Fiat introduces the 500, its first American release in 28 years. 06/28/2011
Fiat recently introduced the 2012 Fiat 500 to the US, which is the automotive company's first American release in 28 years, according to Kelly Blue Book. Reviewers across the board call thenew car "cute," and it may be difficult to disagree. The 500 is a few inches shorter than BMW's Mini Cooper, and its round headlights are reminiscent of the Volkswagen Beetle.
Kelley Blue Book rated the little Fiat as the coolest car under $18,000 in 2011. The four-wheel drive subcompact car seats four, gets 38 miles to the gallon on the highway - if you opt for the manual transmission - and pricing starts at around $15,500.
The Italian carmaker recently bought partial ownership of Chrysler to help the American company repay its debts, according to USA Today. Business started out slow for the 500, but more people have been buying the new car, and sales last month accounted for more than half of the overall purchases since the vehicle's release earlier this year. Fiat is planning to launch a new campaign on the Fourrth of July to promote the car in the U.S.