Skip to main content

Used 2012 FIAT 500 Hatchback Consumer Reviews

3.7 out of 5 stars
114 reviews

See Edmunds pricing data

Has Your Car's Value Changed?

Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.

Price history graph example

Trending topics in reviews

Pros
Cons
4.63 out of 5 stars

try it ,you'll like it

pbuehler, 04/06/2011
2012 FIAT 500 Lounge 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 5M)
8 of 32 people found this review helpful

just got through driving the sport version and it was pretty good. the driving position was more comfortable for my 6'2" frame that either the corolla or fit and had a softer feel to the interior. the sport is , sporty ,with painted brakes,ground effect panals and bigger wheels. it handled so cal freeways, and it's big trucks ,with no problem and with 4 adults aboard it got around just fine. really, go drive one.

Report Abuse

4.75 out of 5 stars

Amazing little car

paul_jacob, 03/20/2012
2012 FIAT 500 Sport 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 4 people found this review helpful

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 it's the perfect car! Fun to drive, and as long as you're not afraid to rev the engine, it's peppy too. Great interior style is combined with very surprising space. My head hits in the back (6'0"), 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.

Report Abuse
2012 FIAT 500 for sale near you
Showing 3 of 242 listings
See all 242 listings

5 out of 5 stars

2012 Fiat 500 Sport is doing great

Tom of NorthCal, 01/17/2019
2012 FIAT 500 Sport 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 4 people found this review helpful

The car is good. Don't trust the nay sayers. Test drive it yourself. That being said, You should know that the center arm rest is ridiculously weak and should be removed before you break it. You should know how to drive it. The 5sp manual transmission in regular mode or sport mode is smooth. To make this car go you have to up the revs to 5700 rpm or 6000 rpm in lower gears to get running up to speed on the highway. However, the MPG is a little disappointing. I haven't seen 40mpg, but I ride it hard. Tall people can drive this car but tall people in the back is tough.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse

4.88 out of 5 stars

Italy has returned!!

carfreak24, 02/20/2011
2012 FIAT 500 Lounge 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 22 people found this review helpful

First off, I haven't driven this car, but I've seen it at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show. I absolutely love the styling of this car! When spending time in it at the auto show I first realized how comfortable this car was. I am looking for a car that is affordable, stylish, and good on gas mileage. I can't wait to be able to drive the car and see how it performs. When checking the car over I could just tell that it was built with fine craftmenship and the materials used are like a luxury car's materials. People should defently consider this before buying any competetive car.

Report Abuse

3 out of 5 stars

Poor service, good car

Jeff L, 12/05/2016
2012 FIAT 500 Sport 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 5 people found this review helpful

While the electric car is great, we broke a windshield badly. The car hasn't been drivable for 6 months and we are expected to pay our lease. Not very customer friendly. Things still aren't resolved so we still don't have a car and Fiat doesn't give a darn.

Safety
3 out of 5 stars
Technology
2 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
3 out of 5 stars
Value
2 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
3.63 out of 5 stars

Fun, Cute but No Power

edcg, 03/03/2011
2012 FIAT 500 Sport 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 5M)
5 of 29 people found this review helpful

I've been waiting for this car to come to the US ever sense the positive review on TopGear. The US Spec Sport version version looks nice and is comfortable but lacks real oomph from the engine. This car is still on my short list BUT I'm going to wait for the Abarth variant.

Report Abuse
2 out of 5 stars

Not Happy

donna1954, 03/06/2014
2012 FIAT 500 Sport 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 12 people found this review helpful

I bought the Fiat 500 less than 6 months ago and have never been so unhappy with a vehicle. The gas mileage is not what is advertised, the interior design is horrible, no center console, the visors do not even come close to protecting your face, the heat/ac when set on your feet blows directly, about 1/2" from your driving ankle so it either burns your ankle or freezes it. And do not let the wind blow at all because you cannot hold the car on the roadway. I do not enjoy driving anymore and can't wait to trade the car in.

Report Abuse
4.25 out of 5 stars

Great car

breinke, 03/11/2011
2012 FIAT 500 Sport 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 6 people found this review helpful

I just drove this car today, and I have never driven a manual. It felt very easy to drive and very comfortable. Although it doesn't have much power, I didn't feel like I was going to be run over by a big texas truck or not be able to keep up with traffic. I did not sit in the back, but It looked like it could do a good job of hauling people under six feet.

Report Abuse
3.13 out of 5 stars

NO BUENO!!

penelope_ptstp, 01/09/2013
2012 FIAT 500 Sport 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 5M)
9 of 61 people found this review helpful

Car had to have engine replaced at 10K miles and had transmission problems at 16K miles.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Prima Edizione

genora, 03/15/2012
2012 FIAT 500 Sport 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 8 people found this review helpful

[non-permissible content removed] My Prima was reserved on line and I took delivery March of 2011. I'm a huge fan of the older 500's, 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.

Report Abuse
4 out of 5 stars

Fiat sport turbo

A Ressing, 01/16/2018
2012 FIAT 500 Sport 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Only had it a short time but love turbo and handling.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Most reliable car I've ever had.

Gini, 06/24/2020
2012 FIAT 500 Sport 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've read some of the bad reviews for this little car and wonder if mine could be one of the exceptions. It's been my daily driver for 4 years and it has not let me down EVER. I bought it used with 54K miles on it. Yes, there's been some little minor issues like the arm rest cushion coming off and having to replace the hatch handle, but nothing major. No electrical problems, never had a check engine light. Brakes are awesome and it's so easy on tires. (more than 50%tread on the tires it came with) I did just replace the battery at 86K, but she starts on a dime and runs like shes still new. Of course, I maintenance regularly, use Amsoil, and run non-ethanol gasoline when I can. She averages just over 40mpg. It's been the most reliable, problem-free, lowest cost car to maintain I've ever owned and I've been driving for 44 years.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

A smile that lasts a lifetime

Joel, 10/12/2017
2012 FIAT 500 Pop 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

First off, my car was purchased on a whim I didn’t do any research before buying it. I didn’t need the car as I already had an suv. I was bored one day drove down to the Fiat store and the rest is history. I bought a 2015 brown fiat 500 pop. 101 hp, now it does feel underpowered in automatic mode, but I drive it in the manual mode all the time and I get better response time. So I think 101hp is manageable. I commute between towns which is about 90 miles one way. I average 36mpg on the commute! Bout $20-25 fills the tank which gets me about 364 miles give or take. The engine is stock for now, I am playing with the idea of trading it in for an Abarth. However, for what the pop offers, it’s a solid car! I use the pump under the drivers seat all the time to fill my tires with air, I love the convenience of this on board pump. Blue tooth is very handy to have when driving. I feel safe driving the car, it handles turns like a go cart! Plenty of storage with the back seat down. I fit a 55” tv in it once for a local move I made, desperate times call for desperate measures! Cup holders are a bit annoying, but it’s a small car, so I guess this is the best I’ll get out of the car. Vehicle is cheap on repairs! If your mechanically inclined like me, you can save money doing things yourself. I get comments all the time, regarding how cute it looks, or how does it handle, is it good on gas? I would for sure buy the car again! I have not been stranded once other than to replace the battery. Ac blows cold and quick, it does help to have tinted windows. I also have a VW Golf TDI, which our performs my fiat, and gets better mpg, but whenever I drive my fiat there is just this smile I get that’s lasts a lifetime!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Great Car

Rose, 07/16/2020
2012 FIAT 500 Sport 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

All I did was drive to work, school, and back home. This car was a great little car. Was a perfect first car for me. Its not a powerful car but it gets you where you need to be. Oh and its GREAT on gas!

Report Abuse
Items per page:
50