Americans tend to shy away from ugly cars, but that isn’t the only reason why reason Fiat shied away from bringing the Multipla to the U.S. Built from 1998 to 2010, the Multipla was extremely practical, with a large interior that crammed room for six people into a car the size of a Mini Cooper Countryman. As a people-mover, it was rewarding to drive, but its looks were a deal breaker for many people.

However, the worst things about the Fiat Multipla have nothing to do with its looks. Granted, the fact that it looked like a sea creature didn’t help, but what really hurt the Multipla was its low quality, poor safety, and reliability issues.

1. The Fiat Multipla has terrible safety ratings

According to the Euro NCAP, a safety rating agency like the NHTSA, the Fiat Multipla scores three out of five stars for safety. That doesn’t sound bad, but it’s not great. It scored well for side impact safety, but its frontal impact scores really wrecked its rating.

Euro NCAP called the structural performance of the Multipla “disappointing,” adding that the hard areas under the front facia could damage front seat occupants’ kees and upper thighs. In tests, the driver’s head struck the steering wheel hard enough to cause an injury, and the passenger compartment started to deform.

2. The Multipla has low-quality materials

fiat, multipla, the 4 worst things about the fiat multipla that have nothing to do with its looks

A Fiat Multipla MPV | Sjoerd van der Wal/Getty Images

That same passenger compartment also has low-quality materials. Motors, an online car-buying resource in the United Kingdom, rated the Fiat Multipla only 1.5 stars out of five. In a typically British understatement, the company said the MPV was “a bit different” while calling attention to the weird control layout, low-quality, and odd fabric textures.

The site Motors noted that the biggest thing the Multipla’s interior has going for it is its space and versatility. The company said it’s “as large as a van inside,” making it a cheap people carrier or cargo hauler.

3. The Multipla was unreliable 

Motors U.K. also reports that the Fiat Multipla is unreliable. It has a tendency to require frequent repairs, which is something that will continually get worse as the car ages. While mechanically sound, it seems like the Multipla’s low-quality materials and craft extend to trim and hardware as well as mechanical parts. There’s an old joke that Fiat stands for “Fix it again, Tony,” and whoever invented that joke probably owned a Multipla at one time.

4. The Fiat Multipla was expensive to maintain

The unreliable nature of the Fiat Multipla makes it costly to maintain. Engines and transmissions are relatively trouble-free, but exhaust and fuel system issues are common. Electrical gremlins can also raise their ugly heads, especially if the car is poorly maintained.

Like any car, the key to buying a relatively inexpensive and problem-free vehicle is to find a good one. This can be difficult with the Multipla since the oldest examples are going on 25 years old, and many have lived hard lives as family or courier/delivery vehicles.

The Fiat Multipla is still a unique and true MPV


Related

fiat, multipla, the 4 worst things about the fiat multipla that have nothing to do with its looks

Like today’s crossovers and minivans, the Fiat Multipla is a true multi-purpose vehicle (MPV). Need space for five to six people and their luggage? The Multipla has it covered. Want to haul boxes or move furniture? Just remove the seats, and the Multipla offers a surprising amount of room. What about a small, practical, and economical car? Unlike a minivan or crossover, the Multipla has that covered too.

Yes, it’s odd looking and can be expensive or unreliable. However, it’s also cheap to buy and goes easy on gas. Best of all, its odd looks are unmistakable, so you’ll never lose it in a parking lot.

Keyword: The 4 Worst Things About the Fiat Multipla That Have Nothing to Do With Its Looks

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