Used 2018 FIAT 500L Consumer Reviews
Fiat 500L = Fun Italian Ride
This little Italian charmer has been quite a refreshing joy to drive over the last few weeks. The performance of the multi-air turbo is phenomenal and unexpected. For its size, the 500L is nimble and handles more like a sports car than the Fiat self-described "Urban Utility Vehicle." I highly recommend the Trekking version of this vehicle. It is a better designed model than the others offered and more rugged in appearance.
Fun and Functional
Having owned a fiat 128 Sedan, Fiat 128 3P, Fiat Bravo, and Fiat Spyder 2000 and loved them all I thought I would give Fiat another try since my wife has had a trouble free 500 Sport since 2012 with no problems. I traded in my luxury ride Buick Century for a 500L and I am in love with it. It has plenty enough power to get you on the interstate and cruise at the traditional 5 mph above the speed limit, as well as, get you in and out of tight spots. I especially love the option of running the gears yourself with the optional 6 speed automatic. It has lots of room both front and back and handles like a European Car should handle. It cuts and turns quickly and holds the road beautifully. All of that while maintaining a comfortable ride. I noticed that it stands just a few inches short of my 2003 Chevy Venture van. The appearance means a lot to me also, as it is highly unique and does not have the cookie cutter design that most cars have. In general, it looks great, is functional, roomy, powerful enough and fun to drive.
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- Lounge WagonMSRP: $10,988112 mi away
- Pop WagonMSRP: $11,395115 mi away
- Trekking WagonMSRP: $11,995238 mi away
Disagree with the experts. This car is underrated!
This is the 11th new car I have purchased and this is one of the most enjoyable. My 2015 500L is a pleasure to drive. This vehicle has received more than a few negative professional reviews but I strongly disagree. Yes the center armrest is narrow but it is functional. I do not mind the emergency brake handle location. The car provides a great view of the road and the seating position is excellent. The ride is tuned to a good level in my opinion. I live in Chicago and this car has proven to be easy to park in tight city street spaces while providing excellent interior volume. Great cargo space for those larger purchases. Highway performance is also good, I have averaged 33 mpg. My children love this car and prefer to ride in it vs our Ford Taurus. I was in the market for a Chrysler 200 but when I could not find one equipped to my liking I took a chance on test driving the 500L and never looked back. Yes I was concerned with the professional ratings and reviews but my experience has been all positive. I have not experienced the brake fade some reviewers did. My car came with the Beats audio system and I frequently have too adjust the base level down as it is tuned too a level way too high.
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I LOVE my 2015 Fiat 500L Trekking 6-speed automati
I had a 2012 500 Sport and it was time for something bigger, I love the look of the 500X and had to take one for a test drive. I picked a Black 500X Trekking AWD, I liked the comfortable ride and was impressed with the 9 speed transmission. While talking about the numbers with my sales person, I could not take my eyes of this 2015 Rosso Perla colored 500L Trekking that was on the show room floor. After a few days I still could not get that car out of my mind, so I went back and test drove that 500L and I loved the cavernous feel on the inside, but it isn't enormous outside (love the cargo area and fold down back seats); it sips gas, has really good visibility, comfortable front seats and a smooth drive. The AISIN Heavy Duty 6 speed automatic shifts great and responds well when I need to down shift for passing or merging onto the highway. So for me I had to have the 500L Trekking, a week after I got it we took it on our family vacation. And it was very comfortable on that long 4 hour road trip to Todd PA. It got around 34 mpg (all highway driving) and on my normal day to day driving I average around 30 combined. I do love this car. I've had no problems whatsoever with it (it's still very new, only 1850 miles, so I'll keep my fingers crossed). It's weird, cute, bug-eyed looking and these are all positives to me. I have absolutely no regrets having moved into a car that performs the same functions of getting me around, but gives me so much more enjoyment than the average same-old same-old car everyone else has. Family, friends and coworkers always ask me "Why another Fiat?" aMy response is always the same, go test drive one for yourself and you will see why I love them. Not every poor review about the Fiat brand is true; you can't believe everything you read. After a year of ownership, the Fiat 500l Trekking is one of the best vehicles I have owned. Unlike other reviews I have not had any problems with the 500l. The only time it has seen the service center is for its routine maintenance. So let me say it again, not every poor review about the Fiat brand is true; you can't believe everything you read.
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Sleeper of a deal...
WHY is this car not more popular? I mean, I know it looks "different", but that's a good thing in the endless sea of "blah" crossovers and SUV's. Had to give up my beloved VW GTI because we're "of a certain age" and getting in/out of a vehicle is now a major factor for us. This thing is a hoot. I don't understand any of the reviews that state the car has a rough ride. We rented a Cadillac ATS a while back, and this cars ride is, unbelievably, just as good. We find the engine plenty peppy (remember, I traded in my GTI for this), the transmission is just fine, and the steering is nice and light for dodging other cars in parking lots. I've got 1000 miles on it as of this review, and no problems. The interior of this car is GI-MON-GOUS. Huge headroom, legroom, and space in all directions. I wish more people would test drive these things; Once you drive one, you'll buy it. Very very European driving experience. You'll love it.
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A Great Car, ignore the ratings and reviews !!!!
This car has true Italian Styling. It is very comfortable with plenty of room. Although a little sluggish with the automatic, you have the option of changing gears yourself that gives your 500L a lot of kick. Handling should get great ratings from anyone. I have had mine for over a year and trouble-free. I also love the room in the back. If you are looking for a great car that is roomy, versatile and looks great....the 500L is it.
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Saved my life!!
I bought a 500L Trekking I'm 2014. After half a year of smooth sailing a crazy person ran a red light and almost killed me. I had four surgeries. The car saves my life. The frame held up despite the awful crash. Now I bought a new leftover 2015 600L Easy. I missed this car so much. I'm glad to be alive and happy to be on the road with this dependable and absolutely adorable car!!
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Love this car
Owned a 2014, but didn't like the twin clutch so I upgraded to the 2015. I love the car again. With snow tires I don't need 4 wheel drive in Salt Lake City and I take myself and three others and their gear skiing every week. I don't need a rack either. I just fit it in the back no problem.
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Nifty and fun, nice extras
I always start with the negatives I note. First would be the fabric. I'm simply not fond of it, it reminds me of heavy duty panty hose and seems to pick up dirt easily. The center armrest is very high and awkwardly placed. There is so much width the door armrest isn't really reachable, either. That said... I love driving this car. After years of soccer mom-mobiles, I wanted something small, easy to maneuver and park, better on gas, and fun. However, we have two large dogs and stepkids on weekends. This is a perfect blend for us. Room for five without needing a shoehorn, and not like driving a Sherman tank. 2 years later. I still LOVE this car. Except for a couple of minor sensor issues fixed under warranty it has been trouble free. Our summer here of 120 and higher do hurt the mileage, about 25mpg in summer, but I get a solid 33mpg in the cooler months. Has had regular dealer maintenance. I've replaced a headlight bulb, a reverse light bulb, tires, and brakes in 50k miles. So I will be a repeat customer. I still get compliments on my little beep beep!!!
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STILL THE BEST
Yes, after nearly Six years - STILL THE BEST! My MPG stays at 28.8! (I switched from mid-grade to no-octane gas). Road in construction caused damage to intercooler, and then the turbocharger. So I replaced those two. Other than that, car is phenomenal. Make sure to put the high grade petrol and the correct oil, Mopar filter, etc. I absolutely continue to think what I wrote below years back... I would never know why the "official" reviews were/are so negative. It's an ongoing puzzle because (besides a serpentine belt's part which came loose and was misdiagnosed at Fiat service at year 2, and the car gave plenty of warnings) this car has been a star. Equally so in upstate NY (currently -2F) and in the city (NYC) some 200 miles south. It packs plenty of power, very responsive, the turbo is fantastic and, being only front wheel drive, I see no problems driving on the icy roads outside. Always starts (no need for engine heater) and I have seen some serious winters here; car is parked outside, no garage. Flawless electronics, stunning design inside and out. One change of tires - after 40k miles ! Steady 27 MPG combined highway/dense city traffic. I think the "reviewers" are stagnant in their confined positioning to slave on big brands and their boxy, boring designs and most of all, unimaginative, humor-less " seriousness" that prevents them to see how very cool and functional Fiat 500L is ! My car is still a head-turner ! Too bad Fiat won't bring to the US the wagon version with even more hind space.
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