Russ Darrow Mazda of Milwaukee

I recently drove out to [Bergstrom] FIAT of MKE. They have a 2013 "eco" Pop, Sport, 500T and Abarth in the showroom. For the sake of this review, let's think of them as the "spoiler" 500 famiglia. The ra have a 2013 "eco" Pop, Sport, 500T and Abarth in the showroom. For the sake of this review, let's think of them as the "spoiler" 500 famiglia. The rame (copper) 500T looks even better up close than it does in photos, and it was the specific reason for my this studio visit. Brandon, Heather, Leah & Ryan were kind enough to encourage me to take the 500T & Abarth out for a spin ~ to compare fun factors. This seems to be a somewhat rare occurrence in the world of selling the higher end 500s. I've read stories (online) of studios refusing test drives to potential buyers of the turbo-charged Cinquecentos. This is puzzling to me. Why would anyone purchase a car running $18-27k without knowing what kind of driving experience to expect? Thanks to the difference in philosophy @ FIAT of Milwaukee, I've been able to test every 500 available. For those not in-the-know, FIAT of North America has already invaded the N.A. small car market with 4 trim levels/versions of the FIAT 500. The 2011-2012 line-up consists of; 500 Pop, 500 Sport, 500c, and the 500 Lounge. The 2013 "eco" Pop and the 2013 500T bring the line-up to lucky number seven. We FIAT aficionados reserve a special, separate place for any Scorpion-badged automobile. So, the Abarth will not be counted among the common 500s in this review. When I first read about the idea of another mass produced 500 (the 500T) I was a little skeptical. I understood the thought process behind it ~ "Let's build a motorized ladder between the Sport and the Abarth". I mean, why buy a "Scorpione" and modify/customize it beyond recognition when one can purchase a slightly less expensive 500T and use the savings towards creating your own track ready beast? But I didn't know how prudent the decision was, and I thought they could have just as easily put the time and money into the upcoming 500L line. Once I saw the photos (and appearance in the Immigrants television spot) of the proposed new addition, and read the initial reactions from various sources, I knew I liked it ~ the stock blacked-out lights were something I needed to see for myself. I'm not from Missouri, but I am most definitely a "Show Me" breed of consumer. Let's get back to this special visit. The missus & I drove out to FIAT of MKE to see the car for ourselves. I especially wanted to see the real aesthetic, as well as mechanical, differences between the 500T and the Abarth. The following is what I found. One: Those lights! I can't believe how much of a difference they make. I've seen several attempts at getting rid of the chrome on the 500. I get wanting to do this on Sports. I don't get why anyone would want to do it on a Pop, 500c or Lounge. The chrome adds a special sparkle to those trim levels. It doesn't add anything to a Sport, though. The FIAT solution is the definitive solution to taking chrome away from the 'cento in a way cool enough for the mighty mice. Two: The wheels ~ they, too, are blacked-out now. I need to warn you. You're not going to see much of a difference on the showroom floor. You don't get a true appreciation for this aesthetic modification up close. There must be some distance to really get what this change does to the look of those wheels. This mod is an accessory to the aforementioned lights. Three: The rear end is more a Sport rear on steroids than it is a tamed down version of the Abarth. Again, it reminds the FIAT fan this art on wheels is a step between the aforementioned cars. The front end is a tamed down version of the Abarth pretending to be a beefed up version of the Sport. This isn't as much a slam on the design as it is being honest about the fact FIAT could've put a bit more money into that small detail. This is a part of the badging. This is a matter of proper ~ respectful ~ brand placement. I can admit that was a lazy mod on the part of FIAT NA. But it's not a deal breaker. It still looks pretty cool! Four: The interior is absolutely a Sport with a bit of a richer revamp. There is; the Abarth shifter, the 500T specific stitching, the lack of the Abarth dash/console upgrades, and (the most notable) changed speedo face. The Abarth has a nero (black) version of the standard 500 face. The 500T has a nero face, but the mph is measured in increments of 10 ~ not 20. And this small tweak does make a difference. I mean, that cluster is situated in front of the driver. One can't help but see it. It's more tough than cute. And it's still beautifully designed, which is important for a FIAT. Five a/k/a Drive: It's a blast!! It doesn't roar, like an Abarth, but this little mouse has guts. One can feel the difference between the 500T and a 101hp/non-Turbo Sport immediately. If I'd still thought this motor a waste of time and money, those thoughts would have been left in the billowing dust of this little rocket taking off. It's not an Abarth ~ the exhaust note makes that truth absolutely clear. But that distinction is something one can change. What isn't as easily changed is the difference in speed between the two FIATs. And that's what makes a place in the stable for this one. I thoroughly enjoyed driving both cars. And I highly recommend others check it out for themselves. If you're lucky enough to drive a nero perla (black pearl) 500T, you too will be in-lust. Could there may be a second 500 purchase in my horizon? Who knows? For now, big thanks to everyone @ FIAT of MKE. As per usual, you continue to make us feel as though you care about our opinions. Bravo! More

I've never purchased a new vehicle before. But I have purchased a few used vehicles. I felt absolute dread at the prospect of going through the process of purchasing another car. I'd been bicycling for a purchased a few used vehicles. I felt absolute dread at the prospect of going through the process of purchasing another car. I'd been bicycling for a parking/permit/fueling/washing/waxing/detailing/major maintenance free year when I decided I should start anew my search for a vehicle. I had a short list of used cars on which I could settle, and I had a shorter list of new cars for which I could stomach a 5-yr payment plan. I knew, in 2008, FIAT re-introduced the 500 in Europe. And I knew they were keen on taking over a US auto manufacturer, and making another play on our shores with the Cinquecento. When I found out the 'topolino' would, indeed, be sold in the US I began my dream of owning one. But I digress ~ April 2012. I began some serious research on my shortlist of new cars, after two agonizing months of searching for a decent used car I'd actually want to drive. I began to zero in on the FIAT. But I needed to make certain whether I could be a FIAT man. I began contacting Bergstrom FIAT via email. I had a laundry list of questions for whoever they'd put on my case. Tony happened to be the 'lucky' specialist. For nearly a month, Tony patiently answered my queries. He was truthful in his responses, and enthusiastic about the car he, himself, drives. On May 19th 2012, I finally conceded to a studio visit ~ and it was as if FIAT knew exactly what they'd need to do to get me behind the wheel of their car. I played it cool, though, and didn't sit with Tony until I took numerous test drives. Tony, still, waited patiently and was an absolute gentleman professional throughout the process. He handed me over to Ryan, after we worked out our numbers. Ryan, too, was a patient and helpful host. I never felt especially pressured ~ and Ryan seemed intent on giving me the deal I wanted or nothing at all. That kind of attitude helps the decision-making process. I drove home in the 'cento I wanted at the price with which I could live. My post-purchase experience has been just as, if not more, pleasant. Tony, Ryan, Jim, Kyle... and Leah are great people with which to do business. They are courteous, and patient. The seem to understand the TOTAL experience is what breeds fanatics for the brand. And a fanatic I have become. I'm officially a FIAT man. Bravo! More

What a great place - Bergstrom Fiat! This dealership made my dreaded 'buying a new car' experience a good one. Leah, Pat, and even Ryan, were extremely patient with me. My decision making process leading to my dreaded 'buying a new car' experience a good one. Leah, Pat, and even Ryan, were extremely patient with me. My decision making process leading to the sale, was a long one. I drove to the dealership many time, took several test drives, asked lots of questions. I even changed my mind altogether. Throughout this process, the staff was knowledgeable, patient, yet with a great sense of humor. I was able to negotiate a good price. I asked for many personalizing items on my car. I got it all! It turned out to be a very pleasant experience, (contrary to my experiences with 'the other' Fiat dealer). I look forward to the coming back for service, though I hope not too often, to see the employees, and wait in the warm, aesthetically pleasing building. I would recommend Bergstrom's to all. And...I love my Fiat!! More

We just got a new FIAT from them. They're very We just got a new FIAT from them. They're very informative, friendly and not pushy. They won't mind staying with you and take their time to answer We just got a new FIAT from them. They're very informative, friendly and not pushy. They won't mind staying with you and take their time to answer any question you have. They have a good communication via email too. So, if there's a specific question they can't answer right now, they'll search and call or email you back with the answer. The same team was selling smart cars before FIAT arrived in the country and we got a smart from them too. So even if it's our first car with Bergstrom FIAT, it's actually our second car with these people. The service communication is friendly and respectful they know their cars and they don't overcharge, the price they tell you at the beginning is the price you pay at the end. They love their cars and therefore, they love yours too. They give the impression that they're selling their car because they are really great cars, not just because they need to sell cars. More