Fiat Returns to U.S. Market

[cigaretteman]

The last time you could buy a new Fiat in the U.S., Michael Jackson's Thriller music video played endlessly on MTV, cellphones were as big as bricks, and Ronald Reagan railed at the Soviets while dispensing jelly beans from the Oval Office.



The Italian brand's stylish small cars vanished from the American landscape 27 years ago, victim of growing Asian brand sales, low gas prices and a reputation for vehicle breakdowns. Few expected Fiat to return.
Yet, it's back. Fiat Automotive this month again will sell a Fiat-brand car — the small, retro-styled Fiat 500 coupe that's been a hit in Europe since rolling out in 2007. Fiat-controlled Chrysler will oversee sales of Fiats in the U.S.

Fiat reintroduces itself to U.S. with 500 model - USATODAY.com

 

[Wesley]

One woman in the age group where Fiat expects to find its sweet spot, Vanessie Christensen, 23, thought the cars are too small. "I do a lot of sports, and they would never work for me," the surfer said.

Get a SUV.

 

[ISUAgronomist]

Guess I'd have to get the sunroof model for my head to stick out the top.

 

[Wesley]

Guess I'd have to get the sunroof model for my head to stick out the top.

Is that the rear view or side view of the car?

 

[Bobber]

Good luck. I have a hard time believing they'll sell many. Glorified Yugos.

 

[jdoggivjc]

Guess I'd have to get the sunroof model for my head to stick out the top.

I would never be able to squeeze myself into that... :err:

 

[jsmith86]

To be followed shortly by a news story about Fiat leaving the US market due to poor sales.

 

[ISUAgronomist]

I would never be able to squeeze myself into that... :err:

Hit brakes = knock out headlight :biglaugh:

 

[Wesley]

Great vehicle for driving in blizzards. Just pick it up and put it in the back of a pickup. It adds weight.

 

[rebecacy]

Fiat reintroduces itself to U.S. with 500 model - USATODAY.com

My first car was the 124 spider -- loved that car when it ran!!!

 

[JP4CY]

If that thing has a backseat, I would probably have to pull a Police Academy and rip out the front seat and drive from the back.

 

[ISUAgronomist]

If that thing has a backseat, I would probably have to pull a Police Academy and rip out the front seat and drive from the back.

My thoughts exactly.

 

[dmclone]

I'd rather have a Fiat 500 than any of the other offerings from Chrysler right now.

I've never sat in a 500 but I've driven a Fiat in Italy and I was surprised how much head/leg room it had for such a small car. I'm 6'2 and I had plenty of head room. This was a diesel version that got nearly 50mpg. The bad thing about the 500 is that they probably won't bring a diesel version and it will struggle to get 35mpg.

If you really want to question my manhood, I just rented a car for a trip I'm taking to Italy in 2 months and the name........Fiat Panda. Now that's G

 

[kingcy]

Are those donut tires?

 

[TxCycloneFan]

Guess I'd have to get the sunroof model for my head to stick out the top.

Actual size photo of car

 

[snowcraig2.0]

These cars a actually really great vehicles. WE foresee one in our future. That will give us a truck, a SUV, and then a small car for gas mileage.

 

[dmclone]

For comparison sake.

It has more than an inch more headroom than a Camry and about an inch less in leg room.

 

[FarminCy]

Guess I'd have to get the sunroof model for my head to stick out the top.

My question is if I ever rode in your fancy new fiat with you would there be room for two heads out the sunroof.

My knees hurt just looking at that thing.

 

[dmclone]

Or even better

Ford Expedition

Head room 39.5
Leg room 41.1
Weight 6,128 lbs

Fiat 500

Head room 38.8
Leg room 40.7
Weight 2,400 lbs

 

[FarminCy]

Or even better

Ford Expedition

Head room 39.5
Leg room 41.1

Fiat 500

Head room 38.8
Leg room 40.7

Stop using facts, your ruining my fun.