Fiat 500 Vehicle line -- 2012

One of the most notable aspects of the Fiat 500 line involves that it is a part of Fiat’s program for re-entering the United States automobile market after several years of absence.  As such, the Fiat 500 as sold within the United States has features and design elements that differ from the form in which this vehicle line is sold in Italy, where the line originates. 

Another notable aspect involves appearance although consumer reviews have potential purchasers falling into the ‘you love it or you hate it’ type classification on that score.  I would categorize the look as “trendy,” however, at least a few consumer reviews commented they find the appearance ‘in person’ less outstanding than the photographs they had viewed.

This vehicle is definitely a targeted market car, although there’s some contention among beholders as to the target market’s precise demographic.  The line has basic commuting vehicle as its overall purpose.

The Fiat 500 comes in three model types.  The basic level is the Fiat 500 Pop.  The mid-range is the Fiat 500 Sport.  The top range is the Fiat 500 Lounge.  The Lounge incorporates an automatic transmission.  Automatic transmission is also available on both the Pop and the Sport as an option, but adds a thousand dollars onto the price tag.  Automatic transmission availability, indeed, is one of the distinctions between Fiat 500s as sold in the United States and in Europe.

In terms of technical aspects, the professional reviewer at Car and Driver found the Fiat 500’s suspension well-matched to the car with the result of maneuverability and good road handling. 

This same reviewer also found the front seat surprisingly roomy for a car in its size and price range categories.  Rear seat spaciousness did not get as positive reports almost anywhere, although some commentators did find the rear seat space adequate when the passengers for that seat are children.  Even with regard to the space levels of the front seat, the reviewer cautioned that if that is on an individual’s desirability list, then one needs to stick with the hardtop model and forego the available glass roof.  Apparently, that feature removes inches worth of head room.

One concern reviewers mentioned involves that as a commuting vehicle with a four-cylinder engine, the Fiat 500 has a limited power delivery.  Depending on exactly where one is commuting, this may or may not pose a problem.  In particular, reviewers mentioned that those who live in an area where they have a lot of uphill/downhill driving to incorporate in their commute, the Fiat 500 may not be the best choice.

However, overall in consumer reviews by owners or those who had driven a Fiat 500 at some point as a rented vehicle, consumers on the whole were more positive than negative about Fiat 500 vehicles.

For Fiat 500s in Philadelphia, Reedman Toll Fiat, including year-end specials on 2012 models.   Part of Fiat’s strategy in re-entering the United States market involves limiting the quantity of Fiat outlets. 

References:

2012 Fiat 500 U.S.-Spec, Car and Driver, http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2012-fiat-500-drive-fiat-500-review

Review: 2012 Fiat 500 Lounge (BCAS Edition), The Truth About Cars, Michael Karesh, http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2011/10/review-2012-fiat-500-lounge/