2002 Fiat Stilo active from UK and Ireland - Comments

Electronic power steering failed while car in motion.

Sky window let water into car through side seals.

Radio aerial on car not connected so couldn't pick up radio stations.

The cars main computer kept crashing cutting all power to car, (took 5 visits to garage to diagnose and replace)

The car handles very well and gives good power distribution through the gears.

I know someone who has experienced almost identical problems on their Active.

Word of advice: Carry a tarpaulin round with you for when the sky-roof refuses to budge when wide open in the rain! it's very common.

My friend has a 53-plate car and the service manager intimated to him that the later cars are actually worse, fit and finish are almost at VW standards, but the mechanical reliability is absolutely shocking.

The stilo would be an excellent car if mechanical reliability was better. I have covered 9000 miles so far and the car has been back to the dealers no less than 7 times. 3 times was for the trip computer giving false messages which has still not been resolved. I love the way the car looks and have got used to the soft driving style the car prefers.

If you really want to compare the fiat reliability check all the surveys about the VW golf 4 and the beetles.

You will see all by your self that Fiat is faraway better than the VW!!!

Very well said. I sat in one of these at the recent motor show as I have always had an eye for something different. The quality is very impressive and definately as good as VW. I will be putting one of these on my short list when I next buy.

The car has some good points, but is totally let down by the poor quality electrical parts that are fitted. which are very expensive to replace.it is almost as if there are built in faults, miss a service on time and the car develops an engine fault.we will never buy another.