Fiat 124 Spider review

Mike Gurr reviews the Fiat 124
The Fiat 124 is an iconic name from the Fiat brand but this is not a pure Italian sports car. The Fiat 124 roadster is a co-developed car with Mazda, building of the MX-5 or Miata success and adding some Italian flare. The biggest differences are the longer bodywork and unique exterior styling. The interior is almost identical to the Mazda, it's under the hood that thing get different. The Fiat 124 convertible uses a 1.4L turbocharged engine right out of other Fiat products. This small powerful engine is a good match for the lightweight roadster. The Fiat has a slightly softer ride than the Miata but the Abarth version seen here has a stiffer ride and more dramatic exterior look, including bigger wheels.

Zack Spencer
Zach Spencer
Canadian Car Review
Motormouth Canada

[m.goodpickle]

I got my Classica for around $24. It's the most fun car I've ever owned and I've owned lots though the years, including a MX-5 a few years back. This guy sounds like a woman who wears a size 8 shoe, wearing a pair of 4's to see how much she can bitch about how much she doesn't like her new shoes. I drove a new MX-5 first, but liked the Spider much more. The Italian styling had a lot to do with it.The only thing I can tell you is to drive one. Mine has been maintenance-free, and runs like a top!

[ilcugginocanadese]

Great video. I want to address a few of your points. Consider that I've owned a 124 Spider Abarth since June here in Montreal.

Starting with the cup-holders: They are removable. Mine are in the storage compartment behind the passenger's seat. I don't use them often but when I do use them I just place one in the alternate location which is by the passenger's left knee (that's what that hole/slit in there is for.) That puts it out of the way and you won't hit your elbow funny bone on it. Secondly, the 5500$ luxury package is overpriced I agree. I was a bit "smarter" than that though, the base model Abarth is 35.000$ and already has all the performance goodies, I simply added what they call the "safety pack" which adds dead spot monitoring, backup camera, self dimming rear-view mirror and side mirrors and of course all of this comes with the 7" infotainment system to accomodate the backup camera. Once you have that in there, you can simply go online and get the GPS navi maps (navi is in the infotainment system but there are no maps) for around 130US$.

Another top tip I can offer: instead of blowing almost 3000$ on the hand painted heritage bonnet stripes, you can have the bonnet and the boot wrapped in black vinyl to achieve a very similar look for a fraction of the price (like 1/3!)

That said I paid just over 43k tax included for a very similar car as your tester. Main differences will be the Bose sound system which frankly - if you're driving an Italian roadster the roof down you can't really hear anyways (although it's quieter with the roof down than my old Suzuki with the soft top closed!) Also missing from my model are the passenger's side headrest speakers - my model only came with the driver's side headrest speakers which are fine. To me this car has been nothing but gravy since I've had it. I can't wait for April for the Canadian winter to subside and for me to be able to unstore mine from the winter storage.

Final note, I'm 6' tall and fit in the car snugly. I actually drive with the seat one notch from all the way back. However I do wish it had telescopic steering, you didn't mention it doesn't have it and it's not available. Not sure why...

[colinlhawkins]

You missed one of the best aspects of the car - the sound ?

[m.goodpickle]

I honestly couldn't make it past the first 3.5 minutes with all the negatives. I HAVE a 124 Spider and LOVE it. If the rest of this video is as negative as the first, I'd advise you to skip it.

[torocars]

Beautiful country side. Those trees, the colors, fresh air . Must have been a good drive

[danielescobedo]

I'm glad that fiat got together with Mazda
And made a better Sports car.
Just bought my 124 Abarth 2 week's
Ago manual transmission.
It's also faster on most major tracks
Than a mx5

[mikereed]

It seems you didn't get the memo: Only dorks complain about cup holders. You complained about it in a sports car making you a double dork.

[alansmilealot]

You can also fit the cup holder on the passenger side of the console in the Miata version not sure on the fiat one.

[gsxellence]

This vehicle looks so good an hopefully it should be more reliable than current US Fiat Products.

[christopherdouglas]

Absolutely NO THANKS on the black hood and deck lid, not at any price! Another great review Mike. You almost convinced me take the 124 over the Miata! Almost.... Anyway, an informative and objective commentary.

[cat_lover]

There are a small compartment storage space behind each seat.

[roarpal]

there is another cup holder on the passenger seat

[khunopie]

Where's the old guy? I miss that guy.

[passerbya]

Mike truly is an asset to this channel d'_'b

Adjustable lumbar would have made a helluva difference in this case (check out how flat the back cushion is), but since the MX-5 doesn't have it neither will this. At almost 50K it really should.

[gts]

Hey mike! Where are some twisty rd with little traffic in ontario

[ketchup]

Why do they always get tall guys to review these cars? Theyre meant for 5'7" midgets like me lol
Ive got an MX5 which if i loved anymore id take to bed with me but i have to admit, the 124 is quite a beautiful creature also

[troysidarous]

Cars under 50k with more fun and better performance are: Subaru STI, C6 Corvette, Mustang GT, Camaro, used M3 etc. This car is worth half it’s price!

[terrancemoore]

Ouch only shorties need to apply for this carl

[joecampbellnk]

Whoa!! Too many deal breakers. Commuting without readily available coffee...c’mon. Another first class review.

[MrEugenio]

Are you aware you can move the cups holder? right? Great review nevertheless