[valiant67]

The Fiat 500 doesn't seem to have the quality issues sorted out. The JD Power findings on initial quality aren't good for the Fiat line.
Sadly my friend's Fiat 500 was bought back for quality issues (mostly seat/air bag issues). I'm glad the car wasn't bought on my recommendation or I'd have egg on my face. The sad part is he really liked the 500 and wasn't too upset the first couple of trips back to the dealer. However, the third trip which resulted in a Jeep Compass rental for 2 weeks pretty much sealed the deal on the 500.

 

[valiant67]

Careful though, the numbers are not accurate because that study includes everything from "I can't figure out how to use my radio" to "my transmission broke".


I am sorry that your friend had a bad experience, something's just don't work out. But, the 90 day study is not a good representation of overall quality. It is good for manufacturers to use for quick fixes of annoyances though.

Mike

Despite the spin, the numbers indicate there are issues that need addressed, even if they are as simple as confusing controls. Issues that should have already been addressed given the time the 500 has spent in the US market. It all plays right into the old Fix It Again Tony stereotype. Like I said, my friend thought it was a really fun car (it was a manual transmission) until the issues exceeded the fun factor.

 

[valiant67]

Top problem areas on 2013 new models
1. Built-in voice recognition frequently doesn't recognize or misinterprets commands
2. Built-in Bluetooth mobile phone/device frequent pairing/connectivity issues
3. Excessive wind noise
4. Materials scuff and/or soil easily
5. Navigation system is difficult to use or poorly located

The majority of those problems have little to do with long term quality of the vehicles. Does the Microsoft powered radio in the 500 have issues? Yes, and I will be the first to admit it.

A radio software update might fix 1, 2, and part of 5 but the rest show problems with the basic design or material selection. The 500 needs a bit of polish to be a real contender as those issues won't disappear after 90 days.

 

[valiant67]

Pointing out a car like the 500 has some issues is far different from hating it.
The Aspen/Volare received some impressive awards (including car of the year) but history shows those product didn't live up to the expecations. The 500 seems to be in the same boat. It has a lot of appeal but there are issues that need addressed.

 

[valiant67]

We had a 500 for 10 months until it unfortunately got totaled in an accident. Luckily, the air bags and the head restraint system did their job!

That was one of the reasons my friend bought the 500. A local new anchor was allegedly drunk and hit another of our friends head on. Her Fiat held up quite well compared to his fairly new Camry in the collision.

I think you're missing the point. You are reacting primarily to 1 survey, and 1 acecdotal observation that isn't even your personal experience. I think you are jumping the gun. There is no evidence that the 500 is actually trouble prone, indications are that it simply has some flaws, most of which are superficial.

I think pretending there aren't issues with the car (and far from limited to this one case) is much like an ostrich. Would you all be so forgiving if the car was a Ford or Toyota rather than a Fiat? The car has a lot of initial appeal, it needs to follow through just a bit better to be a good contendor. Given the strides made on the "traditional" Chrysler line up, I'd love to see Fiat get some of that love.