Do American Car Buyers Trust Fiat?

Washington DC March 3, 2009; The AIADA newsletter reported that when Fiat pulled out of the U.S. market 25 years ago, it left behind a reputation for selling cars that were temperamental and repair-prone. The old joke "what does FIAT stand for? - Fix It Again Tony" became part of the American vernacular

With the Italian automaker now plotting a return to these shores, a new survey indicates that the bad mojo may have worn off a bit over time. The L.A. Times reports that when market research firm TNS asked 2,500 U.S. adults what their expectations were regarding Fiat vehicles, 22 percent said they expected quality and reliability to be below the industry average.

Not a ringing endorsement, to be sure. But the same percentage of respondents said they expected Fiat to sell vehicles that were above average in quality and reliability. That, according to TNS, "suggests earlier decades-old quality concerns are smaller today than some expected."

Fiat has been studying various paths for returning to the U.S. market. The latest version involves buying a stake in faltering Chrysler, thereby gaining access to Chrysler's U.S. manufacturing operations and dealer network.

The Fiat 500, a bestseller in Europe, is one its most hotly anticipate vehicles.

Click Here for more on Fiat from the L.A. Times.