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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  8000 First oil filter change - 2012 Fiat 500
  By cuda213 - April 26 - 7:21 pm

  Red POP,red white interior and stick. 6 months in use. Very happy. Reliable, no issues, none! Confy ride. Gas,gas,gas hapiness. Only drawback, chicks keep stopping and asking me about it, hehehe.

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  Amazing - 2012 Fiat 500
  By popei - March 30 - 10:42 pm

  6 weeks in and 3000K miles. If your looking for a fuel efficient, fun to drive, great looking car at a bargin price, this car is it. I bought the 5 speed manual. I average 40 mpg(combined) and I use regular gas. Dont waste your money on premium. No issues. Car feels like a much more expensive car, all around. The car has plenty of pickup and flys on the highway. The convertible is very quiet. The fiat is quieter than a 2005 Honda s2000 that I bought new. Looking at the car you would never think it will fit 4 people, but it does. Brakes are great as is the handling. If you buy it, you wont be disappointed. I cant get enough of driving this car.

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  Excellent bang for buck - 2012 Fiat 500
  By donovang1 - March 23 - 7:58 pm

  I was skeptical at first, but so far..everything is great. I just traded in my 08 Mini for the Fiat 500 Sport. I live in Houston, and do a lot of running around the city. Its peppy, quick, and easy to drive and park. If you enjoy a smaller ride, you should seriously consider purchasing a Fiat. I test drove the manual and automatic through city streets and on the freeways. I felt that the manual had much more power and pep. You have to know when to downshift to maximize your driving potential. For the price, you definitely wont find anything remotely close. I miss the speed of my Mini, but not the overpriced maintenance and heavy ride.

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  Wow in a small package. - 2012 Fiat 500
  By sherimed - March 19 - 11:11 pm

  I bought my Sport in January 2012. I didnt expect to buy one but, was absolutely hooked after a test drive. I had A Mini Clubman that was being fixed after an accident. When I got the news that the Mini was being totaled there was no hesitation. I was hooked. I had my seats upgraded to red leather (with black tops) and had a black stripe put on the on side doors. It looks adorable and hot!! Still waiting for the black and white checkered graffic for the roof. This isnt Fiats fault 3M is having production troubles. I love being able to make it my own. There are lots of things you can add for this car off the net. I got a fabulous shift knob etc.

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  Amazing little car - 2012 Fiat 500
  By paul_jacob - March 19 - 8:27 pm

  Being priced about 8K less than their Mini competition, this car proves an excellent value and backs it up with MPG and driving pleasure. It is quite literally impossible to be sad in this car. With a manual around the city its the perfect car! Fun to drive, and as long as youre not afraid to rev the engine, its peppy too. Great interior style is combined with very surprising space. My head hits in the back (60"), but the leg room is amazing for what it is. Although a bit bouncy on some streets, the composed ride is just right for a fun, "sporty" ride.

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  Prima Edizione - 2012 Fiat 500
  By genora - March 15 - 2:53 am

  [non-permissible content removed] My Prima was reserved on line and I took delivery March of 2011. Im a huge fan of the older 500s, particularly, the Abarths. After driving it for a year, I found NO problems. I missed buying a spyder back in the day and waited patiently for Fiat to return to the US after nearly 30 years. I traded in my Chrysler 300C and am now free from cringing at the gas pumps. People need to do their own research about the cars and be satisfied with their own personal results. I get a lot of inquiries from people and mostly "cute" as remarks.

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  Great Little Luigi! - 2012 Fiat 500
  By markj5362 - March 12 - 1:24 pm

  We bought a 500 Sport in January. 1100 miles on it. No issues other than the fact that the door panels are made of cheap plastic and will scratch easily. Combined mpg so far is 34. Not great but better the the Miata we sold. Our 500 with manual trans. can get 40 on the Highway. Hilly here in Western Washington State which may be dropping the combined mpg down. Feel we got a fair deal from Fiat of Tacoma...Would work with them again. The added cold air intake and reverse exhaust add to the fun factor. Highly recommend this car. First service due at 8500. Will post more later.

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  CUSTOMER SERVICE IS PATHETIC - 2012 Fiat 500
  By lamorty - March 5 - 5:13 pm

  I also have had "issues" with my Fiat. Some are being rectified others...my loss. Will need to wait for 6-8 weeks for a part r/t the strut. Concerned with an event.. "slipping into drive" while idling. Not explanable nor able to recreate. Now I am concerned with safety Poor customer service including refusal to give reasoning in writing, an e-mail address and also to give me the persons last name that denied minor repair. Response: "I contacted Fiat Canada via phone and therefore my response was to be via phone". Requested an appeal and denied...told she was the final say and was speaking for FIAT. All I can say is buyer beware!!! Well with FIAT CANADA anyway!

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  Open Body Seams During Manufacture - 2012 Fiat 500
  By jchasp59 - March 1 - 9:30 am

  I bought my new, 2012 Fiat 500 Pop on 12/22/2011. Three days after purchase, I noticed an interior water leak and returned the car to the dealer. The dealer found that the cause of the leaks were, "body seams that were left open, unwelded and unpainted during manufacture." Got the car back after 23 days in the shop. That day, I noticed electrical problems and that the leak wasnt repaired. Returned it to the shop More open body seams were found around the windshield. I requested a replacement. Fiat agreed. The dealership acquired my replacement on 02/10/2012, but has yet to get it to me (03/01). My Fiat Case Manager is Kathy Nelson, but I have no way to contact her. I regret my purchase.

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  That happy Italian feeling - 2012 Fiat 500
  By sruczko - February 8 - 4:44 am

  I traded in my Elantra for the FIAT and so far Im extremely pleased with the car. It is a very coherent design, with everything I need and nothing I dont. Im tall (65") with long legs and the Pop without sunroof fits me perfectly. A very tight little car with peppy performance IF you understand how/when to upshift and downshift to take advantage of the small engine. I have a base car with no options except alloy wheels and Im amazed at all the features FIAT built into this car.