Fiat Panda reviews

Prior to buying this vehicle, I had cars with fully automatic gearboxes. Initially, I had trouble with understanding the most effective way of getting the dual gear system working. Now that I have done so, I really like the performance, handling and fuel economy that comes with the car.

Having owned a basic 1.1l Panda active for a few years with no problems, I opted to buy a top of the range low mileage Twinair Lounge model. Although quirky, the 875cc engine does the job. The high torque gives excellent acceleration when needed. If you hold the revs between 1500 and 3000 rpm (70mph in 5th) the return on fuel economy is in the mid-seventies mpg on longer journeys. Comfortable on long distances and a dream to drive on the winding twisty roads in Cumbria, where I live.

Bought second hand with 36k on the clock and very pleased I did 4 years later. Frugal on fuel, next to nothing on maintenance, cheap insurance and tax and surprisingly good on motorways unless you really want to break the limit by a lot. Around town the city mode on the steering makes it so easy and on country roads the handing is nimble.

Small, 3 cylinder engine pulls well in gears, even 15mph 3rd. Good headroom. Okay in back for 2 adults, or 3 children, as long as front seats not too far back. Steering, suspension, road-holding good. Hybrid lithium battery involved in stop-start, and perhaps acceleration assistance. Compact dimensions, useful if you have limited parking space.

PURCHASED USED, 1 YEAR OLD LOW MILEAGE. COVERED 180K TROUBLE FREE MILES, OTHER THAN TYRES ETC,THEN CLUTCH REPLACED AND CONTINUED TO COMPLETE UP TO 289K BEFORE BEING REPLACED BY ANOTHER PANDA, [DUE TO GEARBOX FAILURE,AFTER ALL HAD DONE SPACE MILES! ] 1.2 8V ENGINE BOMB PROOF.

Unfortunately- as most mechanics will tell you- these nippy little things are great when they are running but notoriously expensive to maintain- steer clear!

Had the 1.1 Eco from new (over ten years, and 150,000 miles), with no real problems apart from normal wear and tear and a recent replacement "throttle body" when it began to run roughly. For a small car the space is well used , manages well on long journeys and very economically (50+ mpg). Fiat do not do this model any more , but given my experience would happily buy the nearest equivalent.

My wife is on her fourth Panda (the first being the original Guigiarro model of the 1980s). None have given any problems at all. They are spacious, comfortable and quite practical. The interior is cheap but it's a cheap car so there's no right to moan. Fuel consumption is excellent, and the engine performance adequate, at least off the motorway. I have driven BMWs for the last 30 years or so, and I actually enjoy driving the Panda. It has excellent visibility, a high-ish driving position, and very simple easy-to-use controls. The clutch is very light, too. Pity there's no automatic option, a Panda would make the ideal car for my 85yr old mother-in-law.

Had my panda for couple weeks now I like how easy it is to get in you are sat up high when driving cheap on tax and fuel only me and my hubby use it for small car the boot space and inside space is roomy enough gearshift nice and smooth and easy to change and good for reversing and parking which is my not my strong point yes ideal round town car up to now I am liking it

What a fantastic car !!! Being over 60 I have had over 20 different cars in the past , I bought the Panda after reading good reviews, and I absolutely love it Firstly the 1.2 engine is fantastic very nippy and over 50 mpg. Will drive all day on the motorway at 80 mph no problem. My model is a 360 special ( only 200 blue and 200 black made) so quite rare, Special alcantara suede seats, Bluetooth, Aircon, Roof bars, Alloys, Metallic Paint, Split Rear folding seat, 14inch wheels, I would definitely recommend especially the 360 if you can find one...

Great little reliable car, economical 53.5mpg mixed use over 14k miles. Feels solid, no rattles, residual value great if bought at one year old. Good in snow but better with winter tyres and slightly upgraded headlight bulbs.

Great little car. Easy to fit in all the things I need to transport, including large items over to my allotments, yet comfortable enough to take elderly relatives to hospital appointments. Nippy around the town and the petrol seems to last for ages. That's the only thing I would complain about. The petrol filler cap is a real menace both to unlock and lock. I hope more modern versions have been improved. This was such a well-known problem that a man approached me in the petrol station offering help because I had a Fiat! I had a cinquecento before, where filling it was no problem. However, I would recommend ownership of a Panda to my friends, as it has never (so far, fingers crossed) let me down.

Excellent value for money. A nippy little car with attitude. The bodywork has also lasted remarkably well (with the Permashine option).

For a cheap to buy, cheap to run car it is very practical, and surprisingly good on long journeys for the overall driving experience. Performance is not important in a car like this but with a heavy load long uphill stretches require lots of downshifting. Back seat comfort is minimal and legroom is poor. Road noise is always present but one gets used to it. The skinny tyres do not offer much grip in poor conditions; I use winter tyres and they help, particularly in standing water. All round vision is excellent. Driver controls are well placed, although minimal. Brakes are a little underpowered (drums on back) and I always feel I'd like more assistance in an emergency stop. I would buy another but would probably trade up to a better spec.

As a second car it is ideal. It is cheap to run, petrol, car tax, insurance. It is ideal for a runabout around town and for medium distances (Kent to Dorset) but not for long distances where comfort is an issue.

Reliable and like the Tardis on the inside when you put down the back seats, economical too. Bought mine from new, had it several years now and never had any problems. A good small car for the money.

I am very comfortable in this car even though it is by no means a luxury car: it has a relatively high driving position and is easy to get in and out of. I do very low mileage (@1200 a year) and have never had any battery problems or others that plague short distance drivers like me. It's peppy on the motorway and nippy in town. I would definitely buy another one.

The panda is a practical shopping trolley of a car. The twin air is fast enough and acceleration is satisfactory. It is easy to access both front and rear seats but load space is very limited. I have made journeys of up to 200 miles without feeling discomfort but motorways can try patience. For the type of driving I do, rural roads and minor A roads, it does all I wish of it.

Excellent little car. Brilliant on everything. So much so we are keeping it

I have owned my Panda for 7 years and dread the day I have to trade it in. It is the only car I have had which I feel totally confident and comfortable to drive. It's manoeuvrability, reliability, minimal running costs and comfort make it a hard act to follow.