Reader Review of the Week: 2012 Fiat 500

“Matteo” from San Francisco recently bought a 2012 Fiat 500 and was impressed by its pep. Despite the small horsepower figure, the 500 can really get up and move, he says. Continue reading below to find out how Matteo, who is a fairly tall fellow, fits inside the small Fiat. Once you’re done, you can submit your own car review here.

“I drive all of my cars hard (including a Honda Civic Hybrid — go figure), and this thing takes everything that I am giving it, and I’m sure it could take more, but I would like it to last for a while. Don’t be fooled by the 101-hp engine, either. The 500 is definitely sporty and peppy as long as you are not afraid to step on the gas pedal. It likes to rev around 4,000-4,500 rpm, so don’t be shy getting the car up there in the rpm department.

“My car is a Prima Edizione and therefore comes with a lot of features. It is closest to the 500 Sport with a five-speed transmission and 16-inch rims. The only downside — and I can’t really call it a downside because I knew what I was getting when I bought it — is the headroom. I am 6-foot-1, and I bought the car equipped with the sunroof, which lowers the headliner a bit. My hair does touch the headliner; however, I don’t notice it touching anymore. I guess I got used to it. If you opt for no sunroof, you get a little more headroom.

“Speaking of room, this is a tiny A-segment car, so you have to be prepared for the size before even test-driving one. The front seats are smaller than your average car. However, front legroom is not an issue (remember, I’m 6-foot-1). The inside does not feel small and claustrophobic; however, I have yet to sit in the backseat. I don’t think I will dare go back there. This is definitely a 2+2 seater, and I wouldn’t torture any of my friends in the backseat for more than a 10- to 15-minute ride. Kids and elves would be more than fine, though.

“I haven’t figured out the fuel economy that I am getting. There is an app for your computer where you can plug a flash drive into the car and then [into] the computer, and then the app will calculate the way you drive. It is from Fiat, and it is called ecoDrive. I just downloaded it today and will see how it works.

“I haven’t had a car that I liked to drive in a while. This car is a joy every time I get behind the wheel.”