DRIVE- 2012 Fiat 500 Lounge

Fiat left the American market back in 1983. In 2011 it's returning in a small way. Literally. The 500 is nearly 7 inches shorter than a MINI Cooper but it's long on style. Tom Voelk travels to San Diego to preview the US version of an Italian icon.

[@carguy379]

I think Tom Voelk makes the best reviews on youtube

[@adulby]

Id like to see a car like this with better MPG. It has all the useful characteristics of a small car but 34 Hmpg just aint gonna cut it for me. I know its good and I know thats not the point of the fiat but still. BTW great review again DCR. Great job keeping it relevant too, since this car is just arriving in the US. I still say you are the best car reviewers on here. nothing fancy just great information with good presentation. keep it up.

[@mrmijunte10]

This is a perfect car for a teenage girl, it is good looking, safe and on the cheap side.

[@3656761]

I love the color, drove a Sport in this color and automatic and loved it. I drove the base five speed and loved it too. It was very quiet and rode very well. I liked it better than the Mini Cooper..which I liked too. It has higher seats and better looks.

[@ouzts12]

i looove the colorr

[@palebeachbum]

@adulby I agree. I want to upgrade to something newer and more efficient than my old, gas guzzling Volvo. This 500 really appeals to me. It's stylish, looks to be of good quality from what I gather, and is relatively affordable. However, 38mpg hwy rather sucks for such a tiny car these days. The upcoming Hyundai Accent is a little bigger, and has better projected fuel economy. The current Elantra is rated 40mpg and is significantly larger.

[@c27white]

@ilovecars1996 The manual is great in the UK! I've driven two recently and its definitely great, nice short shifts on a small gear stick. What's not too like about that?

[@h3e44]

@ilovecars1996 i drove the manual and really it isnt. it was my first time driving a stick and i never would had considered buying the manual but i would most def consider it

[@metroperson]

I am not short and I fit in the back fine......and by the way I drove the 5-speed and it is great. 30city and 38 highway....and ever car I ever had always does better than EPA

[@metroperson]

I am not short and I fit in the back fine......and by the way I drove the 5-speed and it is great.

[@WonderTracks]

I just came back from Italy and everybody was driving this damn car... So now I'm interested as well.... Only one thing, is it a girls car? :o

[@ilovecars1996]

Is the manual really that bad? This is such a small european car you'd think the manual should be the way to go.

[@orangedac]

@rock3tcat
i can't drive manual. and i don't think it would be fun to fiddle around with the stick all the time.

[@tequilaki]

i am driving one with manual, i think it's better than its 6 auto trans.

[@DevPack]

i like my 5.0 v8.

[@doddsalfa]

@bmwmakecrap 85 is very good.

[@ClubXrock]

16 grand huh? Here in Australia they start at around 27 grand - and our dollar is roughly the same as the USD! We are ripped off in every aspect!

[@Light_Worker]

What is your minimum wage in Australia ? I am sure it's more than twice more in hour.

[@mrearlygold]

hahahaha and this is who owns chrysler now, lol

[@rock3tcatU233]

Why do american reviewers always go for automatics? I just don't get it, manuals are just more fun to drive. Nuff said..

[@13nedimja]

this car made in serbia be like yugo only you pay more than for yugo if price be 5.000$

[@Light_Worker]

I want this car because of the nice design for sassy girl like me :) American cars are mostly super boring.

[@posro1988]

@ilovecars1996 it is automatic sucks but guess he's pretty lazy

[@qazwas2001]

Lol @ premium fuel... Way to miss the point. This is why toyota does so well; they sell you a well-made vehicle only . They don't try and sell you an identity, or convince you that a car is anything but an appliance.

[@TheGregorKhan]

Lol Americans say fiiiiiiiiat:D