2012 Fiat 500C Convertible

Pros: With most cars in this category, you get what you pay for.
With the 500c, I'm convinced you get MORE than you pay for.
Style is a foregone conclusion - nothing compares.
No problems with the Blue & Me technology on my 500c - it's easy to use, in

Cons: Why Fiat coddles its Multi Air engine is a mystery.
A few minor aftermarket tweaks, and you'll have more muscle.
Curb appeal? Italian design at its best.
But open the door and even with the leather option, you'll find the interior sells the car short.

Summary: If you're looking for a car that has more style, more panache than any in its class, you should consider the Fiat 500c.
If you're looking to maximize the price/value equation, you all should consider the Fiat 500c.
I haven't found a warranty that's better than Fiat. Four years, not three. Five years drive train.
Sure, it's the new kid on the block - to most Americans, untried and untested.
But look at its DNA - Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Lancia - and sooner or later, an Italian car could be the car you'll buy.
I did.
Full disclosure: I do not sell cars!

Updated on Jul 13, 2011

PRO (cont.)

Blue & Me integrates perfectly with my iPhone, iPod, iPad.
The convertible top has three positions - if rear view is impaired when the top is completely down, just use the second position. Top is down, the rear window stays up.
The Multi Air engine is small, but still fast and zippy. With due respect to CNET, the Sport mode tightens steering and changes shift differential, making it even more fun to drive.
Looking for more power? There are inexpensive after market workarounds.
Highway driving? No wind sheer from 16 wheelers at all.
Ecco Drive, the Fiat fuel economy feature, shows how your driving effects MPG. (CNET missed that.)
Sirius digital radio is free for 1 year - the Bose sound system rocks on the Lounge model.
The Fiat 500c is thousands less than the Mini, a worthy competitor.
It will give it a real run for the money.
If it's a price/value proposition, Fiat wins big, IMHO.

Updated on Jul 13, 2011

CONS (cont.)


What's with the over abundance of plastic in the car's interior?
...and that cheesy seat adjustment mechanism?
...and the navigation option?
Sorry, but if I wanted Tom Tom navigation, I'd buy one. It just doesn't cut it.
The suspension is kinda squishy, intended to make the ride smoother.
So tighten it up, add new springs, lower the car an inch and a quarter.
And make those 16" tires from the Sport, standard equipment.
After all, European cars (compared to Asian) do give the driver a real feel for the road.
Fuel economy is good, not great, right now.
But I'll give it a few thousand miles and then see what happens.
Even that could be an easy after market fix (although it should've been done in Detroit).
But maybe that's the point.
Fiat owners have a long tradition of "personalizing" their cars.
Perhaps today's 500 US version will be no exception.
Even if it's just a custom color coordinated Fiat gear shift knob, it only adds to the pleasure of owning the car.