Comments on: Fiat and its 500 to Return to the US http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/06/10/fiat-to-return-to-the-us/ MotoringFile | MINI news, reviews and opinion. MINI Cooper, Cooper S, Clubman, Countryman Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:14:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: ulrich http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/06/10/fiat-to-return-to-the-us/comment-page-1/#comment-225105 ulrich Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:47:50 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/06/10/fiat-to-return-to-the-us/#comment-225105 <p>How does Mini benefit from the BMW network? Can’t buy a Mini at a BMW dealer… Can’t get it serviced there either!</p> <p>Mini dealers are BMW/Mini combo dealers with a separate showroom building.</p> How does Mini benefit from the BMW network? Can’t buy a Mini at a BMW dealer… Can’t get it serviced there either!

Mini dealers are BMW/Mini combo dealers with a separate showroom building.

]]> By: neuron http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/06/10/fiat-to-return-to-the-us/comment-page-1/#comment-225032 neuron Tue, 17 Jun 2008 01:26:24 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/06/10/fiat-to-return-to-the-us/#comment-225032 <p>May be combined Ferrari/ Maserati/ Alfa/ Fiat dealer and service center?</p> <p>Fiat group seems to be enjoying a renaissance under its current CEO Sergio Mechionne.</p> May be combined Ferrari/ Maserati/ Alfa/ Fiat dealer and service center?

Fiat group seems to be enjoying a renaissance under its current CEO Sergio Mechionne.

]]> By: Danf http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/06/10/fiat-to-return-to-the-us/comment-page-1/#comment-224865 Danf Sun, 15 Jun 2008 14:19:44 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/06/10/fiat-to-return-to-the-us/#comment-224865 <p>I have been following the new 500 since it came out. I would love to see this car sold in the US. Competition is always a good thing. This car is aimed right at the Mini. I remember the Fiats of the 70s and the rep is not good but Fiat has turned itself around. It is one the most profitable car company's in Europe now. You don't achieve that by making bad product.</p> I have been following the new 500 since it came out. I would love to see this car sold in the US. Competition is always a good thing. This car is aimed right at the Mini. I remember the Fiats of the 70s and the rep is not good but Fiat has turned itself around. It is one the most profitable car company’s in Europe now. You don’t achieve that by making bad product.

]]> By: Dr Obnxs http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/06/10/fiat-to-return-to-the-us/comment-page-1/#comment-224623 Dr Obnxs Fri, 13 Jun 2008 19:09:20 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/06/10/fiat-to-return-to-the-us/#comment-224623 <p>How does Mini benefit from the BMW network? Can't buy a Mini at a BMW dealer... Can't get it serviced there either!</p> <p>Matt</p> How does Mini benefit from the BMW network? Can’t buy a Mini at a BMW dealer… Can’t get it serviced there either!

Matt

]]> By: gokartride http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/06/10/fiat-to-return-to-the-us/comment-page-1/#comment-224491 gokartride Thu, 12 Jun 2008 13:13:42 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/06/10/fiat-to-return-to-the-us/#comment-224491 <p>I like the new 500 alot...just wondering what kind of dealer network could be developed/utilized when/if bringing it to the States. BMW has a strong presence here and to MINI had that going for it from the start. Regardless of past Fiat reliability issues, folks today will not settle for what they might have in times past. High levels of reliability and good all around post-sales service would be expected if it is to succeed.</p> I like the new 500 alot…just wondering what kind of dealer network could be developed/utilized when/if bringing it to the States. BMW has a strong presence here and to MINI had that going for it from the start. Regardless of past Fiat reliability issues, folks today will not settle for what they might have in times past. High levels of reliability and good all around post-sales service would be expected if it is to succeed.

]]> By: Hank http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/06/10/fiat-to-return-to-the-us/comment-page-1/#comment-224485 Hank Thu, 12 Jun 2008 11:06:21 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/06/10/fiat-to-return-to-the-us/#comment-224485 <p>5 star rating NCAP crash test.... nifty!</p> <p>@Dan S for every brand there is a acromnym. Ford: Fix Or Repair Daily Chevrolet: Car Has Extensive Valve Rattle On Long Extended Trips Buick: Big Ugly Import Car Killer</p> 5 star rating NCAP crash test…. nifty!

@Dan S for every brand there is a acromnym. Ford: Fix Or Repair Daily Chevrolet: Car Has Extensive Valve Rattle On Long Extended Trips Buick: Big Ugly Import Car Killer

]]> By: Dr Obnxs http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/06/10/fiat-to-return-to-the-us/comment-page-1/#comment-224456 Dr Obnxs Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:18:24 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/06/10/fiat-to-return-to-the-us/#comment-224456 <p>Well, same guy who did the new Mini did the new 500. Maybe they learned that the near verticle windshield didn't work to well with rocks at freeway speed. And remember, the new Mini is, to many, just a cute chick car! ;)</p> <p>It's cool that some don't like it. But it's still good to see small cars that are more than just a tin can. The trend of fun small cars is good for all, even if the styling of some of them aren't to one particular persons taste...</p> <p>Matt</p> Well, same guy who did the new Mini did the new 500. Maybe they learned that the near verticle windshield didn’t work to well with rocks at freeway speed. And remember, the new Mini is, to many, just a cute chick car! ;)

It’s cool that some don’t like it. But it’s still good to see small cars that are more than just a tin can. The trend of fun small cars is good for all, even if the styling of some of them aren’t to one particular persons taste…

Matt

]]> By: TK76911S http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/06/10/fiat-to-return-to-the-us/comment-page-1/#comment-224440 TK76911S Wed, 11 Jun 2008 20:51:50 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/06/10/fiat-to-return-to-the-us/#comment-224440 <p>Reliability aside, as I have no knowledge, I think the exterior design misses the essence. I saw a classic in Montreal recently. Dark blue & red seats. Love at first sight. Personally, I think the modern 500 version doesn't get it. Too rounded, particularly as regards the hood and the sloping windshield. It seems like a MC/Vdub Bug cross. Maybe they fell prey to the realtively new pedestrian safety standards for body design. Mini got the reincarnation right, IMHO. Not the same as the classic, but with enough vestigal charm and new twists of its own to make it attractive in its own right. Also, the 500 interior, particularly arrangement of the shifter, is odd and seems very feminine (pardon) to me. Just my $0.02.</p> Reliability aside, as I have no knowledge, I think the exterior design misses the essence. I saw a classic in Montreal recently. Dark blue & red seats. Love at first sight. Personally, I think the modern 500 version doesn’t get it. Too rounded, particularly as regards the hood and the sloping windshield. It seems like a MC/Vdub Bug cross. Maybe they fell prey to the realtively new pedestrian safety standards for body design. Mini got the reincarnation right, IMHO. Not the same as the classic, but with enough vestigal charm and new twists of its own to make it attractive in its own right. Also, the 500 interior, particularly arrangement of the shifter, is odd and seems very feminine (pardon) to me. Just my $0.02.

]]> By: E60owner/exR53 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/06/10/fiat-to-return-to-the-us/comment-page-1/#comment-224432 E60owner/exR53 Wed, 11 Jun 2008 19:46:56 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/06/10/fiat-to-return-to-the-us/#comment-224432 <p>Gosh....I hope they aren't equipped with run-flats...but a space saver spare, which if they have a SSspare tire, I am gonna sign up for one as soon as they are in our shores...yeah!</p> Gosh….I hope they aren’t equipped with run-flats…but a space saver spare, which if they have a SSspare tire, I am gonna sign up for one as soon as they are in our shores…yeah!

]]> By: mtbscott http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/06/10/fiat-to-return-to-the-us/comment-page-1/#comment-224423 mtbscott Wed, 11 Jun 2008 19:21:07 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/06/10/fiat-to-return-to-the-us/#comment-224423 <p>My first new car was a 1975 Fiat X 1/9 purchased soon after I graduated from high school. It was remarkably reliable for me, even with the torture a young driver dished out to it. (I once drove it through water up to the windows! and crashed it three times in a couple of years.) My dream car of the era was a Lancia Scorpion, aka Fiat X 1/20. I too would welcome the marque back to the states.</p> My first new car was a 1975 Fiat X 1/9 purchased soon after I graduated from high school. It was remarkably reliable for me, even with the torture a young driver dished out to it. (I once drove it through water up to the windows! and crashed it three times in a couple of years.) My dream car of the era was a Lancia Scorpion, aka Fiat X 1/20. I too would welcome the marque back to the states.

]]> By: C4 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/06/10/fiat-to-return-to-the-us/comment-page-1/#comment-224406 C4 Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:25:27 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/06/10/fiat-to-return-to-the-us/#comment-224406 <p>Not really fair to compare the build quality of a car made 30 years ago to one made today. There is no comparison.</p> Not really fair to compare the build quality of a car made 30 years ago to one made today. There is no comparison.

]]> By: nuvolari http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/06/10/fiat-to-return-to-the-us/comment-page-1/#comment-224399 nuvolari Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:49:09 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/06/10/fiat-to-return-to-the-us/#comment-224399 <p>Alfa Fiat</p> Alfa Fiat

]]> By: RB http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/06/10/fiat-to-return-to-the-us/comment-page-1/#comment-224397 RB Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:36:36 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/06/10/fiat-to-return-to-the-us/#comment-224397 <p>I never owned a Fiat but these tales of how wonderful they were back in the day seems totally out of sync with the people I knew that owned them back then, and I knew quite a few. Tales of faulty brakes, clutches, bad interiors, dealers not having parts, bad attitude from dealers and more were all I heard about in a import car club I was part of back in the 1970's. Most dumped theirs within two years time. I owned a Volvo 544.</p> <p>But it's good to hear that you folks here loved your Fiats. Like my MCS, not the greatest car I've ever owned, but the fun of driving it and the camaraderie with other MINI owners makes up for it's shortcomings. Like the Fiats of old I know of quite a few who have had very similar tales with their MINIs.</p> I never owned a Fiat but these tales of how wonderful they were back in the day seems totally out of sync with the people I knew that owned them back then, and I knew quite a few. Tales of faulty brakes, clutches, bad interiors, dealers not having parts, bad attitude from dealers and more were all I heard about in a import car club I was part of back in the 1970′s. Most dumped theirs within two years time. I owned a Volvo 544.

But it’s good to hear that you folks here loved your Fiats. Like my MCS, not the greatest car I’ve ever owned, but the fun of driving it and the camaraderie with other MINI owners makes up for it’s shortcomings. Like the Fiats of old I know of quite a few who have had very similar tales with their MINIs.

]]> By: Dan S http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/06/10/fiat-to-return-to-the-us/comment-page-1/#comment-224393 Dan S Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:50:02 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/06/10/fiat-to-return-to-the-us/#comment-224393 <p>Sorry Dave, FIAT reliability in the 1970s was a joke. I owned two Spyders, a 72 and a 78. Loved the first so much I bought the 2nd but my Italian mechanic Tony loved them even more. Don't forget, FIAT is an acromnym meaning Fix It Again Tony. The 2nd left me stranded several times. The 1st just cost a lot to maintain. But when they were running well they were manna from heaven to drive! I also owned a 1958 MGA Coupe but that's another story.</p> <p>Bottom line, if FIAT can prove its reliability in this market like Mini and Hyundai I'd love to have one in my stable.</p> Sorry Dave, FIAT reliability in the 1970s was a joke. I owned two Spyders, a 72 and a 78. Loved the first so much I bought the 2nd but my Italian mechanic Tony loved them even more. Don’t forget, FIAT is an acromnym meaning Fix It Again Tony. The 2nd left me stranded several times. The 1st just cost a lot to maintain. But when they were running well they were manna from heaven to drive! I also owned a 1958 MGA Coupe but that’s another story.

Bottom line, if FIAT can prove its reliability in this market like Mini and Hyundai I’d love to have one in my stable.

]]> By: Vanwall http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/06/10/fiat-to-return-to-the-us/comment-page-1/#comment-224378 Vanwall Wed, 11 Jun 2008 05:53:32 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/06/10/fiat-to-return-to-the-us/#comment-224378 <p>Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Veloce - was there ever a better name?</p> Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Veloce – was there ever a better name?

]]> By: nuvolari http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/06/10/fiat-to-return-to-the-us/comment-page-1/#comment-224376 nuvolari Wed, 11 Jun 2008 04:30:02 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/06/10/fiat-to-return-to-the-us/#comment-224376 <p>Chuck - I had a 69 GT Veloce also. Giallo Oscuro with a hot cam and head. A miniature Ferrari. The "flying buttress" seats in the 69s were the coolest.</p> Chuck – I had a 69 GT Veloce also. Giallo Oscuro with a hot cam and head. A miniature Ferrari. The “flying buttress” seats in the 69s were the coolest.

]]> By: nuvolari http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/06/10/fiat-to-return-to-the-us/comment-page-1/#comment-224375 nuvolari Wed, 11 Jun 2008 04:26:19 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/06/10/fiat-to-return-to-the-us/#comment-224375 <p>Forget the 500, I'll take the Alfa MiTo.</p> Forget the 500, I’ll take the Alfa MiTo.

]]> By: Dave http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/06/10/fiat-to-return-to-the-us/comment-page-1/#comment-224371 Dave Wed, 11 Jun 2008 01:06:37 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/06/10/fiat-to-return-to-the-us/#comment-224371 <p>Reliability of 1970's Fiats compared to their contemporaries was not bad, if they had good service. I owned two, a 128 sedan and an X1/9 sports car. Wonderful cars, and they NEVER left me stranded.</p> Reliability of 1970′s Fiats compared to their contemporaries was not bad, if they had good service. I owned two, a 128 sedan and an X1/9 sports car. Wonderful cars, and they NEVER left me stranded.

]]> By: Chuck http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/06/10/fiat-to-return-to-the-us/comment-page-1/#comment-224368 Chuck Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:07:58 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/06/10/fiat-to-return-to-the-us/#comment-224368 <p>My 1969 Alfa Veloce coupe was one of the neatest looking cars I have ever owned. Outside of electrical and syncro problems I really enjoyed driving that car. Chuck</p> My 1969 Alfa Veloce coupe was one of the neatest looking cars I have ever owned. Outside of electrical and syncro problems I really enjoyed driving that car. Chuck

]]> By: neuron http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/06/10/fiat-to-return-to-the-us/comment-page-1/#comment-224365 neuron Tue, 10 Jun 2008 21:57:13 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/06/10/fiat-to-return-to-the-us/#comment-224365 <p>The original Fiat 500 were known for their reliability, unlike other Fiats of later models. A running old 500 is a common sight in Europe.</p> <p>The current Fiat 500 is produced in Poland, which is producing better quality cars than Turin. The original planned 90,000 cars per year were soldout in 3 months.</p> <p>Fiat is looking for "partner"(let me use your idled factory)for Fiat and Alfa.</p> <p>How reliable was MINI when it was 1st introduced in 02?</p> The original Fiat 500 were known for their reliability, unlike other Fiats of later models. A running old 500 is a common sight in Europe.

The current Fiat 500 is produced in Poland, which is producing better quality cars than Turin. The original planned 90,000 cars per year were soldout in 3 months.

Fiat is looking for “partner”(let me use your idled factory)for Fiat and Alfa.

How reliable was MINI when it was 1st introduced in 02?

]]>