Faults:

The radio would not pick up any stations when I first acquired the car, although the tape deck worked fine. The radio was sent away by the dealer and has been fine ever since.

The car has always pulled slightly to the left. I believe it probably had a kerb knock before I owned it, as the steering wheel wasn't straight either. This was corrected by adjusting the track rod ends, although the car still pulled to the left slightly.

The seal around the dipstick leaked. This was sealed by the dealer. It stayed seal for about 2 years. Not a major problem though.

The headlamp washers have never worked. I think they get blocked. The windscreen washers get blocked and squirt all over the place. Blowing compressed air into the line clears this problem though.

The exhaust heat shield clips (near the fuel tank) corroded and fell off. I fixed this myself with a new hose clip.

The electric windows have always been sluggish, especially the passenger side. They have on one or two ocassions, stopped completely while rising. Pressing the operation button and holding it however, did make them close.

The rear windscreen washer pipe, popped off as it had frozen, despite ample washer fluid in the system. I unclipped the boot trim myself and re-attached it.

General Comments:

All problems listed above, were very minor. This really is an above average car for the money, just look at the standard equipment list. I am buying another one, same model just younger.

The 1.8 16 valve engine comes alive at 4000rpm. It easily revs upto 6500rpm and more if you let it. The growl and note from the exhaust is music to your ears. Although not a true hot hatch, it will not disappoint.

The performance is great for a warm hatch, although a few extra horsepower would be nice (wouldn't it always). If Fiat had put the variable valve timing head on this engine (as they have now done for the Punto HGT) it would have been nearly as quick as the Bravo HGT.

The handling is very good, although it leans a little too much into corners. It never loses grip with those 16 inch alloy wheels.

The brakes are very good. The ventilated front brake discs and anti lock brake system always stop you in good time if you need to.

The fuel economy is fine. I average 30 miles per gallon around town. On a motorway cruise at a constant 80 miles per hour, it easily returns 40 miles per gallon. The 13 gallon petrol tank means you don't have to fill up to often.

Faults:

Nothing but annoying fascia rattles and slow electric windows.

General Comments:

A superb car!!!

Performance is good, would be nice to have a turbo for low revs, but other than that, excellent.

Gorgeous looks (black with 205/15 Fiat alloys from the HGT).

Rattles are annoying, but if you put your foot down you can just hear the gorgeous engine sound, and exhaust note (modded Janspeed exhaust, not Fiat's own).

Faults:

Timing belt had to changed at 34,000 miles. Also rear shocks were gone.

Seat height adjuster is broken on both driver and passenger seats.

General Comments:

Nice car that's fun to drive. The engine is revvy enough hence the not spectacular fuel consumption.

Lovely shape especially when compared with Japanese rivals.

Faults:

Bought car privately 2nd hand with 25,000 K on the clock.

Replaced all 4 Shocks, clutch then shattered after about 2000km, replaced this, car now at 32,000Kms, having problems starting, put some STP injector cleaner through the Fuel & presto, sorted.

General Comments:

Coolest looking car in its class, roadholding is superb (especially when combined with a set of Bridgestone Potenza so2 tyres - 195/50 ZR15).

Fuel consumption is higher that I expected, I generally get about 27 - 32 MPG, but then I spend a lot of time above 4000 rpm, where the fun starts.

Faults:

Purchased the car second hand from main dealer. Clutch release bearing began to produce droning noise after a bit less than a year of ownership, but the dealer replaced free of charge. Apart from that nothing has gone wrong with the car in the last 2 years of ownership. Car's reliability can't be faulted.

General Comments:

Dashboard and interior can be rattley on harsh road surfaces, possibly due to firm suspension setup.

Good handling and road holding, the car does not mind being flung around twisty back roads, and is up to taking a bit of abuse. Engine is torquey and revy and quite responsive, gearbox is quite smooth, clutch a little heavy, which is the same on other Bravos I have driven, brakes are brilliant, which is a good thing :).

Fuel consumption is not bad, but nothing to write home about, though I have a heavy right foot which does not help.

The car looks good and is comfortable on long trips.

Faults:

The petrol filler cap had to be replaced straight away. The stereo had to be replaced after about eighteen months.

General Comments:

Generally I've been very surprised at the reliability of this Italian car. It's stylish, fast enough and you can't ask for more on the comfort stakes!