Used 2015 FIAT 500 Turbo 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M) Consumer Reviews
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500 Turbo - anti-Yaris, anti-Fit, anti-boring.
Kirsten, Yuma, AZ, 08/21/2016
updated 09/16/2022
FIAT 500 Turbo 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
22 of 23 people found this review helpful
The 500 turbo - slotting in between the non-turbo models on the low-end, and more powerful turbo Abarth model on the high end, is definitely a bit of a "goldilocks" fit for people interested in commuting. This is my second FIAT purchased new, and I'm generally pretty pleased with the car. My one modification is the exhaust system like that of the Abarth - a loud, open exhaust. This car will turn heads because of the sound - in a good way (it doesn't sound like a fart-can Civic from Fast and the Furious, but more like the sensational Alfa Romeo 4C). In any case, this car is a competent handler once you get used to the high-riding seats. It's easy to drive in stop-and-go traffic with simple hydraulic clutch that has nice progressive engagement, and a snappy five-speed stick with fairly close ratios. If you're nice, this is a car easily capable of beating it's EPA ratings, especially on the freeway, where I've seen averages approach 45mpg. And even if you're naughty, you're still going to struggle to do worse than 25mpg city which is great fuel economy for a turbocharged car with a close-ratio gearbox being driven inefficiently. With the seats folded you're going to be able to carry plenty of groceries, and even with them up, you can fit luggage for two on a weekend getaway. Yes, the newer Fiats can stream audio over bluetooth and have infotainment stuff, but that's not the point of this car. What this thing is is simple: it's the cheapest performance-oriented turbo car for sale in the US, and it's a real driver's car. Your money is buying not just the 240,000rpm turbo which pushes 15-18psi of boost, but you're getting a forged crankshaft and pistons, with oil sprayers to keep those pistons cool. You get twin intercoolers, an upgraded transmission, and the most notable thing - upgraded brakes (bigger rotors, performance pads). The brakes are among the grabbiest and firmest you'll find in anything for sale for less than $40,000. They are probably the best brakes, period, on a car that stickers for < $20k. All of this makes for a compelling little car that wants you to be happy and have fun. If you look at a grey Yaris, or silver Fit and think that cars like that are a punishment, this is the car you want. It's a pitbull puppy that wants to tear the face off of your coworker's Fiesta. It wants you to take the backroads and have a laugh. It doesn't take itself too seriously, and reminds you to live life and have fun. Now, a final word about these cars: in the same way that they're not boring Honda or Toyota products in the ways mentioned above, they are very Italian in one other way - they need a little TLC. Mine has had a few little things (power window motor needing adjustment, bluetooth software issues) dealt with under warranty. If you look at other reviews, people seem to lose their cool about this stuff, which is unfortunate because it can happen with any car. Especially if you decide to buy a turbo car (any turbo car, not just a Fiat), be aware that maintenance matters a lot more, as does paying attention to things like fluids. Turbo cars like the Fiat may use a little oil (consume, not leak) between oil changes - it's a good idea to keep an eye on it. The sticky Pirelli tires that come on this car from the factory aren't going to last 50,000 miles like the crappy eco tires on the Yaris. But if you love cars, and are willing to spend a little extra effort and patience loving this one, it's get to to 50,000 smiles, guaranteed. update 02.26.2018: my car has not had any significant mechanical faults, but I have had two dealership visits for warranty-related service. The first replaced a leaking radiator hose; this is a fairly common issue with these cars. Not a big deal, just got it repaired and was on my way. The second was an ECU electrical fault whereby the car was throwing check engine lights repeatedly for misfires, etc., when there was no actual mechanical fault. They reflased the ECU after doing a lot of diagnostics to rule out any mechanical problem, and no mechanical problem was found. Fiat service does great work, and they do it efficiently! Beyond that: new tires at 21k miles and 41k miles. New front brakes (wear related) at 37k mi. New spark plugs at 32k mi; really important for a turbo car. Given that it's a performance-oriented car and I am driving with high performance tires, slotted brakes, etc., this car has been really cheap to maintain. :) 2020 update: Just shy of 90k miles now, no major issues to report. Like any turbocharged car, it is important to keep an eye on the oil level (I check it every 700-1000 miles) and top-off as needed. No leaks, no breakdowns, no major issues. The factory-installed battery was replaced this year; it lasted about 5 and a half years from the date of manufacture, so no complaints there. 2022 update: This will be my final update of this car, as I sold it in August. When sold, it had some 120,000 miles on the clock and was still running the original clutch, which I would say is fairly impressive for any car. The vehicle had no major mechanical problems of any kind in the time I owned it and was still blowing cold air on the original A/C and coolant, still rubbing the original radiator, transmission, power steering, belts, etc. The only fault it had developed by the time it was sold was a persistent airbag light related to a failure of a sensor in the seat or seatbelt latch. I had elected to purchase a new vehicle by the time this happened and didn’t end up fixing it, so I’m not sure what it ultimately cost. Nevertheless, my time with this car was mostly free of problems and entirely free of major issues. I can recommend it as a daily commuter car for the kind of person who is okay with checking their own oil and maybe doing maintenance like brake pads, as the car did go through three sets of brakes in the time I had it. It was a good car, never stranded me anywhere, and though I’ve moved on to a bigger and faster roadster, I’ll miss the character this little Fiat had and that crazy turbo soundtrack. While everyone told me it would be unreliable, I feel I’ve proven that to be false and have no regrets about my ownership experience. I even got a pretty good sale price for it, considering the mileage. Definitely better than the Yaris. Thanks for the smiles, Fiat. <3
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Get the Turbo if you want a little pep!
Neal, Racine, WI, 06/04/2016
FIAT 500 Turbo 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Cool little car. Perfect for in town and work commutes. I'm married with no kids and our other auto is a mazda CX-5, so storage or backseat space aren't an issue for me because I can take the Mazda when I need it. If the Fiat will be your principle vehicle I suggest giving some consideration to your stuff and people transporting needs, as it's not equipped for much. Having said that though, I'm a big dude who is high waisted (long torso and short legs :( and I fit just fine in the front seat. Also, I recently gave my teenaged niece and her two friends a ride across town and they said it they were fine. I wouldn't plan on stuffing full grown adults back there though. The 500 offers three power/speed levels: base (101 hp), turbo (135hp) & Abarth (160hp). I tested all three and found the Goldilocks fit with the midlevel turbo. It's speedy but not as noisy or tightly wound suspension-wise as the Abarth. Some days I wish I'd bought the Abarth, but then I quickly remind myself I'm not 25 anymore and can get a speeding ticket almost as easily in the Turbo. It's definitely got pep, and as I understand it, is the same drivetrain as the Abarth, just detuned for 25 fewer hp. Bluetooth and HVAC systems work well. The Beats stereo system isn't quite as powerful as I expected, but it sounds great and again, I'm not 25 anymore, so extra loud music with extra thumping bass probably isn't good for me anyway :) As sub-compacts go this thing has plenty of personality. If you're in the sub-compact market, definitely check out the 500.
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look elsewhere for engaging, fun ride..
Ruben, San Francisco, CA, 08/21/2017
FIAT 500 Turbo 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 3 people found this review helpful
rented this car over a weekend and drove through windy roads and highway. it was an utterly uninspiring ride. the engine was barely able and had noticeable turbo lag - like GTI's of old. handling was disappointing with heavy roll in turns and serious understeer. the manual transmission / clutch pedal felt like sponge - very imprecise, very little feedback, not the least reassuring. i had high hopes that this would be at least a fun ride and it turned out to be incredibly uninspiring. should have kept my faithful MX-5 NC...
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