Although the Fiat brand remains popular overseas, it’s been struggling to please American buyers for several years. Today, the only new Fiat you can buy stateside is the 500X. We’re not really sure why the Fiat 500X is still here, considering how steeply its sales have declined. This model also usually gets terrible scores from Consumer Reports. In fact, even when more Fiat models were cruising U.S. streets, CR never recommended a single one.

What does Consumer Reports think of the 2022 Fiat 500X?

consumer reports has never recommended a fiat model

2022 Fiat 500X Pop with Sport Appearance Package | Stellantis

According to Consumer Reports, the 2022 Fiat 500X is one of the most disappointing subcompact SUVs. Its tiny engine is loud and sluggish, requiring nearly 10 seconds to reach 60 mph. It also has an unrefined transmission, a constant idling when the car is stopped, and an overwhelmingly bumpy ride.

But giving credit where it’s due, CR says the Fiat 500X is effortless to park. It also has surprisingly quick handling, but a finicky brake pedal prevents drivers from having too much fun. And the interior, though fancy by segment standards, has uncomfortable seats and a tight second row.

Other Fiat models Consumer Reports has reviewed

Consumer Reports has rated three other Fiat models, including the 124 Spider. This convertible/roadster took inspiration from the Mazda MX-5 Miata and was available in the United States from 2016 to 2019. CR gave the 124 Spider a Green Choice designation for every model year except 2020.

Though the 124 Spider is more enjoyable to drive than the 500X, excessive noise levels and a stiff suspension still plague this Fiat model. The seats aren’t wide enough to accommodate some drivers, and access is difficult unless the top is down. It also doesn’t come standard with any advanced driver assists, and the available ones don’t include automatic emergency braking.

Consumer Reports wasn’t impressed with the Fiat 500 either, though it still received three consecutive Green Choice awards after its 2017 redesign. CR testers appreciated this car for its zippy handling, maneuverable size, and unique styling. Its five-speed manual gearbox is a smooth operator, and the brakes are easy to control.

However, the site still doesn’t recommend this car because of its uncomfortable ride and its basically useless cargo area. Like the 124 Spider, the 500 doesn’t provide advanced driver assists as standard equipment.

The sporty Abarth trim has some interesting design choices, such as red interior accents and seat stripes. However, the interior is claustrophobia-inducing, and some controls are difficult to locate or read.

Consumer Reports praised the Fiat 500L compact minivan for its functional second row. Despite this vehicle’s heavier curb weight, CR observed an impressive 27 mpg combined city/highway while driving the 500L.

However, its ride quality isn’t any better than its siblings’, and it’s difficult for drivers to find a comfortable seating position. Neither the front nor the back seats provide long-term support.

Can the brand bounce back in North America?

According to CarSalesBase, the most successful year for the Fiat 500X was 2016. It sold over 12,000 units. Fiat sold only 2,518 500X units in 2019, and 2021 was even worse, with 1,181 sold.

Those numbers might seem discouraging, but Fiat hasn’t given up on U.S. consumers. Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares wants to “revitalize” Fiat in America, MotorTrend reports.

Tavares wasn’t specific about Fiat’s upcoming U.S. products, but he hinted an electric Fiat might please California drivers. The Fiat New 500 is available as a hardtop hatchback or cabriolet and gets up to 200 miles of range. However, it’s sold only in Europe and a few other, smaller markets.

Keyword: Consumer Reports Has Never Recommended a Fiat Model

CAR'S NEWS RELATED

Are these the 23 ugliest cars ever made?

Cartastrophes

View more: Are these the 23 ugliest cars ever made?

The Fiat Strada is coming back to Africa – But we can’t have it

Fiat has just announced that the Strada bakkie will be relaunched in sub-Saharan Africa, but South Africa will not be one of the lucky recipients, at least not yet. The carmaker confirmed to TopAuto that the most recent Strada, which is currently exclusive to Brazil, will be launched in ...

View more: The Fiat Strada is coming back to Africa – But we can’t have it

Stellantis to Introduce Fiat Strada Bakkie into Sub-Saharan Africa

Image: Stellantis Image: Stellantis Image: Stellantis Image: Stellantis NewsBy: Ryan De Villiers Fiat’s local fleet anticipates the arrival of another member as Stellantis announces its compact double cab bakkie, the Fiat Strada, is being introduced in Sub-Saharan Africa. Image: Stellantis Debuting 25 years ago in Brazil, the Strada has ...

View more: Stellantis to Introduce Fiat Strada Bakkie into Sub-Saharan Africa

Stellantis to Introduce Fiat Strada Bakkie in Sub-Saharan Africa

Image: Stellantis Image: Stellantis Image: Stellantis Image: Stellantis NewsBy: Ryan De Villiers Fiat’s local fleet anticipates the arrival of another member as Stellantis announces its compact double cab bakkie, the Fiat Strada, is being introduced in Sub-Saharan Africa. Image: Stellantis Debuting 25 years ago in Brazil, the Strada has ...

View more: Stellantis to Introduce Fiat Strada Bakkie in Sub-Saharan Africa

1968 FIAT Dino 2.0 Spider

Debuting as a two-seater Spider with Pininfarina bodywork at the 1966 Turin Show, the FIAT Dino placed its 2.0-liter, 160bhp engine in the traditional front-engine position. This car was remarkable as the first FIAT to feature four overhead camshafts and a limited-slip differential as standard equipment. The steel-bodied newcomer incorporated ...

View more: 1968 FIAT Dino 2.0 Spider

Fiat 8V Ghia Supersonic 1952

Fiat 8V Ghia Supersonic 1952. Only eight of these sports cars were completed, after mechanical issues ended the project. Several of the cars were purchased by Americans; some were heavily customized and received engine transplants. An original un-restored car sold at a Scottsdale, Arizona Gooding and Company auction in ...

View more: Fiat 8V Ghia Supersonic 1952

Nissan NP200 on its way out – And there’s no replacement in sight

Nissan made a big announcement this year when it confirmed that the incredibly-popular NP200 will soon be retired. The NP200 has been one of South Africa’s best-selling vehicles for years, thanks in no small part to the fact that it is effectively the only model left in its segment. ...

View more: Nissan NP200 on its way out – And there’s no replacement in sight

Best-selling car from every brand in South Africa

Best-selling cars from every brand in South Africa Alfa Romeo Giulia/Stelvio – 2 units each Audi Q3 – 156 units BMW X3 – 222 units Chery Tiggo 4 Pro – 858 units Citroen C3 – 77 units Ferrari 296 GTB – 2 units Fiat 500 – 11 units Ford ...

View more: Best-selling car from every brand in South Africa

My nearly 5-year-old Fiat Abarth Punto: 46,000 km update

R200,000 hatchbacks competing against the new Hyundai Grand i10

The new bakkie that could be built in South Africa

Fiat Ducato Facelift Spy Photos Preview Possible Ram ProMaster Upgrades

South Africa receives R9.5-billion in automotive investments – What the money will be spent on

Bought a used VW Virtus GT as a replacement for my old Fiat Linea

We Drive a Fully Restored Classic Fiat 500 Cinquecento : Micro Machine

1926 Fiat 509 S Convertible

Production Of Four Maserati Models And Fiat 500 Electric Suspended

MY23 Fiat 500 Prices & Specs Confirmed, Lineup Slimmed to Single Variant

R300,000 hatchbacks taking on the updated Mazda 2 in South Africa

17-year-old Fiat Palio: 76,000 km major update including engine swap

OTHER CAR NEWS

; Top List in the World https://www.pinterest.com/newstopcar/pins/
Top Best Sushi Restaurants in SeoulTop Best Caribbean HoneymoonsTop Most Beautiful Islands in PeruTop Best Outdoor Grill BrandsTop Best Global Seafood RestaurantsTop Foods to Boost Your Immune SystemTop Best Foods to Fight HemorrhoidsTop Foods That Pack More Potassium Than a BananaTop Best Healthy Foods to Gain Weight FastTop Best Cosmetic Brands in the U.STop Best Destinations for Food Lovers in EuropeTop Best Foods High in Vitamin ATop Best Foods to Lower Your Blood SugarTop Best Things to Do in LouisianaTop Best Cities to Visit in New YorkTop Best Makeup Addresses In PennsylvaniaTop Reasons to Visit NorwayTop Most Beautiful Islands In The WorldTop Best Law Universities in the WorldTop Richest Sportsmen In The WorldTop Biggest Aquariums In The WorldTop Best Peruvian Restaurants In MiamiTop Best Road Trips From MiamiTop Best Places to Visit in MarylandTop Best Places to Visit in North CarolinaTop Best Electric Cars For KidsTop Best Swedish Brands in The USTop Best Skincare Brands in AmericaTop Best American Lipstick BrandsTop Michelin-starred Restaurants in MiamiTop Best Secluded Getaways From MiamiTop Best Things To Do On A Rainy Day In MiamiTop Most Instagrammable Places In MiamiTop Interesting Facts about FlorenceTop Facts About The First Roman Emperor - AugustusTop Best Japanese FoodsTop Most Beautiful Historical Sites in IsraelTop Best Places To Visit In Holy SeeTop Best Hawaiian IslandsTop Reasons to Visit PortugalTop Best Hotels In L.A. With Free Wi-FiTop Best Scenic Drives in MiamiTop Best Vegan Restaurants in BerlinTop Most Interesting Attractions In WalesTop Health Benefits of a Vegan DietTop Best Thai Restaurant in Las VegasTop Most Beautiful Forests in SwitzerlandTop Best Global Universities in GermanyTop Most Beautiful Lakes in GuyanaTop Best Things To Do in IdahoTop Things to Know Before Traveling to North MacedoniaTop Best German Sunglasses BrandsTop Highest Mountains In FranceTop Biggest Hydroelectric Plants in AmericaTop Best Spa Hotels in NYCTop The World's Scariest BridgeTop Largest Hotels In AmericaTop Most Famous Festivals in JordanTop Best European Restaurants in MunichTop Best Japanese Hiking Boot BrandsTop Best Universities in PolandTop Best Tips for Surfing the Web Safely and AnonymouslyTop Most Valuable Football Clubs in EuropeTop Highest Mountains In ColombiaTop Real-Life Characters of Texas RisingTop Best Beaches in GuatelamaTop Things About DR Congo You Should KnowTop Best Korean Reality & Variety ShowsTop Best RockstarsTop Most Beautiful Waterfalls in GermanyTop Best Fountain Pen Ink BrandsTop Best European Restaurants in ChicagoTop Best Fighter Jets in the WorldTop Best Three-Wheel MotorcyclesTop Most Beautiful Lakes in ManitobaTop Best Dive Sites in VenezuelaTop Best Websites For Art StudentsTop Best Japanese Instant Noodle BrandsTop Best Comedy Manhwa (Webtoons)Top Best Japanese Sunglasses BrandsTop Most Expensive Air Jordan SneakersTop Health Benefits of CucumberTop Famous Universities in SwedenTop Most Popular Films Starring Jo Jung-sukTop Interesting Facts about CougarsTop Best Hospitals for Hip Replacement in the USATop Most Expensive DefendersTop Health Benefits of GooseberriesTop Health Benefits of ParsnipsTop Best Foods and Drinks in LondonTop Health Benefits of Rosehip TeaTop Best Air Fryers for Low-fat CookingTop Most Asked Teacher Interview Questions with AnswersTop Best Shopping Malls in ZurichTop The Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens In L.A.Top Best Mexican Restaurants in Miami for Carb-loading rightTop Best Energy Companies in GermanyTop Best Garage HeatersTop Largest Banks in IrelandTop Leading Provider - Audit and Assurance In The USTop Best Jewelry Brands in IndiaTop Prettiest Streets in the UKTop Best Lakes to Visit in TunisiaTop Highest Mountains in Israel