I test-drove a Stilo 1.25 for a weekend. It seems to be very solidly built and well engineered especially compared to Tipos and Bravos which used to be FIAT's answers to the Golf some time ago. This particular car is the dealer's demo, so given the use and abuse these cars have to suffer, I was prepared for the worse... It had a very solid feel which reminded me of a Golf, it was VERY spacious inside, economical and even this test-drive example was virtually rattle-free. Its biggest drawback was the steering. It's rather devoid of feel; It feels like the wheels were connected with a rubber band to the steering wheel. It weights up when it shouldn't and vice versa. And the suspension felt 'loose' : although corner speeds can actually be very high, you don't feel like cornering like that as there is so little information coming through your hands (steering wheel) and your body (hard springs - soft shock absorbers maybe?). The car is however very safe, with limited understeer and the general 'grown up' feeling we have been led to expect from a...Golf. The seats were also rather uncomfortable: I developed a backache, although I tried every possible set-up. My Tipo has better seats.

I would be very interested in hearing from the original reviewer about how his Stilo stands up the test of time.