2014 Fiat 500L (& NEW XL!) American Style: Lineup Details Provided

[Madman]

The 500L/XL are like Olive Garden to the Panda's actual Italian food. It's a real shame, because the actual Panda (which I'm pretty sure this is based on- def aesthetically) is a really great car that I think would do well in urban areas, whereas the L/XL offer nothing over a Fit/Fiesta or even a Golf

Then again I'm sure the cost of federalization is high and the Panda would cannibalize the 500's sales. Whatever. I want my damn Panda Diesel.

The Panda will supposedly make it here, too.  Just don't hold your breath for the diesel.  Although I agree a Panda diesel would be cooler than a penguin's testicles!

[S204STi]

Do not want.

It's a shameless copy of the MINI Crossman, and not a very good one, either.

[veeman]

The 500L/XL are like Olive Garden to the Panda's actual Italian food. It's a real shame, because the actual Panda (which I'm pretty sure this is based on- def aesthetically) is a really great car that I think would do well in urban areas, whereas the L/XL offer nothing over a Fit/Fiesta or even a Golf

Then again I'm sure the cost of federalization is high and the Panda would cannibalize the 500's sales. Whatever. I want my damn Panda Diesel.

the thing is, there's something about the olive garden's never ending salad and breadsticks that is so right.  most everything else there sucks but that salad dressing...  i usually have about 2 bowls of salad just myself when I eat there. 

[Yawn]

Is the 500L a failure?? It appears that the sales have been low and eating into 500 sales..

[2o6]

I just realized that in concept, size, and execution, this car almost directly replaces the PT Cruiser.

[Madman]

I just realized that in concept, size, and execution, this car almost directly replaces the PT Cruiser.

I was thinking the same thing.  Hopefully, Fiat/Chrysler can create a buzz with this car and give all those PT Cruiser owners something new to trade into.

[Colin]

Is the 500L a failure?? It appears that the sales have been low and eating into 500 sales..

What makes you think that?

Sales of the 500L in Europe, where it has been available for 18 months, are strong, and still growing. And sales of the regular 500 are more or less the same this year as last year and the year before.

And in America, as far as I know, the 500L has only been available for a few weeks, so your hypothesis would seem at best to be premature. 

[Yawn]

What makes you think that?

Sales of the 500L in Europe, where it has been available for 18 months, are strong, and still growing. And sales of the regular 500 are more or less the same this year as last year and the year before.


And in America, as far as I know, the 500L has only been available for a few weeks, so your hypothesis would seem at best to be premature. 

The 500L has been on sale in US since June 2013. The extra model has not increased Fiat's overall sales in US.  The 500 sales have dropped ever month when compared to previous year.

You can refer to Chryslers web site for the numbers.

http://www.chryslergroupllc.com/investor/pressreleases/sales/Pages/default.aspx

[Yawn]

I hope it does better but since I live in LA/OC area of southern california and the only 500L I have seen is a rental car is a bit concerning.

[Catman]

I hate this thread and every picture in it. 

[S204STi]

I hate this thread and every picture in it. 

[Secret Chimp]

I've seen one of these things in person. The size of the 500L emblem is an embarassment in and of itself.

But seriously it is the absolute ugliest thing on the road here. Even more than the new Cherokee.

[MrH]

Yeah, they're pretty hideous.  I don't see the appeal.  Oddly enough, when looking for Elements, I found a lot of them at Fiat dealerships.  I ended up buying mine from a Fiat dealership up in Columbus. Turns out the previous owner of my car likes ugly, quirky vehicles and traded in his Element for a 500L.

Talking to the salesman, the number one traded in vehicle for his dealership was Jeep Wranglers.  There's just a small niche market of people who buy quirky vehicles.  Fiat has unwillingly fallen into that group.