FIAT in U.S. - Who knew?

[dave lackey]

Sometimes I feel like I must live under a rock... got a few Fiat dealerships open in Atlanta now. Had no idea! Bout time, though.

 

[dave lackey]

Now, this new turbo black beetle looks interesting as well, maybe the car scene is getting better?

 

[kknox]

Hope the quality of Fiat is better now. Both Alfa & Fiat pulled out of the USA in the late 80's early 90's for qulity issues. They have some great cars now we hear.

 

[Nikon Bob]

Saw some Fiats on a recent trip to the US and I thought they were almost as ugly as a smart car. I do not drive a large car but I draw the line quite a ways before those two.

Bob

 

[Doug]

FIAT is Italy's car company, I believe at least partly state-owned. It's the parent company of Ferrari, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, others. And 20% owner of Chrysler Corp.

A decade ago on a vacation in southern Spain, we had a FIAT Punto rental car... not too bad. The A/C even worked. A non-turbo diesel as I recall, I gradually got it up to ~170kph on the freeway, briefly before I chickened out and then stayed under ~150 as the M-B and Audis passed on by.

FWIW, that trip was the first time we ever saw smart cars, and thought them a lot cuter than the Punto. Also FWIW, I now own a smart car myself...

 

[Nikon Bob]

Doug

Oooops, sorry but everyone's taste is different.

Bob

 

[David Murphy]

Hope the quality of Fiat is better now. Both Alfa & Fiat pulled out of the USA in the late 80's early 90's for qulity issues. They have some great cars now we hear.

Perhaps you may not be aware, but Fiat now owns Chrysler (the U.S. Government sold it to them). This may explain their sudden reappearance in the U.S. market.

 

[whatever]

$25000. with tax and title for a Fiat Lounge ( southern Ca.). I'd buy a Leica S2 and ride a bike if I was going to spend that sort of money.
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/ctd/2456085907.html

 

[Doug]

Oooops, sorry but everyone's taste is different.

No sweat, Bob! Since the smart is made in France, I'll agree that "à chacun son goût".

Seen in Syracusa:

 

[ebolton]

I test drove one this afternoon. I had a '78 Fiat back in the day that might have been the only reliable Fiat that ever got imported into the USA, if everybody else's stories are true. It's smaller inside than my current Chevy Aveo, about the same level of power, but handles and shifts much better. I personally like the styling. The car is assembled in Mexico from parts sourced worldwide. Supposedly, it's got a Detroit engine. I liked it.

Edit: add link to pictures:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ebolton/sets/72157627148439737/detail/

 

[ebolton]

Well, after consultation with the Minister of Finance and negotiations with the dealer, I bought it and took delivery today. After 30 years, I once again own a Fiat. This is my 4th "European" car. I've had a Fiat X1/9 (assembled in Italy), a VW Rabbit (assembled in USA), and a VW Golf (assembled in Mexico, IIRC). Since the 500 is assembled in Mexico, I guess it is Italian with a Mexican/Spanish accent. I hope this car turns out as well it's European and pseudo-European predecessors, which were all pretty good for me.

The 500 actually has more USA and NAFTA country content than my last Chevrolet (which I traded for it)!