1997 Fiat Bravo SX 1.6

Summary:

Better than most people think

Faults:

Injector failed at 35K.

Ignition fuse sometimes blows.

General Comments:

The car is very reliable. Only once did it not start and that was due to the ignition fuse blowing. This has happened twice in the last year, not sure of the reason, but I just keep a spare fuse in-case.

The injector failing was covered under the warranty, but it appears to affect the 1.6 more than the other Bravos/Bravas.

I have had the car nearly 5 years and I love it. It still looks good.

Other than the minor faults the car has been faultless. The fuel economy is good. It is nice to drive and is fast once you get the rev's over 4000rpm. The interior is actually better than a lot of much newer, more expensive cars. It is a bit gray, but is durable and everything is very easy to hand.

The Fiat Bravo/a is definitely worth a look - leave the stereo-typing behind, this is a very good car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th July, 2004

1997 Fiat Bravo HGT 2.0 20v

Summary:

A mountain of fun at a molehill price

Faults:

Heater switch failed.

Dealer rectified without question.

General Comments:

Arbarth body kit really makes the car look so much better than the standard Bravo's.

The car handles beautifully.

Watch your speed as the acceleration can sometimes shock! But don't worry the lights did turn green it's just no-one else has moved yet!!

The interior is a little bland, although the leather gear knob and steering wheel, along with the heated seats make that little nit of difference.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd October, 2003

1997 Fiat Bravo HLX 1.8

Summary:

An absolute bargain - don't hesitate, buy one!!

Faults:

Throttle cable snapped at 60,000 miles.

Broken seat catch on passenger side, works, but comes off in your hand, broken when I bought it.

Passenger seat has recently stopped sliding back and forth unless seat is tilted.

Passenger side electric window is very slow. My passengers don't have much luck!! ha-ha.

That's it!

General Comments:

This has been the best car I have ever owned, and I've owned several.

The car is adequately quick and will top 120mph if pushed. (ahem!)

Fuel consumption is good - 34mpg average, much better than my previous Alfa Romeo 155 1.8TS and the car feels faster too.

Nice engine note.

Comfortable inside with all everything working and falling nicely to hand, I love the design details like the courtesy lamp.

Exterior design is beautiful especially in Sassi Grey (ice blue metallic).

Inner sunroof cover needs closing otherwise wind noise from when the sunroof is closed is a bit annoying.

Handling is good and pliable, but can bit a touch too soft on roundabouts where roll becomes apparent.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th July, 2003

1997 Fiat Bravo HGT 2.0 20v

Summary:

A high performance bargain!

Faults:

Faulty electric window switch needed replacing.

Timing belt needs replacing at 51000 miles.

General Comments:

Not a great deal to complain about with this car. I had done a thorough review of this model before I bought it and I knew all about the expensive cost of replacing the timing belt. However since the recommended mileage was 72,000 to renew it, I thought I had a good few years left as the car only had 48,000 on the clock when I bought it. But here I am less than 4,000 miles later and the belt is producing a horrendous noise, so I have no other choice, but to change it.

Other than this gripe, I think the car drives really well. It is comfortable and performance is very good, although it does eat the petrol!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th July, 2002

4th Apr 2008, 05:49

They only need a cam belt change at 70000 miles not 51000 and it can be done without taking the engine out.lol.

1997 Fiat Bravo SX 1.4

Summary:

Rubbish

Faults:

The gearbox failed at 27050.

Back window wiper does not work.

Speedo does not work.

General Comments:

This is the worst car I could have bought, the gear box failed 3 weeks after I purchased it. Fiat hold no responability for this, and I am taking them to court. My advice to anybody who is thinking of buying a Fiat is, don't bother.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 22nd January, 2002

2nd Apr 2003, 05:58

Hi, I had the same problem as you with the gear box and although FIAT put up a fight, as soon a court was mentioned they paid up, I got over a thousand pounds back.Let me know what happened to your car and if you got your money back. Jo.

6th Feb 2005, 11:52

I have just had a speedo fitted on my Fiat Bravo SX, there is a pin fitted on the dial which sits on 6 Miles an hour when engine is off, anyone know why. Please help.

9th Feb 2005, 13:47

Hi I've just read your comments on Fiat Bravo 1.6sx and I totally disagree. I have owned my car for 2 yrs now and the only work done was a new clutch & cam belt and the regular service and mot. This car is the most reliable car that I have owned as it has never broken down..

22nd Aug 2006, 11:57

Hi. I had a fiat bravo sx, and I must say I really enjoyed driving it, it had really good steering and was pretty nippy for a 1.4. It did have poor fuel economy, and it also had overheating issues (which was due to the rubbish mechanic I used rather than the car) and never really recovered from that. I wouldn't buy another one.

27th Aug 2006, 05:34

To all fiat owners with complaints, unfortunately every vehicle has to be serviced may it be a fiat or mercedes, you must understand every vehicle which is used daily must be serviced and make note, with a mechanic who knows whats doing, i use my car every day and I have know problems I also service it when needed, but I have two friends who own mercedes benz which has not cost them a cent for repairs reason being they never see the day light.