Used 2012 FIAT 500 Consumer Reviews
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There are no boring trips in an Abarth!
Seth Simon, 03/14/2016
updated 03/27/2025
2012 FIAT 500 Abarth 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
33 of 36 people found this review helpful
This is a niche car and not for everyone, and that's why it's special. A Camry or an Accord are for everyone, and when you make something to please as many people as possible you end up with middle of the road blandness. That's great for some, not for Abarth owners. This is a performance car based on a relatively humble small European city car, originally designed for dense urban areas. So, yeah, if you have 5 kids and two dogs, guess what? It's not a car for you. If you appreciate efficiency of space, fuel and technology, are concerned about your footprint on the planet but really like to drive, then an Abarth may be for you. It oozes character, it sounds fantastic and I love that it doesn't look like it's angry and wants to kill you, like so many other cars on the market. It's actually pretty comfortable for long trips, and despite its compact exterior dimensions, it has a lot of space, more than a Mini. I'm 5'-10" and 190lbs and I can sit comfortably in the rear seat behind myself. It's easy to park and cheap to fill the tank, and no one gets annoyed at you when you pass them. Try doing that in a BMW or Mercedes. I considered a Ford Fiesta ST, but was turned off by the four door-only body style, and although objectively it was a tad more refined than the Abarth in some areas, it just didn't feel special, and certainly wasn't as much fun to drive. The quality of materials is not on par with say, a Lexus, but then it doesn't cost Lexus money. I've had mine for two years and the only issues I've had were a burned out light bulb in the cruise control switch and a faulty tire pressure monitoring sensor. Nothing squeaks or rattles. Overall, I've been very very happy with this car. *Update 5 years into ownership: Still have it; was thinking about getting something else but it's paid for and it's been very dependable, so keeping it and tuning it. Love this car! Update: 6 years into ownership: A couple of minor squeaks developed. One is in the rear suspension, and my mechanic took care of it by loosening the bolts securing the rear anti-roll bar, spraying them w silicone and re tightening them to the correct specs. The door panels also squeak, not loudly, but noticeable enough to be slightly annoying. I've solved it by spraying silicone grease behind the door panels. It lasts for a three months or so. I've had to replace the original Pirelli P Zeros, which we just OK, so I went w bigger diameter wheels and wider tires, which made a huge difference in grip and stability in high speed corners. I recommend 205 /17s. I've had to replace tires, brake pads, spark-plugs and the usual filters, but nothing else. Looking at a bigger sport sedan, but keeping the Abarth regardless. Still gives me joy every time the rorty exhaust comes to life.
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Fiat 500-The City Dweller
heiliner1, 04/25/2013
2012 FIAT 500 Pop 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 5M)
40 of 44 people found this review helpful
Our household has two 2012 Fiat 500 Pops, 20 serial numbers apart. Both vehicles have around 2000 miles on them. On one vehicle the oxygen sensor has failed. On the other vehicle the glove box is out of alignment. We bought these Fiats because they are cute, easy to get in and out of, easy to park, and had low initial purchase prices. Considering the standard features there wasn't another car in that size range that offered as much.
2012 FIAT 500 for sale near you
3 of 250 listings
- Sport 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $6,450131 mi away
- Sport 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $8,200135 mi away
- C Lounge ConvertibleMSRP: $8,950140 mi away
See all 250 listings
Amazing
popei, 03/31/2012
2012 FIAT 500 C Pop 2dr Convertible (1.4L 4cyl 5M)
17 of 18 people found this review helpful
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. Don't 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 won't be disappointed. I can't get enough of driving this car.
Disenchanted
rooster007, 10/23/2014
2012 FIAT 500 Lounge 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 5M)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
I have a 2012 Lounge that I bought brand new and I am the only driver. I put 1000 km a week on my Fiat. Average 80km/hour. I have just over 141,000 km on the car and have been told by the dealer that the CV shaft (right and/or left) are toast and that maybe the transmission will also need replacing. I have a front end wobble at 65km/hour that goes away after 75km/hour. Anyone else have this problem? I'm looking at almost 6k to fix!!! This is ridiculous! I put over 480k on my toyota rav4, front wheel drive, 2 door coupe. This fiat should get at least 250k before I have problems like this.
Coming up on 4 yrs of ownership
KenN, 01/24/2016
2012 FIAT 500 Sport 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 5M)
29 of 32 people found this review helpful
Love the car, but hate the quality - and depreciation. Purchased new for HS graduate in May 2012. Rear bumper reflector just dropped off randomly - covered under warranty. Shift knob top broke off - covered under warranty. Steering clunk - tightened but not replaced with correct new intermediate shaft under warranty - clunk is back, but now 2 thousand miles out of warranty. Arm rest broke - cushion fell off - fixed my self with gorilla glue. Sun roof does not work - and pealed paint on strip in front of sun roof ( for over 20 months ) - but out of warranty - as I had no access to car since daughter had it at college. I am deathly afraid the clutch will die per other reviews - we have 54000 miles on the car. I do my own oil and filter changes as dealership service shop is only open during week and my daughter only comes home on weekends. Having said all that - the car is fun to drive with great brakes and decent enough acceleration for a guy who grew up in a time when zero to 60 in 10 seconds was considered fast. I asked dealership to make me an offer for trade in to purchase a used car off the lot ( Korean or Japanese ) - and even they don't want the car. NO offer. Paid 21K for it and now worth less than 7 K I expect for trade in. The Bose stereo is awesome. Gas mileage driving highway is above 38 mpg at 75 mph, so decent - but bigger cars get that now days. Would I buy again - no - way - ... will I keep it - probably will take it over and keep as 3rd car. I'm 6 foot 2 and just barely stay under the (broken) sunroof - so I can live with it - driving position is strange, but I am used to it. I like the car - I hate the quality and/or lack of responsibility by Fiat / Chrysler for standing behind the product for the following issues - Steering rack clunk / Paint peeling / arm rest - can't comment on the Sun Roof other than I read it was glued in from the interior and there is no way I'm paying for that repair.
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- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value