Fiat Panda consumer car reviews and road tests

Fiat Panda 1.1 active eco 2012

A reliable little car, but the fuel consumption is not as good as I was led to believe, only about 45 mpg on a long run. It’s a tight fit to get in and out of the driver’s side door and the head room is not good. It’s also very frustrating not having remote central locking, you can get soaked to the skin in the rain having to struggle to find the lock in the dark. The accelerator pedal is far too high off the floor and makes your leg ache on long journeys. Otherwise this is quite a good and cheap car to run, although service costs are quite expensive at the Fiat dealership.

Fiat Panda 1.2 2009

After driving Japanese cars for the last 12 years the Fiat Panda 1.2 gasoline with Duallogic transmition, which I have been using for the last two years, has made me believe that Fiat knows how to build a little car for driving enthusiasts.

Fiat Panda Active 2011

Two complaints: The massive elephant mirrors are not necessary and just make the car wider, which is not so good in country lanes. I also get a draught on my right leg, even when all the vents are shut off it still gets in from either the foot vent or the door. The dealer says that is normal! Does anyone else get a draught? Otherwise great.

Fiat Panda 1.3 Diesel Multijet 2008

What a great little car. Had it for three years now with no mechanical problems whatsoever. I paid extra for this model with the diesel engine but when I am averaging 67mpg then it has justified the extra cost. We regularly use this as our family car as it will happily take all four of us to the supermarket and take a boot full of groceries without a problem. It is great fun to drive, especially with the extra torque but the body roll means it does not like being thrown into corners. It is very cheap to run and to service and the build quality both inside and out is fine. I test drove a number of vehicles before choosing the Panda. It is considerably better than the C1/Aygo/107 for example. Fiat dealer gave us a good deal as well. I would recommend a Panda to anyone who wants a small but practical car that is cheap to buy and own.

Fiat Panda Active Eco 1.1 2010

Great little runabout - the ride can be a little harsh and limited boot space but hey, what can you expect from a cut price supermini? Much improved door mirrors from earlier models and no concerns - would recommend for motoring on a budget.

Fiat Panda 1.2 Dynamic 2007

I did a lot of research before buying and on the whole, it’s a great little car. No regrets but here’s what the ’my Panda is so cute and he’s called Peter’ owners neglect to mention: it could do with reach adjustment on the steering wheel. It’s comfortable but as a tall man, I’ve never found the ideal driving position. It’s the classic Italian short leg long arm issue. It doesn’t induce confidence during cornering, sometimes alarming, especially at speed. A swift change of direction is at your peril. There’s far too much body roll. It handles better with a full load. You can forget attempting to match Fiat fuel consumption figures. I manage an combined average of around 40mpg over a full tank. Even if I try i can only raise it to 43. Clutch, accelerator and steering are ludicrously light in feel. The pedals are also set off-centre. Windscreen washer jets point where they like in spite of constant re-aiming.

Fiat Panda 2010

This is the third panda I have owned so you know I like them, but this is the first petrol I’ve had so I’m finding it a bit strange, almost having to push it up hills and gear shifting more often. The mpg is disappointing, 45 at best despite Fiat claiming an average of 57! It’s still fun to drive and I’d recommend it to those who like me have a larger car for longer trips.

Fiat Panda 1.1 eco 2009

I brought my Fiat Panda 1.1 eco in 2009. So bad on fuel I sent it back to fiat three months after getting it as I was only getting 20 miles to the gallon, only to be informed by them to run it for 1,400 miles to get 40 to the gallon. It’s not what they in formed me when I bought the car, I was told that I would get 65 to the gallon after running it in. Well I’ve done just under 5,000 miles and still only getting 20 miles to the gallon. Also if stuck in traffic like the M25 for two hours it’s bad on backside when passanger. I wish now that I’d never gone for the scrapage deal and kept my Vauxhall estate diesel 1998, more comfortable and more to the gallon. Not a very happy person!

Responses to this review

Totally agree, Edward. We are all been taken in and trying to part-ex it is even worse news, mate. Fiat’s people should be shot for this. Got more out of my P-reg Fiesta with 157k on the clock. Complete con - Tony from Staffordshire

Fiat Panda 1.3 multijet 2007

Hi there my Panda multijet is 3 years old today 26th Nov 2010, and covered 43000 miles, and what a great little car this is, its toured Scotland with 4 adults plus luggage, its up down motorways Leeds to Newcastle, then Leeds to Scottish Borders, no trouble at all. Around town after around 3000miles when fuel consumption and oil usage stabalised has returned 56mpg. If I drive not as heavy footed can actually touch 60mpg. Went from Leeds to Bridlington during summer, steady 50mph, brimmed tank at start, then brimmed back up in Bridlington, returned 78mpg. Would buy another with no worries, certainly better than our Toyota lease cars at work...always something not right with them.

Fiat Panda 1.2 dynamic 2004

Bought second hand 9 months ago, at 60,000 miles and can’t honestly fault it, averages 50mpg around town 60 on a run, comfortable, handles well, fair amount of room with rear seat down, would buy another.

Responses to this review

The guy who wrote this report must be selling Pandas for a living. 60 mpg around town?! I don’t think so - Richard Paterson from Devon

I agree, there’s no way you get 60 miles. If so you’re invited to come over and see me and I will give you a fiver towards your petrol - Tony S from Staffordshire

Fiat Panda 1.2 eco dynamic 2010

Got my 1.2 eco dynamic 30/6/2010, not impressed with fuel consumption, been on to Fiat say its what they expect but should increase after 3000 miles, just reaching 4000 no difference, anyone else having trouble? They don’t tell you this when purchasing, not impressed, good city car when concentrating on road and not fuel dials; what’s the point of cheaper road tax when it drinks petrol?

Fiat Panda multi jet 2006

Bought this car Oct 2009 with 26000 miles on, after 3 months needed top end steering done 50/50 due to out of warranty good dealer. Now this year needed with 36000 mile new shocks, cost so far £450 and £350 in two years yuck, but would say engine good.

Fiat Panda 11 active eco 2009

Bought new in 2009, nippy in town but a bit under powered on motorways. Build quality good, fuel economy ok, only fault so far was a squeaking heater fan. Dealers could do better; after service average.

Fiat Panda 1.2 Dynamic 2004

Bought car new, done 33,400 miles, driven hard for a lot of that time, never had problem. I just change the cam cover gasket at every service. Have 30mm lowering springs (fitted after about 3 months) and wider tyres (fitted last year) on it. Handles great, a lot of fun on B-roads. Great car, did 46MPG with 4 adults and 4 days camping stuff crammed in to Orkney and back. On its second set of brake pads (only another 3000miles left on them though) but disks are still perfect.

Fiat Panda Multijet aircon 2007

I bought this car new in January of 2008. It has covered 15,500 miles since and has been an excellent buy. I have had no issues with the vehicle. We have since had our first child and are surprised at how easily it copes with the baby seat and a pram in the boot. The performance is excellent from the little diesel, and will cruise happily on the motorway with plenty left in reserve. Economy is good too, it is easy to get 65mpg through a tank. My best is 74 although this was on A roads and did require a concerted effort. I enjoy having the air conditioning, useful for de misting on damp days as well as keeping the summer heat at bay. Build quality is good too, so nothing not to like.

Fiat Panda 2002

Nightmare car, have spent 3,000 in repairs in the last year. Head gasket blown, new water pump, new computer that cost £400, the list goes on and on...

Responses to this review

I take it by the year 2002, it’s the old Panda - Paul Johnson from Yorkshire

Fiat Panda 1.1 Active Sport 2007

I love me Panda! Cheap to run and insure. Short on space especially in the boot but good fuel economy. The ride is not that smooth but it is reliable and safe and perfect for city life!

Fiat Panda Eleganza

Dennis Limburn from Sussex awarded the Fiat Panda 5 stars.