Fiat 500 Reviews - Page 3 of 5

Too new to evaluate.

This review is geared toward user experience, rather than evaluative mechanical and diagnostic matters; to help ascertain user comfort and enjoyment.

I test drove a basic manual 2012 Fiat 500, as well as an automatic Fiat Sport, to compare driving position, comfort and relative driving performance.

The manual was smooth shifting and easy through the gears. The automatic excelled in the 25 mph speed range, which is so common in city driving situations. Some cars with smaller engines stumble and seek between 3rd and 4th gears around 25-30 mph, which can be totally annoying. The Fiat 500 automatic maintained its gear choice and did not seek.

Relative to the driving position, it was gratifying that the seat could be pumped up high for excellent visibility, though not to the extent that one could see the four corners of the car; still had to guess the edges, which of course will mean scuffed bumpers in close quarters?

The seats are compact in both models, though considerably more comfortable in the Sport.

Speedometer & tachometer are crammed in close circles on one gauge, together with gas and temp, and all sorts of other digital information. It takes some concentration to see specifics.

Also, to brighten that cluster when the headlights are on, it is necessary to 'program' rather than simply dial up 'bright'. Sophisticated choices that are more difficult than easy; requiring a computer sort of capability?

Headroom is good once inside the cabin, but if you like the driver seat raised high, as I do, watch out for your head getting in and out, as the roof edge dips over the door, and you must duck to clear it.

The dealership did mention a potential item of interest... Fiat offers a lifetime warranty for just under $4000, which can be transferred once only if sold.

Nothing - but I've only had it a week.

I don't actually own one. I rented one for a week, and since the car is so new in the US, I wanted to share my reactions to the car.

The 3 trim levels start with the basic 'Pop'; middle level is the Sport, with Lounge at the top, with leather interior, upgraded sound, etc. I'm not sure which I had, but it had the alloy wheels and the Bose sound system, but without leather seats.

The interior is quite comfortable for a small car. Even though it's small, I'm 5'11" and was able to sit comfortably in the back seat, even with the front seat adjusted near the back setting. The car is quiet even at 70 on the freeway, thanks to a 6-speed transmission. The transmission I tested was the automatic, with the driver's option to decide when to shift. While I've always driven stick shifts, the automatic with speed control seemed to work well with this car. It allows you to downshift easily, so you can slow the car that way rather than use the brakes.

The model I tested came with an optional Bose sound system. It sounded very good in the small interior, but I couldn't tell a lot of difference between this and the basic sound system I listened to in the showroom.

The front seats are comfortable, and there was plenty of room. When you sit in it, you feel everything at your fingertips. The car is very nicely designed this way.

The car seems very solidly built, such as when you close the door, there is no hollow sound, but instead the solid sound that speaks of a well-built car.

The Fiat 500 has outstanding cornering ability. There is a 'sport' button that you can push that tightens up the suspension. You can really tell a difference when you activate the sport mode. I made a few sharp U-turns (in safe areas) and the car can really maneuver - and it's a lot of fun to drive.

In my opinion, the power (about 100hp) is sufficient, but a bit more torque would be welcome. To get it to go, you have to wind it up quite a bit - I believe the redline on the tach was around 6500 rpm. Even so, it is relatively quiet for all that - I recall in the literature that Fiat used an advanced damping system to reduce engine vibration and noise, and in my opinion they succeeded.