45°
According to the U.S. News & World Report, the 2011, the 2012 FIAT 500 ranks 11 out of 33 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on analysis of 11 published reviews and test drives of the FIAT 500, as well as analyses of reliability and safety data. Here is Rick Newman's micro-review.
Starts at $15,500 / 30 MPG city / 38 MPG highway
What it is: The second worthy minicar from Europe, and the first Fiat to go on sale in America since the Italian automaker fled the U.S. market in the 1980s.
What's worth knowing: The impish 500, known in Europe and the Cinquecento, has arrived here thanks to the collapse and subsequent bailout of Chrysler. When the Obama administration had to decide whether to save General Motors and Chrysler in 2009, G.M. was a fairly easy call, since it was so large and integral to the U.S. auto industry. Chrysler, not so much. That bailout hinged on an agreement by Fiat to partner with Chrysler, bring in some badly needed small-car technology, and eventually take a majority ownership stake in the No. 3 U.S. automaker, which Fiat has done. The 500 is the first spawn of that shotgun marriage. To retool it for the U.S. market, Fiat included a new engine manufactured in Michigan, enlarged cupholders, bigger seats (sorry to say), and a stiffened rear axle, for more stable cruising on wind-blown highways.
Who it's for: Small people. With small families. Or better yet, no families at all. While it can accommodate average-sized adults, the 500 is obviously a modish hipstermobile meant as a getabout for people who travel light. While there's a rear seat, it barely fits kids, and the "trunk" is barely roomy enough for a suitcase. Better to fold the rear seats down, for a reasonable amount of storage, and consider it a two-seater. The 500 can serve as a commuter car for families whose other vehicle is one of those boxy haulers, but it will be a poor backup if you suddenly need it to drive a few kids to soccer practice.
What's good: The 500 is fun and stylish, with go-karty handling, enough pickup to feel sporty, and adequate stability at highway speeds. Mileage is great and it's a delight fitting into parking spaces that other drivers don't even bother to try.
What's bad: I mentioned it's tiny, right? In addition, some of the dials and handles feel cheap, and there's no central lock/unlock button, which can be frustrating. You tug on one of the door handles instead.
How it stacks up: The 500 seems like a good bargain compared to its main rival, the Mini Cooper, since it's cheaper yet offers roughly the same functionality. It's far better than the goofy Smart Fortwo, which has been a flop in America thanks to weezy acceleration and unsure handling on the highway. The Honda Fit and others in that class are a bit bigger than the 500, and therefore more practical.
What to do if you want one: Make sure you can live with such a diminutive car, and remember that you're gambling on a brand that's unproven in America. If you're willing to accept those tradeoffs, the "Sport" model (starting at $17,500) might be the one to aim for, since it has bigger tires, sportier handling and a better set of electronics than the entry-level "Pop" model.
Click here for everything else you need to know.
Rick Newman is the Chief Business Correspondent for U.S. News & World Report and a longtime car buff. He covers corporate and consumer trends from the magazine's New York bureau. Rick is also the magazine's car reviewer and will be writing what he calls "micro-reviews" here on a regular basis, as well as writing about all things vehicular.
Follow Rick on Twitter, @rickjnewman
Click here to follow Daily Voice Norwalk and receive free news updates.
