It’s easy to pick on the little guy, and Fiat’s 500 has endured plenty of this during its few years on this side of the Atlantic. Chosen as the mascot for the brand’s return to American soil, the ‘little’ Cinquecento was a brave move coming from a very new relationship between Fiat and the Chrysler group. Following a 27-year hiatus from the United States, the anticipation was high, and there was news of several new Italian flavored models that would soon be joining the lineup. It all sounded really good. Unfortunately, in 2014 we’re still only left with a few versions of that same 500, and a pseudo-500, minivan, they’ve affectionately named, the 500L. No tasty, small displacement sports cars, sporting sedans or even the brand’s much-loved Panda. With the Alfa Romeo US launch continuously being put off, one might wonder if enthusiasts will ever get the chance to enjoy the inexpensive, authentic Italian experience stateside.
It’s not all bad news, though. As it turns out, the car we all like to laugh at can really provide lots of smiles, and thankfully for us, is finally a high-quality object that is about the farthest thing from what was being sold when Fiat left this country with their tail between their legs.
