Choosing Your Next Fiat

Fiat Returns to America

Fiat returned to the American market in 2009 after being gone more than a quarter of a century, saving the Chrysler Corporation from almost certain bankruptcy. Soon after, Fiat-branded cars returned to U.S. roads, bringing Italian style to the subcompact car segment with the American introduction of the Fiat 500. 

The 500 gained attention with its retro looks and nimble handling, but the Italian automaker knew that having one vehicle wasn't enough for long run. The Fiat 500 lineup has grown to include a convertible, the battery-electric 500e, and the high-performance Fiat 500 Abarth. The model’s growth has been hampered by lower-than-average reliability scores and initial quality concerns.

Larger models, such as the 500L wagon and 500X crossover, have joined the Fiat family. Four Fiat models are now available in America, including a sporty roadster built on the same platform as the Mazda MX-5 Miata. If you want to get to know the Fiat family and where they stack in our rankings, read on.

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Fiat 500X

The best Fiat car in our current rankings is also one of its newest, the 500X. It currently sits ninth in our rankings of subcompact SUVs with a luxurious cabin and some of the sharpest handling characteristics in the class.

Few models in our subcompact SUV rankings can match the 500X’s interior. The model is much more premium than other Fiat models, with swathes of soft-touch materials and excellent fit and finish. Headroom is quite good for all passengers, but legroom in the back is tight for adults. The 500X earns praise for its versatile cargo area, which has an adjustable cargo shelf and under-floor storage. All 500Xs feature a four-speaker audio system, USB and auxiliary inputs, seven airbags, and heated outside mirrors.

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Fiat 500X

A choice of two four-cylinder engines are offered in the 500X: a 2.4-liter or a turbocharged 1.4-liter. Reviewers say the 1.4-liter turbo is the better pick, as it delivers reasonable performance and excellent fuel economy. The only thing that might put you off is that the turbo is only available with a six-speed manual transmission. If you want an automatic, you’ll need to go for the 2.4-liter. This engine has a number of issues,  including an unrefined feeling and some of the lowest fuel economy figures in the class.

Around corners, the 500X exhibits sharp handling and little body roll, though a bit more feel from the steering would be welcomed. The ride is on the firm side, so you’ll feel some of the bumps that other crossovers suspensions might dampen out.

Fiat 500X prices start at $20,000.

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Fiat 500L

If practicality is toward the top of your list, the Fiat 500L is worth a look. It’s like a wagon version of the Fiat 500, with the Italian city car style, but in a more functional package. The 500L currently holds the No. 9 slot in our wagon rankings.

Power for the 500L comes from a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 160 horsepower. The base model comes with either a six-speed manual or a dual-clutch automated manual transmission. Higher trims get a six-speed automatic.

The turbo engine delivers decent performance around town but struggles under demands such as merging onto or passing on a freeway. The manual and automatic transmissions perform well, so you should skip the dual-clutch with its too slow gear changes. The 500L’s ride is smooth, although some observers say it doesn’t feel settled when driven over a rough patch of road.

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Fiat 500L

In terms of the interior, the 500L is hampered by a sea of hard plastics that gives the space a cheap feeling. The front seats are comfortable for quick jaunts around town but don’t offer the support needed for long trips. The back seat offers plenty of head- and legroom for most adults.

Cargo space is impressive for a vehicle of the 500L’s size. Open the tailgate and you’ll find 22.4 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 68 cubic feet with them folded. All of the 500L’s seats, except for the driver’s, fold flat to maximize cargo room.

Standard equipment includes seven airbags, a 5-inch Uconnect infotainment system, keyless entry, and heated exterior mirrors.

Base price for the Fiat 500L is $19,495.

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Fiat 500

The Fiat 500 is the vehicle that heralded the return of the brand into the U.S. The hatchback is ranked 14th in our subcompact car rankings. Fiat offers a wide variety of options for the 500, so you can build one to match your style.

The 500 is available as a two-door hatchback or a convertible with a sliding fabric roof. The base engine is a 101-horsepower 1.4-liter four-cylinder. A turbocharged 1.4-liter is optional; it produces 135 horsepower in a standard 500 or 160 horsepower in the high-performance Abarth trim. There’s a choice of either a five-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic. The base 1.4-liter engine is adequate for city driving but struggles on the open road. The turbo engines are better suited for highway duties.

An electric-only model that makes 111 horsepower is available in some states. The 500e is described as having brisk acceleration. All of the 500 variants feel quite nimble around corners. For such a small car, reviewers note that the 500 provides a smooth ride.

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Fiat 500

Moving to the interior, the 500 has one of the more creative designs in the class, but it is let down by low-grade materials and marginal build quality. The front seats are surprisingly roomy for a subcompact car, while the back is best reserved for kids. Cargo space is disappointing, with the 500 offering a paltry 9.5 cubic feet. Fold the seats, and there’s 30.2 cubic feet of cargo space.

Fiat 500 pricing begins at $16,995 for the base Pop model. That nets you seven airbags, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 5-inch Uconnect system, and power accessories. The Fiat 500's price puts it above the likes of the Kia Rio ($14,165) and Chevrolet Spark ($14,365), and below the Mini Hardtop ($20,950). All three should be considered before the 500, based on the reviews and data that drive our rankings.

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2017 Fiat 124 Spider

Too new to be included in our rankings, Fiat’s newest model, the 124 Spider roadster, was codeveloped with and is built by Mazda, using the underpinnings of the MX-5 Miata with engines developed by Fiat. The 124 Spider goes on sale this summer and will be available in multiple trims, including a high-performance Abarth version.

To learn see more about how Fiats fare in our rankings compared to the competition, check them out on our new and used car sites. Join the conversation about the Best Cars on Facebook and Twitter.

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