2012 Fiat 500 Reviews

2012 Fiat 500
Italian automakers may never have been known for world-class quality, or for brilliant marketing, but the eye for a finely turned turn signal, or a pure side-glass silhouette? Va bene? Va bene.

The 2012 Fiat 500 is out in the wild now, streaming out of more than a hundred new Fiat showrooms across the country, as Chrysler and Fiat firm up their alliance and find new, inventive ways to get high-gas-mileage cars to America quickly. No one can predict if this truly is the tide-turning moment for small cars in the States.

The all-new 2012 Fiat 500 ushers in the return of the Fiat brand to North America.
There was once a car so small it made the Mini seem like a Big. A car so cute the animators of the movie Cars did little to transform one into the adorable "Luigi." Compared to a Mini Cooper, it's 6 inches shorter in overall length and 2 inches narrower. An Italian car built by Chrysler in the same Mexico plant that built the K-Car, the Neon and the PT Cruiser?

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2012 Fiat 500 is a two-door subcompact hatchback available in Pop, Sport and Lounge trim levels. Standard equipment on the 500 Pop includes 15-inch steel wheels and chrome-trimmed wheel covers, keyless entry, full power accessories, heated mirrors, air-conditioning, cruise control, a tilt-only steering wheel, a height-adjustable driver seat, a trip computer and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and auxiliary audio jack. The Convenience package adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, Fiat's Blue&Me Bluetooth phone connectivity and an iPod/USB audio interface. The Fiat 500 Sport gains 16-inch alloy wheels, firmer suspension tuning, retuned steering, slightly different styling, a roof spoiler, foglamps, sport seats, cloth/vinyl sport upholstery and the Pop's two optional packages. The Safety & Convenience package (automatic transmission required) includes automatic climate control, a compact spare tire and heated front seats.

The 2012 Fiat 500 is powered by a 1.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 101 hp and 98 pound-feet of torque. The 2012 Fiat 500 comes standard with stability and traction control, antilock disc brakes, a driver knee airbag, front side airbags and side curtain airbags.

Interior Design and Special Features
While the Fiat 500's retro styling screams "Mini fighter," its interior raises the decibels even further. Other than the Smart Fortwo, the Fiat 500 is the smallest car sold in the United States. Backseat legroom is understandably modest compared to other small cars, but it is more generous than what the Mini Cooper offers.

The 2012 Fiat 500. So far, the automotive press has welcomed this Italian mini car with open arms.
That means shoppers who’ve always wanted a peppy mini car with some utilitarian qualities, but can’t afford for the Cooper, can spring for the Fiat 500.

Reviewers say the Fiat 500 is fun to drive, but don’t think its success is assured. Other Cars to Consider
The Cooper’s performance ranks at the top of the class, but there are two areas where 500 beats the Cooper: cargo space and price. The Cooper has 24 cubic feet with the rear seats folded – the Fiat has 30. If the Cooper costs too much and you aren’t sold on the Fiat’s “large” maximum cargo capacity, turn to the Mazda2. Test drivers think it’s just as zippy as the Fiat 500. Details: 2011 Fiat 500
The Fiat 500 comes in three trims: Pop, Sport and Lounge.