2019 Fiat 500L

Fiat only sells one vehicle in the U.S., the tiny electric 500e EV. Inspired by the beloved “Cinquecento” that put Italy back on the road after World War II and co-starred in countless art films, the battery-powered runabout is easy to park and short on cargo space. In years past, Fiat sold a gas-powered version of the 500, including a high-powered, sporty Abarth variant. Fiat also sold a handful of lackluster subcompact SUVs that earned low scores in Consumer Reports'' road tests, and the 124 roadster, its version of the Mazda MX-5 Miata. Fiat is part of the Stellantis conglomerate.

More than an overgrown 500, the 500L is let down by a jerky sequential automatic, stiff ride, flat seats, and odd driving position. Around town, the 500L feels sluggish and hesitant, but that improves if you choose the new conventional automatic. We like the 500L's easy access, commodious interior, and spacious backseat. A tiny five-inch screen is used to access the simple UConnect system. The car responds eagerly in turns and handles securely at its limits. But the driving position is odd, with a bus-like steering-wheel rake and far-off, four-pillar windshield. The 500L scored a Poor in the IIHS small-overlap crash test.