Overview & Reviews

Something of an Italian answer to the VW Beetle, the original Fiat 500 was produced from 1957 through 1975 and featured a rear-mounted, air-cooled engine of just 500cc (a half-liter) in size. Among the 500's (or Cinquecento's) lovable traits were its diminutive yet space-efficient body that made maneuvering in crowded European cities a snap, an available large fold-back canvas sunroof and a small appetite for fuel.

Arriving some  50 years after the introduction of the original, today's Fiat 500 boasts many of the traits that made its forebear so beloved. The contemporary Fiat 500 has cute retro styling along with a surprisingly roomy cabin for its small footprint. Marking Fiat's return to the United States after a 27-year hiatus, the 500 is something of a United Nations approach to car building, as this Italian car is built at a Fiat-owned Chrysler plant located in Mexico. Though that may put long-term reliability into question, what we do know is that this little car's personality fits its cheeky looks.

Current Fiat 500
The Fiat 500 is available in both coupe and convertible body styles. The convertible, though, is actually more like a coupe, with a huge, roll-back cloth sunroof.

The standard 500 comes with a 1.4-liter 101-horsepower four-cylinder matched to either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic. As the Fiat 500 weighs just 2,350 pounds -- a few hundred less than a base Mini Cooper -- performance is actually fairly peppy.

The Fiat 500 Turbo and GQ Edition gain a turbocharged version of the 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 135 hp and 150 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual is the only transmission available. Those looking for the spiciest meatball should consider the 500 Abarth. With 160 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque, its turbocharged 1.4-liter four sends the Abarth to 60 mph in a quick 7.1 seconds. The five-speed manual is the sole transmission offering here.

The standard Fiat 500 coupe comes in Pop, Sport, Lounge, Turbo and Abarth trim levels, while the convertible comes in the Pop, Lounge and Abarth variants. Standard feature highlights for the base Pop trim include full power accessories, air-conditioning, cruise control, a tilt-only steering wheel, a height-adjustable driver seat and a six-speaker sound system. The luxury-themed Lounge adds 15-inch alloy wheels, exterior chrome accents, foglamps, a fixed glass roof (hatchback only), upgraded cloth upholstery, Bluetooth phone connectivity and an iPod/USB audio interface. The Sport, Turbo and Abarth models upgrade with features that are mainly performance-related. Two special-edition models, the GQ and the 1957, were introduced this year, offering mainly cosmetic flourishes.

In reviews, we've been impressed by the 500's smooth and willing engines and slick-shifting manual transmission. Though the steering feel is somewhat numb, the 500, especially the Sport version, provides agile handling along with a compliant ride quality, besting the Mini Cooper in the latter respect. The Abarth is a different animal entirely -- a 500 with an attitude by way of its spirited acceleration, snorting exhaust and athletic handling. This little dynamo should have strong appeal to enthusiasts, as it provides massive driving entertainment in a tiny package.

Though the 500 is 6 inches shorter in length and 2 inches narrower than its chief rival, the Mini Cooper, the Fiat 500 is substantially taller (by 4 inches). That translates into better outward visibility and respectable leg- and headroom, especially for rear seat passengers. The interior is cheerful-looking, especially when optioned with the two-tone coloring, and the controls are easy to operate. Despite the Fiat 500's small size, seating comfort is surprisingly respectable for drivers of all sizes, though tall folks should avoid the sunroof, as it significantly reduces headroom.

Used Fiat 500 Models
The current-generation Fiat 500 was introduced in 2012. Besides the Turbo and Abarth convertibles being unavailable that first year, changes since then have mostly been limited to shuffling of trim level content. The 1957 and GQ special edition models debuted in 2014.

User Reviews:

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  Another Happy Camper - 2012 Fiat 500
  By lovinmyfiatt - October 8 - 8:28 pm

  I also bought my Fiatt on a whim which is very unusual for me. I had done a lot of internet research and was ready for a change. One drive of the Fiatt 500 and I was sold. I loved the variety of colors, the nimble handling, the pick up and the dealership was decent. One thing that was very important was to buy fun with comfort and this car delivers. Its small, but you are not sitting on the ground. I am 5 ft. 6 and its just an even turn and sit to be in the drivers seat. My driving is about 70/30 highway/city and I am getting about 35 to the gallon. Then final deciding factor will be how it handles the roads in the winter, otherwise I am 100% happy.

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  The Manny Pacquiao of the car world - 2012 Fiat 500
  By shabba2 - October 2 - 2:20 pm

  Easily the best decision Ive ever made on an impulse. While looking at the Sport model, this Abarth was left behind by the original buyer. I snapped it up as I overheard him declining to buy it after ordering it. Lets see, this car goes like stink, gets phenomenal gas mileage (Im averaging 38 on the highway at 75 mph), looks like nothing else, is built well, is very uncommon, is surprisingly comfortable on any sort of trip, has standard options that most cars would not in this price range, has an exhaust that makes a Ferrari jealous, and its priced perfectly. Abarth is like the Carroll Shelby of the 500 world. They took something that was nearly perfect and made it perfect.

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  Looks and fuel economy...without the gimmicks - 2012 Fiat 500
  By moparornocarr - September 18 - 7:23 pm

  I never pictured myself as a Fiat guy. We got it as a rental when we were on vacation, and after that my mind was made up. Its sporty looking on the outside and the inside (Sport model), it has a great sound system, and it has been extremely reliable. Of course it also gets excellent fuel economy without gimmicky buttons or hybrid technology, which Im not sold on. I average around 40 mpg hwy on my daily commute to work, which is well above the 34 EPA on my automatic. Overall, I would recommend this to anyone looking for a car thats fun to drive, turns heads, rides smooth and gets great fuel economy, look no further.

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  Youre paying for FUN! - 2012 Fiat 500
  By websmack - September 16 - 12:07 pm

  Loads of fun. For a tiny car its comfort and ammenities are unsurpassed. It takes 15 minutes to get fueled because people run over to look and ask questions and pet it lol. I dont know how long it will last, how reliable it will be, but its a blast to own it. I cant even pick one favorite feature there are so many: auto sunroof, Boze sound, TomTom, Sirius Sat, colorful instrumentation, retro style. Wow. No car in this price range has all of that.

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  The Design Standard City Car - 2012 Fiat 500
  By dwink9909 - August 31 - 9:05 pm

  I only have a few hundred miles on my Fiat 500 Pop hatchback, but my initial impression and every bit of available research and feedback tell me that Fiat has hit the mark with this Americanized version of their hit European city car. Even at 6 5" and 240 pounds, I fit easily in the cabin and like everything about the driving and pedal positions, clutch, shifter, steering and all the features, from steering wheel controls to "sport" mode selection. My Fiat handles well, both at highway speed and close quarters city driving. It reminds me of my 1970 VW Beetle, but with modern handling technology and almost twice the horsepower. Like the Beetle, its an incredible bargain as well.

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  Fabulous Dynamic Car! - 2012 Fiat 500
  By patrizia007 - August 16 - 6:13 am

  After research and test driving many different vehicles, I bough a Fiat 500 Sport with all of the options, including power sunroof. I was close to getting the Prius C or Mini Cooper, however, the Fiat just was superior to them in many ways. I absolutely love the style and feel of this small car. It is peppy and responsive in my city/suburban driving. Although the interior is small, I like it that way so Im not driving a lot of car bulk on the road. The Fiat sits high up with other cars, making you level with other drivers, so it is safer. I wanted a small, quality, fuel-efficient car that stood apart from the rest of the pack on the road. The Fiat 500...classy, unique, perfect.

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  Fun little commuter car - 2012 Fiat 500
  By f360f1 - August 15 - 9:02 am

  I bought my 2012 Sport as a replacement for a string of Volkswagens, most recently a GTI, mostly because I wanted something a little different and I was impressed with the design. The 500 has not disappointed so far. I get more compliments/questions about it than any car other than my Ferrari. I have had no problems with it so far, although I have only had it for about a month. It is fun to drive, recognizing that it underpowered and one really has to rev it to make it go. I am getting great mileage -- a real 33 mpg driving to work in city traffic if I drive like an old lady 31 or so otherwise.

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  Feeling Regret - 2012 Fiat 500
  By kiehen - May 30 - 11:26 pm

  Back in June of 2011 when I bought my 500, I cant even tell you how excited I was. I had been waiting for these to hit the States for several years. Loved (and still do love) the retro look. Efficient and fun to drive? Most definitely. Quality is where the 500 falls short. I understand cheap materials. Those are to be expected. The unexpected? I just scheduled my 8th service visit. It pains me to say that I have started looking at the best way to get rid of this car with the least amount of loss. With 13,000 miles on it, it acts like a car with 100,000, and that simply doesnt work. Amazing concept, questionable execution. Wish it werent so! My dealers attitude is no help.

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  5-STARS for the 500 - 2012 Fiat 500
  By bill_s_in_az - May 18 - 6:02 pm

  2.5 months 2300 miles 40.7mpg on 87Octane Had to adjust the headlights downward, but that was the only issue. Rado/CD/USB media/Bluetooth all work great! ECO Drive download to PC to monitor efficiency is nice if you want to save the universe. Key fob remote range is very short :( 5M trans very easy to use even in stop light traffic. Cold AC! My F-150 (17.5mpg) sits while I cruise all over town. I used to consume 2 gallons a day, so now Ill save enough to break even at initial cost, current driving distance, and gas prices-- all in about 16 years, but it will be so much fun!!!

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  Quick, Nimble and Fun Ride - 2012 Fiat 500
  By peden500c - April 30 - 9:29 am

  We purchased the 500C in November and have driven 6,000 with no problems. The rides comfortably, is very nimble and accelerates nicely to stay with the traffic. It is not a race car but very sporty. This car cruises the highway at 75 mph and accelerates well throughout the entire range of the speedometer. Driver visibility is excellent as the car sits higher than others of its size. Front seats accomodate all but the largest passengers. Rear seats are cramped for adults but just right for kids. This is a very fun car to drive and park. Its also easy to get in and out due to its height. Overall the car seems well made and we have had no maintenance issues.