Fiat 500 Brand Reputation: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 2dr Convertible 101-horsepower 1.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
One of the really sad things about the Fiat 500 is the way FCA is handling the brand here in the US. The Fiat 500 is actually many different cars, some good and some not good at all, but to most American buyers a Fiat 500 is just a Fiat 500. Nobody really knows if you are talking about the 500 hatchback (a true retro economy car), the 500L sedan/wagon (the dual clutch gearbox has not worked any better for Fiat than for Ford in the Focus/Fiestia), the Abarth (a real fun car for drivers only), or the 500X (Built on Jeep running gear With more style than off-road performance). Only the Abarth stands slightly apart since it is devoid of Fiat badges and costs a good deal more than most other "500" models. see full Fiat 500 review |
2012 | 2dr Hatch 101-horsepower 1.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Fiat used to have a so-so reputation because their cars rusted. This car has a 'not-rust-through' guarantee for something like ten or twelve years and is totally galvanized metal. It is a very stylish car, too. see full Fiat 500 review |
Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 Brand Reputation: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 211hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Audi now rivals Mercedes and Porsche for brand image. see full Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 review |
2009 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 211hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
great brand see full Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 review |
2007 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual AWD |
I focused on the A4 Avant in part due to many reviews of this model vs other "comparable" vehicles. see full Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Audi-for people who can park themselves, right? this is the brand for people who know better. quattro baby! see full Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Overall I like the styles, though they need to work on interior design. Here again, the TT designers did great on interior, A4 less so but ok. Audi brand reputation and image to me is one of style plus excellent handling. see full Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Audi is a high-class brand. see full Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan 340-horsepower 4.2L V8 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Audi is competent without being flashy. Confident without being cocky. see full Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 review |
2005 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Love German Cars see full Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 review |
2005 | 4dr Wagon 340-horsepower 4.2L V8 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
I am an avid Audi fan. I have always followed their racing efforts as well as their production cars. see full Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 review |
2003 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed manual AWD |
Audi is a luxury brand. It is clearly the vehicle I would like to be associated with. see full Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 review |
Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 Brand Reputation: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2002 | 4dr Sedan 220-horsepower 3.0L V6 6-speed manual AWD |
Not as well regarded as mercedes or bmw see full Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 review |
2002 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
This car was taken to the dealership during the initial free maint period of 50,000 miles. I always provided my own synthetic oil as the dealership wouldn't use synthetic if they provided the oil. After 50K, I did attempt to use the dealership on a couple of occasions only to be shocked at the high dollar quotes for the most simple of repairs. They wanted $900 to replace the cam shaft seals. $1800 for timing belt kit install. The dealer attitude is that owner repairs are only done by fools at their own peril. My experience with this car has led me to understand that Audi vehicles do require more maintenance and attention than your average Japanese brands. It is a German car and there are engineering qualities that I admire. But it ain't a spaceship requiring a highly skilled scientist to work on it. Given this snooty attitude I experienced at the dealeship, I wish Audi (Service Reps) would be less about making a buck and more about pleasing the customer. Audi cars are fine vehicles. However, if you want to own one, try to do some of your own maint and repairs. I see too many negative comments in other review forums related to the high cost of ownership due to repairs at dealerships. I understand that some folks can't or won't work on their own vehicles. If this is your situation, I would not recommend an Audi. see full Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 review |