The Fiat 500 definitely has some history to back up its recent comeback. The Cinquecento was a popular subcompact ride for almost two decades, but now that Fiat has purchased Chrysler, it’s the 500 that’s bringing the Fiat back to the streets of North America.

The 2012 Fiat 500 is a cute car that has attitude and appeal in a time where the price of gas can make or break a deal. You can get this two-door subcompact hatchback as a hardtop or, new for 2012, the 500C convertible. Both body styles are available in three different trim levels.

The Fiat definitely boasts an above-average cool factor for a subcompact ride. Fiat offers a number of different vibrant colors and stylish badging that complement a cute body style that just seems to work very well. 

The 2012 Fiat 500 is powered by a 1.4-liter four-cylinder that pumps out 101 horsepower and 98 foot-pounds of torque. There is a five-speed manual standard on the entry-level trims Pop and Sport. 

If you prefer mash-and-go, Fiat has an optional six-speed automatic. EPA-estimated fuel economy is an exciting 30-mpg city/38-mpg highway.  

On the road, this Fiat is a lot of fun to drive. It handles well while zipping in and out of traffic. Acceleration is good, and surprisingly enough, the ride is not too bumpy, considering its rather petite footprint.

The 500 reminds me of something out of “Willy Wonka.” It looks small on the outside, but once inside, there is a lot of room for the driver and the front-seat passenger.

The interior is accented with the exterior color on the dash. All the gauges are efficiently displayed, and Fiat provides plenty of today’s techno-gadgets, including keyless entry, full-power accessories, heated mirrors, air conditioning, cruise control, a tilt-only steering wheel, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, a trip computer and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and auxiliary audio jack. 

The Convenience package (standard on the 500C) adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, Fiat’s Blue&Me Bluetooth phone connectivity and an iPod/USB audio interface. 

The Bose Premium Audio package adds satellite radio, along with an upgraded six-speaker system and subwoofer.

Besides the convertible, 2012 will also include the supercharged Abarth and an all-electric model. You can pick up a 2012 Fiat 500 starting in the $15,000 range.

For more information on the

2012 Fiat 500, visit www.fiat.com.