When FIAT re-emerged onto the U.S. market, the competition was already in full swing. There are so many brands and models out there, how could the small Italian brand dive in successfully? Our sales team members here at your favorite Evanston-area FIAT 500 dealer were worried at first, but recent events prove that FIAT has proven its place among top contenders.

You know that one organization, Kelley Blue Book? And how they sometimes use their data to compare and rank vehicles every once in a while? Well guess what automaker made an impression? That's right, folks - FIAT did. Consumers shopping for a 2012 FIAT 500 will be very pleased to learn that the model earned the number three spot among Kelley Blue Book's "Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000" list. Noteworthy, cool, and affordable? Nicely done, FIAT. Nicely done.

Vehicles chosen for the list were judged on two criteria: fun-to-drive and fun-to-own. In fact, this was the second year in a row that FIAT was included in the list. Apparently the Italian newbie to the market is too cool for school.

Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com had much to say about the 2012 500: "Catch even the briefest glimpse of the FIAT 500 and just try not to smile at this Italian-designed cutie that's tiny in size, but massive when it comes to personality. Available as a hatchback or convertible, the perky 500 heralds the first new FIAT to be sold in America in nearly three decades."