Used 2013 FIAT 500 Abarth Consumer Reviews
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Terrific Car
Scott W, 08/04/2015
2013 FIAT 500 Abarth 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
120 of 122 people found this review helpful
I have held off on writing my review for a couple of years (so my car is actually a '13) in order to see how it fared over time. I don't think they have made many changes since them to the Abarth. I did not give it a poor rating on things like ride quality and storage simply because the car is great for what it is. The ride quality is very stiff due to the sport suspension, as is the steering. It's what I wanted and what I expected, so it has not disappointed me in these regards. It is also noisy due to the awesome exhaust (which one dealer told me is made by Ferrari). My only "poor" rating is on the visibility. Even looking out the front you have to be vigilant. There just isn't a lot of clarity no matter how you slice it. Two other things I do not like: no Bluetooth connect from phone to audio (unless calling someone) so if you want to listen to Pandora, you have to have cords. This is probably not the case if you get the navigation package. The other thing I do not like: terrible turning radius! Crazy. Feels like driving a boat when trying for a tight turn. These things being said, I thought that when I bought this car I would get tired of it after two months. It's loud, fun, stiff, small, fast, manual. I got it on lease for three years, so it was a gamble. Well, I have not tired of it at all. It has been great. You will get close to 40 mpg on the highway, and I average about 30 in mixed city driving. Also, I fit a Laz-y-Boy in the back! (Only because you can separate the seat from the back with a Laz-y-Boy.) This is not a super fast car, but it FEELS super fast and it is a blast to rocket around. I will say that the turbo lag is a bit much. I hear that it is not so obvious in the automatic transmission. Also, Fiat often offers some great deals. I got this as a lease so had to pay the list price. The same car was on sale for about $4,000 less when purchasing. So leasing may not be the most economical choice. I have noticed that a lot of American reviewers are pretty hard on Fiat. I don't know why. Consumer Reports rates them with awful reliability yet I have not had a single issue. I test drove the VW GTI, and that is a great car, but a whole different animal. The GTI is faster, way more refined in terms of ride quality, but the Abarth feels like it is made for rallycross and wants to chew something up. It is just bursting to go when you put it in sport mode. You can only get a sense of the Abarth by driving it and really pushing the pedal. Again, I'm not sure why it doesn't get amazing reviews, but I am not a car expert. One person described the driving experience as "driving an angry hornet." That is right on. On the highway, it holds very firm. I have driven it fair distances and been very comfortable, but again, it is quite loud. I would seriously consider getting another Abarth when my lease is up in 2016, but the girlfriend is not in favor. She says it makes her dizzy and it is too loud for us to talk on a road trip. Also, the racing seats are not conducive to her reclining to take a snooze while I drive. So....a word to the wise. In a nutshell, if you test drive this car and finish by getting out and telling yourself you feel like you just got out of a cocktail shaker, this may not be the car for you. If, on the other hand, you get out and you find yourself eager for more, then you know you have found your next car. It will not disappoint.
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From Pop to Abarth
sruczko, 01/27/2013
2013 FIAT 500 Abarth 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
37 of 38 people found this review helpful
My 2012 Pop was a wonderful car and I enjoyed getting into it every day but I knew in the back of my mind that an Abarth would eventually end up in my garage. I waited for the 2013 model to arrive and then I went for a test drive - don't do this unless you are ready to buy one. The Abarth is everything I liked about the Pop raised to the tenth power. Comparing the Abarth to the Pop is like comparing an Alpina to a base 3 series BMW - you know the cars are related, but so many components have been upgraded that it is a completely different car. If you appreciate what FIAT has accomplished with the 500 you are going to love the Abarth.
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Great niche car...think before you buy
holmgren, 01/16/2015
2013 FIAT 500 Abarth 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
22 of 22 people found this review helpful
Up front I'll say that I love this car and it is great for my needs. But this is absolutely a niche vehicle that is lots of fun as a run-about but gives up a lot in utility/flexibility. There is no way I would have bought this as an only car in the household--something like a GTI would make way more sense or a Focus ST if you wanted more edginess. That said, I felt the Abarth had way more character, was more fun, and was more unique for a hot hatch. It feels a more raw and simple than the competition--which I like. It gets me to work every day, puts a smile on my face when I drive it, gets good gas mileage, and for short trips fits a family of three and groceries for a couple of days.
AWESOME FUN MY LITTLE TIGER
cynthia25, 05/28/2014
2013 FIAT 500 Abarth 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
16 of 16 people found this review helpful
Abarth is ultimately more fun than my old mustang or Z a little power house that doesn't shy away from a fight love the engine growl and the kick more room than you think awesome bang for the buck . Fun the most fun than any car I have ever own worth every penny a pleasure to drive.
Best Car I Ever Bought!
David, 02/07/2018
updated 02/14/2020
2013 FIAT 500 Abarth 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
It's like driving in a Grand Prix, just going to the store! And I've owned Dodge Vipers, Corvettes, AC Cobras, Honda S2000's, Mazda Miatas, GM Kappa convertibles. I have the optional forged wheels with summer tires. Handling is unbelievable. I can stay with anything on a country road. Sound is unbelievable. It comes from the factory with no muffler! Visibility is great. Sunroof is large and far enough forward that you can see the sky. Plenty of power. It goes 140 mph. Roomy, huge storage with the rear seats folded down. I have the optional leather interior and it rivals premium luxury cars. Bright, airy, a really great place to spend time. I've owned the car seven years and had zero service issues. Highly recommended. Recently added K and N cold air intake, Madness 500 ECU module, and Magnaflow exhaust. Probably added 40 hp. It flies now. Get one while you still can.
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Fun little beasty
rosso14abarth, 06/08/2014
2013 FIAT 500 Abarth 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
31 of 34 people found this review helpful
When Fiat left the US market oh so long ago, I was not happy. By that time I had owned a very used 128 wagon, a new X-1/9 and then a new 131 Brava. Each one a wonderful little car....as long as you loved sporting little Italian designed automobiles. I did, and I do, so I was thrilled when Fiat returned to our market. Then, when they tossed in the Abarth engineering along with a Turbo and strengthened trans, equal length half-shafts etc. I knew I was going to own a Fiat again. Hooray, because I own one now. This Abarth is truly a fun car to drive. Sure, it has quirks, but like Fiats of old, they are endearing to a "Driver".
2013 Abarth manual - highest fun/$
paul_abarth, 03/23/2015
updated 03/27/2017
2013 FIAT 500 Abarth 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
16 of 17 people found this review helpful
You have to try it.. you may love or hate it - but it really is a fun car for 'enthusiast' drivers. Great value, provided you don't pay the MSRP (I got mine (with 3 year tire insurance - which I already used once for a repair) for 19K US$ + tax with end of year discounts of 6K.) Was considering other small/light 'fun' cars such as the Mini/Mazda Mx5/BRZ-FRS, but for similar performance/features it would be 10K more, anyway, I just kind of fell in love with it after a test drive. With the 17-inch wheels and P-zero tires this light weight car feels fast and nimble, not always stable on the edge. Provided you keep it in the mid-rev range the torque is strong and turbo lag is not an issue. Update: now at 22,000 miles/3 years later.. still a lot a fun to commute with - still puts a smile on my face.. - added a GoPedal (major improvement to response/lag), Craven Speed Short shift kit (feels much better than stock shifter long throw), a Madness high-flow intake (actually made some difference to holding boost and also the turbo sound)...... tiring for long drives such as San Jose to LA - no telescoping steering/high seats.. still love this car.. concerned about the San Jose dealership closing.. so far it's been reliable (even though I drive like I stole it (when alone - when very little traffic/clear road ahead/back-roads)) - except some minor interior back-light issue on the air controls - fixed under warranty.
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If you're a real "driver" get one
bircken, 04/17/2013
2013 FIAT 500 Abarth 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
As I said in the title, if you enjoy driving and take it seriously, get one. I was very pleased with my 500 Sport (35000 mi) but longed for a bit more 'oomph' to play with. It's handling and overall demeanor was really good and involving but getting up to speed was lacking. Enter the Abarth. As someone else stated in a previous review, the many changes made to the car to cope with the added power turned it into a different animal. The power is there, the steering more direct, the brakes (helped by the 17"tires) are like hitting a wall, the shifting is more direct and positive. Short of driving a race kart on the streets, this is 'it'. You just have to hear the engine fire up. Love it!
Hardcore Hatchback!
rreichar, 12/09/2012
2013 FIAT 500 Abarth 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
66 of 76 people found this review helpful
Fiat was a sponsor of the US Grand Prix in Austin and had some Abarths on display. I really liked the look of the thing. Nice interior but not as quirky as a Mini Cooper. For such a tiny car it just looked mean. A week later I test drove one. I decided that buying the car just didn't make sense for me. A week later I bought one. Sense had nothing to do with it. This car is loud, raw and rides like an ox cart. It is also FUN! I traded in the best car I ever owned, a 2012 VW Jetta Sportwagen TDI, that averaged 40 mpg. The Abarth seats look great but hurt my back. The shifter is rubbery. It could use a sixth gear. It only holds 10 gallons of gas. Go drive one. You will either get it or not....
Best FUN subcompact money can buy!
Catie, 09/08/2016
2013 FIAT 500 Abarth 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
If one of your priorities is a FUN car to drive back and forth to work, than this is the best car for your money hands down! I have over 90k miles on my car now and the only repair has been normal ... oil replacements, tires, & brakes. I even still have the original clutch. The car has never left me stranded and still gets 38mpg. Do yourself a favor and get the Abarth version though as it has much more power and really sounds great too.
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In love with my lil Veleno
juniperjackal, 09/18/2014
2013 FIAT 500 Abarth 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I was considering a Mini or an MX5 around the time the Fiat came back to the US. I purchased a Fiat 500 Sport instead. It was not a complete dog like the regular mini cooper and I loved the extra space that the MX5 did not have. I can go to the grocery store in the Fiat! About 9 months ago I purchased an Abarth. Best idea I ever had. I have a 45 minute commute each way in traffic. The car zips in and out of traffic and I have had no mechanical problems. I have driven many of my friends Mini S, which cost a lot more (I paid $19,000 for new Abarth at year end clearance sale). Abarth drives so much better and the sound is spectacular. The sport button turns the car into a monster. :)
Great car with a catch..
TheNonstopHero, 09/03/2016
2013 FIAT 500 Abarth 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I admit, I'm pretty blinded by how much I love my Abarth and it's a car that I would definitely recommend to anyone thinking about one. They're super fun to drive, full of character, have great aftermarket support and turn plenty of heads. Mine has 34k miles with a few engine modifications and has been dead reliable. It's a little short on space and has a lot of cheap plastic on the inside (as to be expected from a car with subcompact economy car bones) though this never bothered me as I understood what I was buying. The big catch is that these are not a spectacular deal brand new with the price tag, however the depreciation makes these a stellar bargain with clean, low mileage examples with leftover factory warranty selling sometimes $10k less than new. If this is a unit you plan on keeping for years to come, then go for it. If this is a car you plan turn around and sell a year after your purchase be ready to take a tremendous hit due to depreciation.
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Abarth model only 40,000 miles of harsh driving
Aaron Ewers, 02/09/2019
updated 08/17/2020
2013 FIAT 500 Abarth 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
I never take it easy on this little car, I push it all the time, I perform all my own maintenance and it has always been extremely reliable. I'd suggest getting 10 mm taller sport tires on 16" rims though for daily driving, makes it way more comfortable, a roof rack with a cargo box, keep it extremely aerodynamic though or you will feel a massive difference past 80mph, window tint for really hot days, the AC isnt powerful enough, and a hitch to hold bikes or coolers or whatever. I recently completed a drive from Davenport,IL to Denver, to Oklahoma city, to beavers bend park, and all the way back to denver then davenport again totalling close to 5000 miles! I brought 2 inflatable paddleboards, two chihuahuas, and a big dog cage, and all our clothes and whatnot for a week and a half and never once did I regret it, I got compliments all the time. I love being one of the only people with an abarth, the scarcity, performance, and reliability make this car one of my favorites I've ever owned. P.S. once you start to modify it hold on for dear life lol
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picoso (hot and spicy)
Jess, 09/08/2019
updated 09/10/2021
2013 FIAT 500 Abarth 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Recently purchased a 2013 Abarth with 75000 miles. I have previously owned a BMW Z4M, Cayman S, Mustang and MX-5 and this little Abarth is so much more fun to drive!!….it is very addictive!!...the exhaust sound is awesome!!...try one you will like it!!
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My little imp
Sassey Easter , 03/20/2020
2013 FIAT 500 Abarth 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Most fun car I have ever owned. I have a BMW roadster and although it is beautiful and fun the Fiat Abarth is my go to car. Compliments from male female young and old. The sound is thrilling once you turn the key. The 5 speed shifting smooth and let’s you throttle through each shift with ease. Mischievous it is and devilish too. That is why my license plate reads Little Imp
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Never Another
Wes, 01/10/2019
updated 01/22/2021
2013 FIAT 500 Abarth 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
5 of 10 people found this review helpful
I actually love the car. It’s got almost 100,000 mi on it with no major issues. Fun to drive, economical if you keep your foot out of it. Power when you need it, plenty of room for hauling things. Actually, it’s my second one. I was also responsible for two other people buying one. No more. It’s been in the shop for three months now waiting for parts. Namely, an ignition switch. The dealer assured me it will come in eventually, but they have seen it take six months for parts to come in. That’s really a shame. I had hoped after two failed starts in the US that the Fiat brand would do good this time. Be prepared to no longer have a car to drive if you buy one. They may not have parts to fix it. Thank goodness it wasn’t still financed.
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Beware, Fiat is unreliable (2013 Fiat Abarth)
p.f.sorensen, 02/12/2016
2013 FIAT 500 Abarth 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
11 of 24 people found this review helpful
I drove this car for 2 years and there is a problem with the rear axle. it is impossible to align the rear tires and the rear tires need to be replaced frequently due to wear. i replaced the tires at 20K miles and at 32K miles in spite of rotating the wheels. Fiat provided shims to try to correct the problem but the problem got worse after the shims were installed. I started to have a problem with the shifting. It was a manual transmission and it became very hard to shift. i traded it for a 2015 mini cooper s and i just love the mini. it handles so much better than the fiat, it's much more stable. the Fiat swayed on uneven pavement. The acceleration on the Fiat is poor. the mini is so much more responsive and energetic. The Fiat mechanics were nice young guys but they seemed in way over their heads and clueless.
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Do NOT buy this Car!!!!
ray2172, 01/24/2015
2013 FIAT 500 Abarth 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
10 of 22 people found this review helpful
I have a 2013 Abarth. I will start on a High note and say that it is a Blast to drive, sounds great, and is an amazing small performance car. Now for the bad! I bought mine used with 4100 miles on it for about $10000 less than a brand new one, $27,500 sticker price. This should have been a sign that they don't hold their value at all. I missed having a larger car and wanted to trade it in, they offered $14,000 trade in with 6000 miles on it. Now with 16,700 miles on it I have had a brand new radiator put in it and have an appointment for a speedometer that stopped working today! Do yourself a favor and by a Honda Civic Si,VW GTi or Ford ST! I wish I had taken my own Advise!
Best car ever
perrusquiald, 03/28/2013
2013 FIAT 500 Abarth 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have before a 500 sport for 2 years and 3 weeks ago I trade it with 14k miles for the abarth 2013. Fun factor is there every day I drive it. Sales person at the fiat dealer in cary was the best. I was looking at the mini s and the new subaru Brz. The abarth is the best value for the money.
Little Carlo is badass
catman, 07/15/2019
2013 FIAT 500 Abarth 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought mine new in 2013 (current date is 7/15/19). Carlo now has 41k miles-and I replaced a battery and a set of tires. NOTHING else has been needed. No recalls (unlike my 07 Honda Element) and no problems.
Piece of crap car!
leah, 09/15/2015
2013 FIAT 500 Abarth 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
10 of 31 people found this review helpful
Horrible car!! DO NOT BUY!! i have 22K miles on it and my turbo stopped working, in addition both my windows motors broke. Worst car ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Fun unless you want something practical
erinandlil, 11/08/2014
2013 FIAT 500 Abarth 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
5 of 15 people found this review helpful
Full disclosure: I bought this car on a whim. My car enthusiast friend fully endorsed my decision, touting it had the "best stock exhaust ever". It's fun to drive in the city, especially under the raised train tracks in Chicago - you can actually hear the car roar. Unfortunately it's so far from practical it's not even funny. Inevitably the fun runs out in a couple of months and you look up trade-in value to see that this car holds absolutely zero value. And good luck explaining to the car dealerships that your Abarth is in fact different than a standard 500. I really wanted to love this car... it just didn't happen. Oh, and I had SILLY repairs two months in.
From Pop to this little monster
hb1578, 01/04/2014
2013 FIAT 500 Abarth 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
3 of 9 people found this review helpful
Why I like this car? because I'm a Scorpius, Why I get this car? because I'm a Scorpius, and why I keep this car? because it's a scorpion. Scorpius people always like choose something that others usually don't, many of my friends don't understand why I get a little car like this? but, why would I get a corolla? this little Abarth, it's small, it's easy to park in the city, it's mean, it's fun, it's fast, it growl like a super car(on the happy meal menu), it's full of excitement, it's characteristic. I enjoy driving it everyday without worry about finding parking space(I live in SF, you know what I mean if you've been here). The customer service is excellent in SF and San Jose dealer.
Buyer Beware: 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth first year
furys, 12/12/2013
2013 FIAT 500 Abarth 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
9 of 46 people found this review helpful
It stalls often and is disabled on the road. I called Fiat of Denver Service only to discover Fiat won't look at it for over a week, with no loaner cars. I was told only Fiat dealers will work on them now -- not other nearby Chrysler dealerships. It's not like there are any close to home. We had high hopes for Fiat but are sadly as disappointed. Too much fear, uncertainty and doubt to risk considering the brand again. So sadly we can no longer confidently refer or recommend a dangerous Fiat.
Great Fun for the Money
Senior Citizen/Car Enthusiast, 02/23/2022
2013 FIAT 500 Abarth 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I searched for 6 months for the Fiat 500 Abarth that I wanted and bought it just 2 weeks ago. It is a very well-engineered car and great fun, especially with the 5 speed manual transmission. It is too bad more people didn't discover the fun/value before Fiat stopped importing them to the US. I think it is a great car, fun to drive, and very comfortable. It has a lot of amenities not usually offered in a car of this price range.
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