DustinV

I bought this months Auto Motor und Sport because of their test of the new BMW 530d. Also included in this months issues was a 50,000 km test of the Fiat 500. Since this vehicle is headed to North America, I thought it would be appropriate to post this test here.

The 50,000 km test is a virtually an ownership test conducted by the magazine to see how cars fare over a longer period.

One of the aims of this endurance test is to obtain an impression of the vehicle's reliability. The Fiat 500 here performed admirably. Over the course of the journey, the little car had to visit the shop only twice for an unscheduled service (in red). There were two minor issues (in blue) that affected vehicle, to.

- 20,817 km = faulty shaft on the steering column (replaced)
- 28,997 km = a button for the radio controls fell off
- 34,012 km = temperature sensor and A/C failure
- 34,358 km = faulty temperature sensor (replaced)

Other than these issues, the car was reliable throughout the 50,000 km journey. The 500 tested was a 1.2 model with 69-horsepower. The testers described the engine as agile and completely adequate.

Four Fiat 500 owners wrote the magazine describing their experiences with their 500s. Interestingly enough, none of them mentioned anything about their cars being unreliable. In fact they praised the reliability and the fun factor of their little 500s.

The most common complaints, however, which all owners had, were the excessive fuel consumption [for such a small car], poor [seat] comfort and vague transmission shift patterns.

caddyowner

... and cleaning up the gerbil droppings on the garage floor under the front of the car. I'm sorry, but 69 FHP? FAIL

If the future of Chrysler is hinging on the success of this car in the U.S., they might as well fold the tent now.

venom21

Horsepower is everything in Europe like it seems to be in America. Anyway I'm sure the U.S version will be more powerful.

seanlee

50k km=31,250 mile.

i drive that much in a year and half. having 4 issues is unacceptable.

"they praised the reliability" is that joke or something? Europeans really do have low standards.

DustinV

What's the problem?

69-horsepower are completely adequate for such a small car. Besides, there are more powerful engines available for the 500.

DustinV

The people who wrote to the magazine have apparently not experienced any problems with their 500. The 500 that AMS tested for 50,000 km has had some problems on the other hand.

Europeans, like anybody else, obviously do care about reliability. It has to be said that the problems the AMS Fiat 500 1.2 experienced, with the exception of the steering shaft, were hardly major issues that would leave the car stranded. If the A/C failed, then I suppose it might get a little hot (in the summer), but it's hardly "major problem".

I8ABMR

Under powered cars are a lot of fun. Its light weight, nimble , and available in a manual so its fun to drive. Its not evo fun to drive but it works in the city with city traffic.
I am welcoming this new member to the american market
I had am 1986 civic that had 64hp and it used to get me around fine.