get the wipers in the "up" position and turn off the car so the wiper stays "up". Then you can lift it up off the window. Thats an oddity.