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I see fewer and fewer of them. This is one more failure to make Americans adopt European driving style. Oh sure, it was kinda cute at first but the crush is over. Depreciation is horrendous. Managed to take a peek at a Carmax appraisal form. A two year old 500 was appraised for $5000, and even that is too much.
I think they were intending to compete with Mini.
I see Mini's all the time and they've been here for almost 2 decades now, so the small car style itself isn't the problem. It's probably all the bad rankings it's always getting.
I drove the original Fiat 500/600 from the 1960's.
Neat little car but very basic and cheaply made.
Many basic cars from Europe at that time.
Vespa even made a car at that time.
The current 500 is a mishmash of components and assembly. Engine made in Romania (or some such country) and the transmission made in Poland (or some such country).
And the Italians just don't have a reputation of making quality cars (except exotics).
The Fiat 500 is cute. But cute only lasts a few years. Just look at the history of the AMC Pacer.
If the Fiat 500 was priced right there would be more sold. But for that same money one can purchase a Toyota, Nissan, Ford or Chevrolet.
Fiat Chrysler is doomed. They just can't make cars that sell.
The problem is reliability. People flocked to the dealership based upon physical appearance. They bought it for a variety of reasons including look, image, fuel economy, ease of parking in cities, and handling. They traded in or sold the car due to reliability issues. In base for it's a good urban commuter vehicle but when people buy a commuter vehicle they want reliability. A FIAT 500 Abrath sport model is fun to thrash about but keep a repair shop handy. It's not correct to compare the 500 to the Smart as the Smart seats only 2. A better comparison is the Chevrolet Spark. They're nearly the same size, seats 4, good fuel economy, and are good urban commuter vehicles. Where they differ is price, reliability, style, and image. Though the 500 is better styled and offers better handling, the Spark offers a lower price and better reliability.
I drove the original Fiat 500/600 from the 1960's.
Neat little car but very basic and cheaply made.
Many basic cars from Europe at that time.
Vespa even made a car at that time.
The current 500 is a mishmash of components and assembly. Engine made in Romania (or some such country) and the transmission made in Poland (or some such country).
And the Italians just don't have a reputation of making quality cars (except exotics).
The Fiat 500 is cute. But cute only lasts a few years. Just look at the history of the AMC Pacer.
If the Fiat 500 was priced right there would be more sold. But for that same money one can purchase a Toyota, Nissan, Ford or Chevrolet.
Fiat Chrysler is doomed. They just can't make cars that sell.
So their chalanger and charger and 300 don't sell you say you better look at the numbers for the challenger and charger and don't forget about Jeep either. If Fiat Chrysler is doomed like you say they are why are the retooling 2 plants to make the Jeep pickup and a new SUV. And if Chrysler was doomed why are Ram pickups Selling so well, no answers for that right. I love it when people think they know so much about the auto industry but haven't a clue what they are talking about. I know people who work for Chrysler and are working 7 days a week at there sterling hgts stamping plant yea Chrysler is doomed.
So their chalanger and charger and 300 do sell you say you better look at the numbers for the challenger and charger and don't forget about Jeep either. If Fiat Chrysler is doomed like you say they are why are the retooling 2 plants to make the Jeep pickup and a new SUV. And if Chrysler was doomed why are Ram pickups Shelly so well, no answers for that right. I love it when people think they know so much about the auto industry but haven't a clue what they are talking about. I know people who work for Chrysler and are working 7 days a week at there sterling hgts stamping plant yea Chrysler is doomed.
The Challenger, Charger, 300, all pickup trucks, and most JEEPS are still holdover Chrysler products with virtually nothing from FIAT. the two cars Chrysler and Dodge did sell that were made from FIAT foundation and engines also sold poorly. Like the FIAT 500 they handled well but they also had reliability issues. Dodge amen chrysler don't have stellar reliability reputation but their reliability is better than FIAT.
So what if Fiat is not making cars for Chrysler just because Fiat owns Chrysler you think they should have a car together like when Daimler owned them and made the Pacifica that Fiat should of made a car together with Chrysler. That's like saying that VW should make a motorcycle with Ducati because they own them. Chrysler is doing good with the 3 cars they have now. They are moving more into the SUV and truck market were you make more money. You have no idea what Chrysler is doing. I love all the auto analyst on here. I live in the motor city were we see first hand how the auto industry is doing. The Fiat 500 is separate from Chrysler dealerships and has nothing to do with the Chrysler side of the company.
My wife has a Mini Cooper S and it is fun to driver. There is somewhat of a cult about that car. Owners wave at each other on the road and there are organized rides and rallys... The main site for minisn is northamericanmotoring.com. I see very few Fiats on the road...
Jeep Renegade is selling very well, with a new plant to open in China. Mostly a Fiat. I have 5,000 miles on mine, so far totally happy with the Fiat engine and 6 speed manual. A much better shifting experience than I had with a 1998 Ford Contour. I keep a running total on mileage, I am at 32 mpg overall for 5000 miles. EPA ratings are 24/31 some people say manual transmissions beat the EPA estimates. This is basically the same vehicle as the Fiat 500X, but with a different body. Vehicle has independent rear suspension, has good ride and handling.
Small sedans in general are not setting the world on fire, at least here in the US. That two year old 500 for $5000 sounds tempting if I wanted a small car.
I think they were intending to compete with Mini.
I see Mini's all the time and they've been here for almost 2 decades now, so the small car style itself isn't the problem. It's probably all the bad rankings it's always getting.
I haven't seen a Smart Car in ages either.
Mini arrived in 2002......25 years ago! How do I know? I ordered one....
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