Fiat Stilo 2001 - 2007 - used vehicle, engines, experience

fiat stilo

The Fiat Stilo has been manufactured since 2001, as the model that succeeded the tandem bravo and bravo, with its premiere in Geneva in 2001.
The Fiat Stilo is a spacious and comfortable car with an extremely reasonable price, but not exactly perfect. He is able to leak water into the cabin, the climate is problematic on many models, he has problems with electronics.

DESIGN AND INTERIOR - Fiat Stilo

fiat stilo

Fiat Stilo was produced in three versions - a hatchback with three and five doors, and as a MultiWagon, ie. caravan. Fiat Stilo with three doors, designed as a car for young people who do not need too much space in the back seat - a sporty variant with a stiffer suspension and five doors, a variant that should represent a kind of family sedan, with more space in the cabin and even shelves in the back seats, if anyone needs a stand.

The very quality of the interior of the Fiat Stilo is at the level of the class, so it will neither delight nor disappoint you. As for the appearance itself, the flavors are different.

First of all, the three-door Fiat Stilo features an excellent design characterized by the use of sharp lines, without much rounding, making the Fiat Stilo significantly different from the competition. Particularly noticeable is the lateral line of the vehicle, which descends from the taillights to the front and gives the Style a special note of aggression.
In the other two Fiat Stilo models, the side line is parallel to the sill of the vehicle, which gives the model a classic, not to mention boring look. To this subjective impression we add the fact that the "athlete" is shorter, but also wider and lower than the other two models, which certainly gives him a "faster" look. It sits low in the car, which will appeal to all sporty drivers, for whom this model is intended.

The three-spoke steering wheel, adjustable in height and depth, is also equipped with a progressive City Mode dial.
The instrumentation is standard designed and does not feature any special detail, except that between the analog speed indicators, engine rpm, there is room for a large enough screen. In addition to the data from the trip computer, you can also see data from the factory audio device as well as the engine oil level.

There are four airbags in the cab of the Fiat Style, of which they are located in front of the driver and front passenger in the MultiStage technique. It is a special type of "smart" airbag, which, depending on the strength of the impact, inflates a certain amount of air.
They are in charge of driving safety ABS sa EBD (electronic brake redistribution), and there is ASR - anti-skid system.

Some owners complained about the poorly positioned slippers. The durability of the cabin elements is not a good feature of Fiat, so you need to make sure of the interior before buying.

The Fiat Stilo SW (Station Wagon) is larger than the standard version in length and height, therefore those dimensions that are very important for the spaciousness and comfort of the cabin and the size of the boot. The Italians also installed one useful function, taken from the SUV segment - it is possible to open only the upper, glass part of the five doors, which is very useful in the cramped parking space of public garages and hypermarkets.

Galvanized bodywork has no rust problems.

MOTOR

Fiat Stilo 1,2 16V (2001 - 2004)
Although it seems very funny to have a 1,2 engine in a serious car it has proven to be very durable and reliable. This is a new generation engine that was still being built into Punta and Brava mk2 models. Consumption between 7 and 10 liters. There is a lack of power when the car is loaded, but it does not change the very good impression of an extremely lively engine. It came in combination with a 6 speed gearbox. The 2004 redesign is replaced by the 1,4 16V. The Fiat Stilo with a 1,2 16V engine does not produce nearly the same results as in the Bravo / Brava, as the Fiat Stilo is heavier than its predecessor.

Fiat Stilo 1,6 16V (2001 - 2007)
Evolved engine inherited from Bravo / Brava / Marea. Very good measure for this model as in the previous model. Consumption between 8 and 12 liters of city driving, depending on the modes. It simply calls for a faster ride, and with the processing of the intake and exhaust, it gives an incredible sound. Problems can occur on the crankshaft bearing and less often on the electronics. Durable engine of good performance. There is always the possibility of installing a gas device, which is a little more expensive for these types of engines with a plastic intake manifold, but again more cost-effective in the long run. At the same time, it is somewhat less elastic compared to competing engines.

Fiat Stilo 1,8 16V (2001-2004)
Unlike the one on the Bravo, this engine produces a larger power difference between 1,6 and 1,8. Fast and aggressive.

Fiat Stilo 2,4 20V (2001-2003)
The Pandan Bravo HGTu was supposed to be a Fiat Stilo ABARTH version. The 2,4 engine from Lancia Kappa was fueled and shredded at 170 hp and a sellespeed transmission from the Alfa 147. It was fitted in combination with a selespeed semi-automatic transmission. Problems occur on valve lifts. The engine was not designed for that car and therefore it was not exactly laid down. It was produced very briefly and had no success. Of course, as it goes, the price of maintenance is a lot more expensive for this type of sports machine, and you won't be happy when you want to sell it because they are not exactly a sought after commodity. Brutal engine but also brutally consuming. At least 12 and at most….

Fiat Stilo 1,4 16V (2004-2007)
Engine specially developed for Fiat Stilo. As a replacement for the 1,2, but it came close to 1,6 in performance, combined with a 6 speed gearbox and very frugal. It shows little fatigue when overloaded.

The 1.9 JTD engine is what is best on this car - powerful, temperamental, start-up, reliable, economical consumption and modest maintenance costs. The rest is not quite up to that level, but it's not much below the class of some other car brands I've driven (Reno, Ford, Opel).

fiat stilo 1,9 JTD 8V 112, 115 HP (2001-2004)
OD pre-known diezel engine with minor modifications. With its 115bhp, it fits perfectly with a very good body, and the car is reliable, fast and economical with 6-9 liters of fuel consumption. An MAF sensor that swallows engine power, if faulty, is shown to be a pain in these engines. All other parts are reliable and belong to one of the best Fiat engines. The 1.9 liter (JTD) and single camshaft unit is offered in two versions, with 80 and 115 hp respectively. The difference is the turbocharger, and a differently calculated gearbox (the weaker engine has shorter transmission ratios).
Since December 2005, the 1.9 JTD has been further enhanced to 120 hp.

fiat stilo 1,9 JTD 8V 120 HP (2006-2007)
the latest variant of the expanded 1,9 engine

fiat stilo 1,9 JTD 16V 140 HP (2004-2007)
Evolved 8V JTD, very powerful and fits in with Style. It gives him a sporting spirit.
Top of the range is a 140 hp JTD unit of the same twin camshaft (1.910 cc), which was first fitted to Alfa Romeo models. It is extremely resilient, mainly due to its generous torque of 305 Nm at 2000 rpm, and has impressive intermediate speeds in the fifth gear. It achieves a top speed of 203 km / h and consumes on average less than 7,0 liters of Euro diesel, which is really small compared to the engine's capabilities. It's pretty quiet (only Renault's dCi and Peugeot's HDI are quieter), even when it's cold, it develops power evenly and stagnates only when it reaches 4000 rpm, when it noticeably loses its breath.

EQUIPMENT - Fiat Stilo

Fiat has prepared three levels of equipment. Active, Active with climate and Dynamic. All variants have central locking, four airbags and front power windows, so we recommend Active with air conditioning, because now it's a necessity rather than a luxury, though only Dynamic equipment offers both alufel and CD radios. The price differences are not too big, as otherwise the Style drops very quickly, so avoid sellers who think they are selling an Astra station wagon.

FAULTS - Fiat Stilo

So far, everything sounds wonderful. We have not told you that as used cars these cars are much cheaper than their competitors in the class. Wondering why? Well, they didn't exactly prove to be the most reliable.

The most problematic is the electronics, the standard Fiat bollard. Quite regularly, there are various sensors that report this or that for no reason.

Many electronic units cause the most problems, so a smaller error is enough for the electrical components to show the downside.

If you opt for the 1.2L variant, be sure to check the cylinder head gasket as they are subject to faster wear especially if the coolant does not change regularly.

The 1.6-liter, 103hp engine may have problems with the bobbin, fuel injection or electronics. ECU failure due to the unfortunate position of the ECU very close to the engine, resulting in overheating of the ECU and cracking of the solder (reparation possible).
The 1.6 16V and 1.8 16V engines have a problem of oil consumption.

1.8 gasoline engine. On some models manufactured in 2002, the drive belt may be noisy or loose. Cause of lack of tensioner bolts. Tighten or replace the tensioner or the timing belt if damaged.

The most common problem with JTD engines is the EGR valve and MAF sensor. In diesel engines, the so-called "floating flywheel" can be worn, which is not cheap; the failure is manifested by vibration.
Diesel turbine failures are rare.
The vibration in the cab also with the diesel engine is most likely due to the wear of the engine mount.
Service personnel advise that the fuel in the tank is always above the minimum due to the submersible pump being lubricated and cooled with diesel.

For diesel and gasoline gear belt problems, regular replacement at 60000 km is recommended.

The alternator pulley is subject to premature wear due to its rubber part;
With the 1.9 JTD, it often creates mechanical vibration and hiss (cold hiss). Error caused by a rubber insert in the crankshaft pulley.
With the 1.9 JTD produced in July 2002, at 2000 to 3000 rpm, there is uneven acceleration due to a fault in the engine electronics.

The problem of electronics is often the problem of the CAN bus connecting computers in the vehicle.
Delicate fuse board, which loses connection due to moisture penetration.
Style electronics are sensitive to voltage changes, so improper installation of an alarm or music device can cause a problem.
Avoid washing the engine, as the electronics are sensitive to moisture.

Robotic Selespeed gearbox. Abarth manufactured until 2003 (and especially those manufactured by November 2001), problems with managing electronic gear changes, reprogramming of the ECU gearbox is required.

When buying, you should also pay attention to tire wear as there were a couple of suspension problems with some models, which will easily recognize you by the uneven pattern. Also, check for any strange trap sounds. Parts are not expensive, but there are often more small things so the bill can grow nicely. After greater mileage, vertical stabilizers (persistent clamps) may be worn on the front ladder or the front fork, which includes a ball and two silencer blocks, may need to be replaced.
The rear trap is reliable and the front trap, more precisely triangular forks or front stabilizer.

Models manufactured until February 2002 often suffer from noise from the back of the car. The fault is the shock absorber ring or bracket.

Problems with ABS contacts occur - they are solved by soldering.

Electric servo failure, ie. steering wheel position transducer.

The steering wheel often received negative ratings, the noisy steering wheel irritates the owners, and it is not unusual to schedule the much praised "city mode", which makes it easier to turn the steering wheel. He is also criticized for not being direct enough.

Sometimes the problem is poor airbag contacts, which are located under the seat, so the computer is not triggered by anything caused by the light in the cushion being defective. Also a problem in the first series was the passenger seat weight sensor, which registers the presence of the front passenger airbag, which has caused the problem on specimens since 2003.

There were some complications with the passenger's airbag, and it's not new that your light comes on for the same reason for no reason. The problem is in the connector located under the seat and the repair itself is not expensive (only the contacts are tightened). Of course, first check that the car is not hit because it is possible that there is no airbag, so the light comes on for a reason.

Regular oil control of the engine is required.

Problems with electrical components in the cab.

The trip computer often displays incorrect fuel economy information.

A common problem with table illumination. Water penetration will cause a short circuit.

The tailgate switch often does not work. The rear door remote control does not work. Requires switch replacement. The error occurs in all bodywork.

PAY ATTENTION WHEN PURCHASING FIAT STYLE:
- whether there are any signs of water leakage in the cabin. Repair can be very expensive and complicated
- If the car also has window lifters, pay attention to them, because it is not uncommon for them to fail
- airbag light, wants to come on for no reason
- Test the air conditioner well, because repairs are often very expensive
- check the gearbox, failures are frequent, and the failure of the entire gearbox
- motor operation due to electronic unit failures
- condition of the rack gearing
- actual mileage, usually large
- With diesel, you should pay attention to the condition of the turbine, flywheel and MAF sensor (air flow) when buying. These are the weak points of an otherwise very high quality and reliable unit.

Fiat Stilo ABARTH 2,4

Before buying a Fiat Stilo you should know:
- electricity, airbag lamps often bright.
- engine, engine computer errors are surprisingly common. Warnings are often turned on on the control panel, and there are no breakdowns at all.
- lights, headlights are subject to water condensation on the inside.

Fiat Stilo through the years:
2001: Fiat Stilo with three or five doors and Active, Dynamic and Abarth equipment packages launched. Fiat offered petrol starting engines 1.2 (80 hp), 1.6 (103 hp) and 1.8 (133 hp) and five-cylinder 2.4 with 170 hp, as well as 1.9 JTD diesel with 115 hp.
2002: 80 hp JTD engine offered.
2003: Multi Wagon wagon introduced.
2004: the first redesign is made on a 5-door model that changes the rear end. 1.2 engine replaced with a new 1.4 (95 hp) and 6-speed transmission brought refreshment. The 1,8 engine goes down in history. The three-door Abarth version was offered, while the Prestigio replaced the five-door Abarth. The JTD engine gets new versions, but all that is still not enough to improve the sales of the Steel.
2006: Last redesign. Introduced JTD 150. There was also a version of JTD 100, then JTD 120…
He also experienced three redesigns in 5 years produced.

FIAT STILO - FACTORY CALLS
- Steering noise in diesel JTD versions of models manufactured up to 2002.
- 25000 vehicles manufactured between October 2001 and September 2002, with 1.6 and 2.4 petrol engines as well as a JTD diesel engine, were called in for service because there was a risk of a short circuit in the radiator electric fan control unit, and the fan did not turn off when needed,
- 15000 styles were subsequently called for service because there was a possibility that the safety air curtain was activated for no reason when starting the engine
- with some petrol versions 1,8 and abart produced in March 2003. There is a possibility of a steering failure
- In April 2003 Fiat called the owners to contact us due to problems with the air conditioning, so check if everything is done

CONCLUSION

Many have chosen a wagon version of the JTD-style Style for their vehicle. A nicely conceived car, with Italian makeup, but very poorly marketed. Apart from the powerful engine, spaciousness and beautiful design (but only in the 3V variant), nothing else overwhelms this car, the noisy engine, the irritating electronics.
Although Fiat Stylish shopping is troubled by the fact that better cars can be found on the market and that Fait is known as a car that loses value very quickly. Just don't expect too much when you sell it.

Fiat Stilo price - used car review

Mladen

Hi there, I am Mladen and I am an auto enthusiast. I started this blog years ago to help like minded people share information about latest cars, car servicing ideas, used car info, exotic cars, and auto technology. You will find helpful articles and videos on a wide variety of cars - Audi, Mercedes, Toyota, Porsche, Volvo, BMW and much more. Ping us if you have anything cool to share on latest cars or on how to make older cars more efficient, or just want to say hi!