Fiat 500L

This Italian confection feels undercooked and has several significant flaws. It earned a dismal road-test score, thanks in part to a stiff ride, flat seats, and an awkward driving position that dictates bent knees and stretched arms. The 500L also scored a Poor in the IIHS small-overlap frontal crash test. To its credit, this quasi-wagon responds eagerly in corners and handles securely at its limit, and provides impressive interior space for its size, along with good visibility, super-easy cabin access, and a commendable 27 mpg overall from the 1.4-liter turbo engine. Fortunately, Fiat has dropped the dual-clutch transmission we tested and now equips the 500L with a conventional six-speed automatic.