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Monday, May 3, 2010

Fiat500USA's Frequently Asked Questions about the Fiat 500


Today, I'm introducing a new feature on this site. It is a frequently asked question database on the Fiat 500. I've put together more than 100 questions about the Fiat 500, from general questions such as who designed the 500, when was it introduced, to maintenance questions such as what oil is recommended, to questions on Fiat, the company.

Here are the categories:

General
Transmission
Measurements/Capacities
Features
500 Engine
Maintenance
Brakes/Suspension
Fiat 500 Abarth
Fiat 500C
About Fiat

Many of these questions were my own that I needed to get answers for during the course of creating this site. The time consuming process of doing hours of research for even basic information led me to come up with this FAQ so others will have an easier time.


To use the FAQ, just click on the ? icon on the top right of this site. It will then take you to the FAQ, which is hosted on a separate Bravenet hosting site. You can use the categories on the left to browse through the various questions. You can click back to this site by clicking the title image or the return to website link.

There are a few peculiarities with the Bravenet site, one is the search feature is currently a little hit or miss and some ads are a little big, but hey, the Internet's not free;)

I intend to update the FAQ database, when I do I'll make a posting.

If you want to link to the FAQ, please link to this site or this post.

Thanks and best regards, Chris


10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey, ran across this site last week in my search on more info on this little bugger as I've hoped FIAT would re-enter the US market. Love what you've posted so far and much of it very interesting about just how far FIAT has come in recent years.

As a kid in the 70's, saw them around and knew 2 people who had them, a former priest who bought a brand new bright red FIAT 3 door wagon in the early 70's and an old family friend had bought a used 850 Spider in the late 70's and what I recall most was the carb kept sticking and it was that bright blue. :-)

Anyway, had considered a FIAT (second hand of course in the early 80's (128 sedans) when looking for another car while in HS and rather liked the Strada's looks as well and later fell in love with the 127 based Yugo when it was sold here despite the funky driving position and the vague shifter and weak heat.

Anyway, Love, love what I've seen of the 500 and am so glad it's coming here to the US and am waiting for official word on what will be offered here outside of what we already know.

I had actually stumbled upon the FAQ's a bit earlier today and am glad you included it, a great resource for those interested but time challenged.

John.

faja said...

Outstanding job Chris! As details of the US release become available I look forward to seeing them here.
Are you considering hosting a forum for American Fiat 500 enthusiasts?

Fiat500USA.com said...

ciddyguy said...
Hey, ran across this site last week in my search on more info on this little bugger as I've hoped FIAT would re-enter the US market. Love what you've posted so far and much of it very interesting about just how far FIAT has come in recent years...

Hi John, back in 1991 I bought a Fuel Injected Yugo and kept it up to a couple of years ago. It was a great car, simple but solid. The Bosch Motronic injection ran great, lots of power and always a quick start.

The late model Yugos were very reliable (hey it was a 20 year old design) and I talked to a Yugo factory rep and he told me their warranty rate was down to Toyota levels, the last couple of years they were sold in the US.

It's a real shame that people only know the jokes from Leno and such. Oh well, it's all history now.

Back in '91 I gave up a company car and needed something I could commute in. I had an Alfa GTV6, a Fiat 128 and 124 spyder that I didn't want to rack up the miles on. I could have bought a Maserati Biturbo for $4 grand, but decided on the Yugo because it would be more reliable(!);)

John, I appreciate you stopping by the site and posting your memories of the old cars. Thanks and best regards, Chris

Fiat500USA.com said...

William said...
Outstanding job Chris! As details of the US release become available I look forward to seeing them here.
Are you considering hosting a forum for American Fiat 500 enthusiasts?

Hi William,

Thanks for the kind words! I have thought about a forum, but time is a big factor. Doing research and following up sources already takes up a lot of my day, so I don't know.

I think of this site as a living publication so, right now, I'm concentrating on coming up with interesting and (hopefully) entertaining information while we all wait for the introduction.

We'll see what happens in the future...

Thanks again, Chris

Anonymous said...

Your quite welcome Chris.

Do you know when we'll begin seeing more info on the 500 details slated for the US, specially in regards to trim and options?

Rusty said...

I got a question I'd love to be able to answer to everyone else.

"Will the 500 be faster than the Mini?" (Cooper/S/JCW)

Fiat500USA.com said...

ciddyguy said...
Your quite welcome Chris.

Do you know when we'll begin seeing more info on the 500 details slated for the US, specially in regards to trim and options?...

I haven't heard the official time frame but it is getting closer, just keep your eyes open...soon... ;)

Fiat500USA.com said...

Rusty said...
I got a question I'd love to be able to answer to everyone else.

"Will the 500 be faster than the Mini?" (Cooper/S/JCW)...

The 500 compares well with the MINI in real world driving conditions, in fact Fifth Gear has a road test that shows the 500 is faster than the European MINI One at on the race track.

Click hear to view


Having said that, the MINI in the US does enjoy an engine size advantage and looks to be ultimately quicker, but it doesn't seem to bother most 500 or Abarth owners.

Anonymous said...

Thanks, I guess I'll just have to keep my eyes peeled then... :-)

BTW, don't know if you are aware, the Candadian pre-launch of the Fiat 500 site is up, as of Monday, according to the 500 Facebook page. I stumbled onto it yesterday (5/5/10).

Rusty said...

Agreed Chris. In the least it'll make for a great chick magnet. :D