Used 2017 FIAT 500 Consumer Reviews
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My angry little car
Here's the thing--there are a lot of cars with more room, better build quality, more cache, better reliability, and more room. There are cars that have way more updated electronics, navigation, etc. and are more functional in terms of rear seat space, ergonomics and the like. None of them will be more fun than this car. None of them will make you smile, laugh, look forward to driving them, talk to people about them, or write a review. The Abarth (mine is a 2016 automatic in yellow) puts fun first and functionality second, but don't take that to mean it's a toy or not a good everyday car. The automatic is a hoot (I own three other stick shift cars including a Porsche 911 in NYC) and blips the throttle with a roarty exhaust backfire when you get on the brakes. It pulls hard in point-and-squirt traffic when in "Sport" mode (the only mode you should be in) and hugs off-ramps like velcro to wool. It's fun. No one looks twice at your Mini Cooper S or your GTI. I catch people looking at this yellow bee all the time. The amazing thing is how good the ride is. Short wheelbase and stiff springs don't add up to comfort, but on the highway and terrible pavement, those dual-mode shocks work their magic and it is amazing. Seriously. Front seat space is good, visibility is great (a by-product of the high seating position) and when you fold the rear seats down (or delete them) it's like the world's smallest SUV. It's as much car as you want, but no more car than you need 94% of the time. Can humans fit in the back? Better than you think...but it's tight. Can I park anywhere? Yes. Do what I did--find a used one with less than 5K miles on it, with a full factory warranty, let someone else take the depreciation hit, and drive off into the sunset. Does the exhaust sound better than a Ferrari? Yes. Is it fast? Not really, no. Does it know it? No. It's like the chihuahua who thinks it's a Pit Bull, but it's tongue-in-cheek. It's fun. It's probably just what you need.
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great little car
I've had this for around 8-10 months, so I can't really say much on long term reliability, but its a fun little car. No parking aids on my, but then again whats the point. just aiming it in the general direction is good enough. It's small enough where i can just go "Eh, good enough" and it is. It's a quick car, and still has decent acceleration at 60+ mph. It handles and grips well, is a lot of fun as a daily driver, well at least when there isn't too much traffic. The driving position is quite high, coming from my 98' BMW, but it somehow just adds to the fun. I've seen people complain about the lack of space, and granted, the rear seats kinda suck, but there's more than enough room if you only need to drive yourself or one other person around, not to mention it just is a physically smaller car which I like. If I'm careful, I can get 36-37 mpg between city and highway with traffic, could probably get 38-39 if there wasn't any traffic, but I generally don't bother with it. More fun not worrying about mileage, and even when being rather liberal with the gas it still gets decent mileage. Get's about the same range as my BMW did, I use a higher grade gas, and it still costs ~15$ less to fill up the tank. I think the ride is quite good, though my dad said the BMW felt like a rock (never really noticed myself). It makes a nice sound making it somewhat ridiculous, but not over the top. It's not super loud or anything, but it's enough to put a smile on my face. I couldn't be happier with it, Edit ~2 years later, been reliable enough, it can go through a bit of oil, not a leak, just keep an eye on it. Also fairly easy to modus probably hit the gas more than I should, and I'm almost always in sport mode I get a combined of about 30-31mpg.
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- Pop 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $13,59991 mi away
- Pop 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $13,998253 mi away
- Abarth 2dr HatchbackMSRP: N/A495 mi away
Awesome little commuter/city car
I got mine used. Fiat's rather undeserving reputation for poor quality works out for those of us buying used. Car was probably 33000 with every single option available new and I picked it up for 14000 with 15k miles and 2 years old. So, not the car you want to absorb initial price on. Even if the price stayed strong like a honda, 33k would be a bit much for a car this size and power. A great MX-5 could be had for less than that. PRACTICALITY- It can seat 4 as long as they're all middling size. I'm 6'3" and can fit my teen children and wife in there. Not for long, but it can be done. Not much cargo space on the cabriolet, but enough to do a grocery run without putting the seats down. Gets good fuel mileage without giving up power. INTERIOR AMENITIES- Beats Audio is pretty great. I've owned a lot of cars and this has the best stereo ever. I thought the HK in the Mini S was nice. No where near. Controls are simple. Not many options. Has an easy to access menu in the gauge cluster to adjust beeps and DRL etc. Instant and trip MPG. Normal car computer stuff. Bluetooth is lacking. Technically you can use it to connect phone calls. But NO BT STREAMING AUDIO to the stereo. Unforgivable. Does have the requisite USB and 1/8" jack though. Seats (leather) are comfortable. Height adjustable (a la VW). Passengers complain about the rear headrests. The rear seats are almost perpendicular to the ground and the headrests stick out in front of them. You pretty much have to lean forward. BUT... technically its for safety. Safe isn't always comfortable. The arm rest is only on the drivers seat and is perfect for me. My wife considers it to be too high (she's short). It can be stowed if it bothers you. Seats are bolstered but not straight jacket. You sit high for a sports car.... but its not a sports car. Its a hot hatch. Good visibility. you never notice how small the car is till you park it or squeeze by into the turn lane that's almost blocked. DRIVABILITY- I came out of a mk6 GTI most recently. The GTI was almost too perfect. It lacked fun. You had to bring it to a track to get "on the edge" safely. The abarth isn't an "est" car. Its not the fastest, not the best in corners, its not the most powerful. What it lacks in power and skid pad and rapid weight transfer, it makes up for in spades with FUN. It must be driven on the edge. You don't sit back and marvel at your speed through the turn. You earn it. It handles better than most things on the road and anything in its class, but it doesn't beat your brains out on rough roads. It has a very sophisticated shock absorber that lets it soak up bumps and still perform. The shifter is spot on. Some call it sloppy. It doesn't offer a lot of feed back, but I've NEVER missed a shift. Only thing weird about it is that it will let you try to put it in reverse if you forget its only a 5 speed and try to grab 6th. When you come to a stop in a 3 point turn, if you quickly shift from forward to reverse you might hear it grind as the transmission spins very freely. The ASC is VERY intrusive when "all the way on". Starting from a green light can find you bogging down if you try to start quickly at all. The tiny firm tires try to spin on intersection rubble and the ASC/TSC kicks in and cuts the throttle all but completely. I generally drive it on "1 push". That is. Tapping the ASC controls put it in a "sport" mode. It allows a bit of wheel spin and will let you performa an "L" turn with the hand brake before it stops you. It still assists if you start sliding around a corner, or stab the brakes too hard out of a dip. Push and hold the ASC button for 5 seconds and you're in track mode. Full off as far as I can tell. Smoke the tires, pull J turns, drift through chicanes, spin backwards into the gravel or trees. Not a great idea for the road, but kicks butt on the auto cross circuit. The ASC has saved me a couple times. It has my trust. The noise... OH the noise. Pops and crackles. Pull away from the drive up window and you hear the turbo spin up. Build full boost at anything below maximum torque curve and let off to a satisfying after fire. The car has NO MUFFLER! Catalytic converter into down pipe, into a small flex converter---- 6 feet of straight pipe, T to the 2 outlets. Its obnoxious in confined spaces. On the road its not even noticeable. No drone, just a very european crackle. Blip the throttle between shifts. Sounds race car. The pedal box is perfect. My wife automatically learned to heel toe. She had never even heard the term before. It just comes naturally in the 500. "I can brake and rev match without taking my foot off the brake". Its amazing. The steering is responsive but not heavy. The steering wheel could be better. I can't find a perfect place for my hands. It wants you to be at 10&2 but I prefer a 9&3. The car has a bit of body flex and body lean, but nothing dramatic.
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Most smiles per dollar available!!
I have owned this car for about 8 months and have put just over 6k miles on it. I drive it daily in city traffic, take it for spirited drives through the mountains, and have taken it to the local track day a few times. This car has never let me down, had any real issues, or made me regret buying it. The dealership has been very helpful with the 2 issues I have had(a bad clamp on the A/C condenser and a bad clamp on the coolant overflow reservoir). I am 6'2" and simply don't fit in a lot of the sportier cars on the market. I tried the MX-5, Toyota 86, and Ford Fiesta ST and this was the most comfortable to me and I don't even have to put my seat all the way back to fit! Incidentally this car is faster than every one of those cars that cost at least a couple grand more. My 8 year old that is 4 and a half feet tall fits easily in the rear seat and I have room in the hatch for a surprising amount of groceries. The interior is good quality and I have yet to hear a single rattle or squeak. The driver's screen is very easy to read and all controls are intuitively placed and easy to reach. The window controls in the middle throw people off but to me it just makes sense since my hand is already there for the shifter anyway. Is this the most practical or fastest car....not at all. Will this car have you looking for any excuse to do a rev-matching downshift and cost you hundreds of dollars in plastic surgery to remove those smile lines....DEFENITELY!
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Give this car a chance, you won't be dissapointed
The big deal with these cars are the value for the money. It's a very capable car when you maintain it and drive it responsibly. I drive my 15 pop with manual transmission 120 miles a day. At 19k miles I have had no problems. The car handles incredibly well on curvy roads, and it has adequate acceleration. I love flying buy more expensive cars on winding roads because they are over priced 2 ton behemoths! As a car guy who just came from a 300hp car, it takes some getting use to, but, once you realize how much better the mpgs are (36-40highway) and the handling improvement, it's actually more fun to drive than my 12 challenger. It has torque so going up bridges and hills is actually easier than other cars. The interior style is a great way to be received everyday. My car has a red and white interior and the wife loves it and anyone who rides in it loves it. Much better than the bland silver and black also rans from toyota or mazda. You will be surprised how much you can do with this little car. it's a hatchback so you can carry quite a bit when you fold down the seats. So in my opinion give these cars a chance.
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Surprisingly adequate and just a little fun too
Spouse and I found ourselves in a rush and needing a rental car. The only car immediately available was a Fiat 500 with automatic. We took it. On a 100 mile road trip to the event venue, the car proved to be more than adequate to the task. While acceleration was slow, once at speed the car maintained interstate speeds without trouble. We drove 80 and even 85mph, passing many more powerful cars. If you know how to drive a small engine, this thing will do the job. It was comfortable for two and luggage space was adequate for a long weekend trip.
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500 Turbo - anti-Yaris, anti-Fit, anti-boring.
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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Great Car for a Great Price
I've been a fan Fiats for years, mainly because I always thought they were just so cute. When it came around to buying a new car, I was more inclined to Fiat because the bang-for-the-buck factor- I tell people that constantly, and it's one of the reasons I recommend Fiat so much. How many brand new cars can you get for less than $20k, taxes and fees included? Not many. One of my favorite things about my 2016 Fiat 500 Easy is the turning radius. The smaller size of the car combined with the tight-turning ability allows me to make a U-turn in the tightest of spaces with ease. It's zippier than I thought it would be too! I decided against the Sport and Abarth because I don't personally need the extra power (that, and it might be tempting), but the acceleration is just fine and SO MUCH FUN. Another one of my favorite features is the space inside- I recently went on a 6-hour road trip with a passenger, dog, 1 luggage, and a dog bed and we all fit wonderfully. Just fold the back seats down and bam, you basically have a mini SUV. I'm still surprised at how well this car handles in snow and rain. It's not GREAT in snow, but I was pleasantly surprised for how well it did in 2-5 inches. In rain it's fine, however I do find going over the large, unavoidable puddle to be terrifying because this car is small and light. However, it feels good to drive- what I mean is although the car itself feels light in snow and rain, it is SOLID. Whether you're driving or in the backseat, Fiat's feel like quality vehicles to be in. The interior is beautiful with the houndstooth fabric seats, comfortable, high quality, and durable. Sure, the backseat isn't the greatest for comfort as the seats are slightly firm, but it's better than you'd think. It's quiet, gets great gas mileage and is a smooth ride. My only negatives are that in cold weather it takes a long time to warm up, and the blindspot when looking over your shoulder at odd angled intersections is bad. Overall, the style, the drive, price, comfort/interior make me love this car so much. I highly recommend.
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Great Car for the Money!
The 2017 500C Pop is the same as the 2016 500C Easy. I ended up purchasing the 2016 Easy, because there was one in a color I liked at the closest dealership. This model is an extremely affordable way to have a convertible, manual transmission, cruise control, great climate control, and bluetooth (U connect is super user friendly, I've never had a vehicle with bluetooth and started using it the day I bought the car). I have enjoyed shifting gears in my 500C IMMENSELY, and I'm sure the experience is similar in the 2017 Pop. I honestly don't miss all the extras the lounge offers, because I'm not a fan of leather seats (freezing in the winter when I leave for work around 7:15 A.M.). I also love the simple knobs for A/C and heat, as well as the interior air filter, etc. The design of the interior is simple and intuitive. Plus, the 500C offers the best of both worlds in practicality and owning a convertible.
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Great LITTLE Car
If you looking for a sports car this is not what you want. The 500 is efficient, easy to park and peppy with the 5-speed. Plenty of room for 2 and I am a big guy. This little car brakes and drives well. It was not built for acceleration so even with a 5-speed is not fast but adequate. My last car of this size was the Ford Fiesta ST which was more cramped had a horrible ride quality although much faster. The car seems to perform better on premium grade fuel. At a 10 gallon capacity on the tank it will not break your wallet to by better gas and performance is much improved. I had a hick up with the blue tooth system in the car after the install of Apple 9.3 on my phone. I just disconnected the battery cable for 10 minutes and the system reset itself. If you want fun and style this is a great car. Space is limited for more than 2 adults and so is storage. If you need a small car for mostly in town use this a great choice and 2015 brought some great improvements to the dash and radio. I average 36-39 MPG all the time as stated this using premium fuel.
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Cutest car ever owned
This car gets so much attention, convertible, easy to park, good on freeway, surprisingly fun car, runs/drives very good. Virtually a two seater, they should redo speedo cluster pkg, don't need tach, somewhat confusing overall interior gage itinerary just simplify, no spare tire, AC good, handles well. Retro look very snappy, not a cheap car. They don't need rear seat headrests, throw those out, better visibility, has some Chryslers good features, buy one if you can drive a smaller car, however I am 6'2 and @275 lbs, pretty comfortable, this is our Florida winter car for city driving. Have a Chrysler 300 for total comfort..
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Fun, Fast enough and my Favorite
I have had my little FIAT 500 Pop MANUAL trans for nearly four years. Bought it Sept 2015 when the 2019 came out and bought it NEW for $12k off the lot. Now Have 22k miles and nothing but oil changes and tires rotated ( a MUST ). Only CON would be if you want proformance then must use PREMIUM gas! I live right next to a 75 Max speed interstate. In exchange for premium gas- My little Fiat is at 75mph at the end of the on ramp. I finally backed off when I topped 90mph so I really do not know where it maxes out at. And at normal highway speeds of about 80mph I get well over 35 mile per gallon. Yes it have pretty simple controls but much safer to drive that way! My only complaint is that at 22k miles I am due for some new tires. ( probably from screeching my tires in some tight corners having so much fun driving it!) Now as all the reviews have stated- drastic loss of power in the AUTOMATIC trans. But you will find that in most automatics. Now those of you that want to question my experience in reviewing this car? I am almost 60 years old and have owned dozens of cars. My first being a V8 FORD with 3 on the column, a Hemi Dodge Charger, a Corvette, a Datsun 260z ( yes, 260 for those of you that know the difference) an MBG, a couple of TR6's, and every brand of work truck out there. I have a few dozen miles driven as in cross country several times Tucson to NY and Florida,to Anchorage Alaska and back twice. And this little Fiat is still my favorite!
Charlie Brown
Last I posted was back in 2014 when I bought the fiat 500 pop for $17,000. Three years later I still have He same love/hate relationship with my car. Let's talk about the cons first, 1. Cup holder are not practically laid out in the front of the car two large drinks cannot sit next to each other. 2. Car feels a bit under powered, however if you drive the automatic in the standard mode it does much better! You can buy the Abarth and have more power, but if you have a pop like me just switch from auto to the standard mode and you will be fine. I tinted my windows to limo tint, it makes a huge difference in the summmer! I don't have to run my AC on high, which allows me to conserve on fuel. Let's talk about the positives! 1. Small and economical I can park anywhere I want, people let me in to traffic because I'm small, and people like to smile because they think the car is cute. 2. There are many color options, and this car is customizable for those who like to tune their engines and lower their cars. 3. Gas mileage is decent I average anywhere between 28-34 depending on where I'm driving and the conditions of the road. 4. Maintenance, is awesome the only things I have replaced on my fiat has been the battery, left headlight and left tail light. In three years that's pretty good! I use full synthetic oil, and only put cheveron gas in my car. 5. Room in the car is enough for daily life, I wouldn't say the car is family friendly for those who have larger families, however my wife, daughter and I fit in here comfortably. I hope this helps you in deciding if the fiat 500 is a good juice for you. I'm glad I bought mine, and I would do it again!
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Everyone needs a fiat
I rented one a year or so ago for an 800+ trip. I really liked how it handled and the gas mileage was awesome. So I saved up and bought my own.
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Love it
I've had my Abarth about 6 weeks now. I park in a crowded parking lot at work, as far as I can tell its the only one on the lot. It stands out. Mine is red with the upgraded $500 sixteen inch wheels. The best feature of this car is its compelling value and its unbeatable fun factor. I was originally shopping for the Sport which I test drove and loved, probably should have bought for the gas mileage alone and almost equally cool in appearance and appeal as the Abarth. But I loved the Abarth too, particularly the exhaust, badging, and leather seats. Keep in mind the exhaust is great, exhaust porn to the extreme, great at drive thru's and underpasses, will put a smile on you face every day, best described as a friendly companion and not at all intrusive. Its absolutely fab! If I'm careful I can average around 35 MPG on a tank with 60% of that a suburban commute to work. I keep it out of sport mode for the most part just to save on fuel. The Beats audio system is good, very good, but I can't imagine the base system also not being very good. I did not do the comparison before I purchased. Seems all the 500s I was interested in had the Beats so I just went with it. Also, no backup camera, but it does have the backup warning feature, a $250 option that I feel is very useful and well worth it. Driving this car with the stick is easy and fun. I think it's is the only way to go because of the gain in MPG and the fun factor. Also, the fit and finish is perfect. I examined it with a magnifying glass, no paint blemishes of any kind, no gaps in the panels or doors (as compared to my 2005 Maxima purchased new, a Nissan embarrassment for which I will never give them a second chance. Shame, shame, shame on Nissan). The ride quality is also great, no rattles at all, a little bouncy because of the small wheel base, but an able and compliant suspension as well as a handling marvel. Road noise is minimal, this is a small car from the outside but doesn't sound like it from the inside. I test drove a Honda Fit, didn't like it but was willing to buy based alone on Honda reliability. The front suspension gave the impression of the wheels trying to come thru the wheel wells let alone the road noise. This car may be reliable and have great reviews, but I don't see why. It's a cheap car with a cheap price that will make you feel cheap as long as you own it. Also, the dealer played the online bait and switch despite having the online quote in their very hands. This happened at two dealerships within a week. Done with arrogant Honda... forever! Thank you Honda for being rotten, I think I've gotten a better car for a better price. Also, the electronics are all that. Perhaps all new cars now come with sophisticated electronics, but please be aware, this was an inexpensive car where the fun, price, and appearance are its strengths. The electronics are a bonus that bring it up to the standards of much more expensive cars. Also, the interior and electronics are intuitive and easy to use. This is no accident, it is well thought out design. It's not just a lot of features thrown together haphazardly like my Maxima for bragging rights. This is a comfortable car in many, many respects. The high roof line allows for more space then can be imagined. This car does not feel cramped and you sit up high, its easy in and easy out which gives great comfort to my aching right hip. I also looked at the new Civic. A great car if you don't mind spending north of $27K for the one you want with the wheels you want, and you have to do the limbo to get into the darn thing for the privilege of nearly sitting on the ground. Its great once you're in but you may need 911 to get out. My hip and checkbook feel the Fiat is not just the better car, its the smarter car too... and better looking. I can't say enough about how great a value I feel this car is. Also, this is a specialty car and the dealer lots are full of unsold Abarths. Most people I think will fall for the 500 but the real car people, of which there are fewer, will look to the Abarth with an appreciation of how different and special this car really is. Consequently, huge and disproportionate discounts are to be had. My car listed for $27,495 (no sunroof, no navigation), final price $22,295. I think I overpaid and could have done better by about $2,000 without even asking had I used some online tools. But I don't feel bad about the purchase. I liked the dealer, patient and kind, easy and nice. The follow up has been nothing less then remarkable. I feel like I've joined the family and a special community. The dealer followed up and FIAT themselves too after receiving several welcome gifts. Any problems, call and a person will answer who is able to give answers. I will remember this as a pleasant experience, it the car proves itself as reasonably durable which I think it will, then I'll stick with FIAT. They have put a priceless smile on my face.
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“My angry little Car” part 2
I just want to say that Brian’s review titled “my angry Little Car” is the best summary of the abarth fiat 500. I’ve owned mine for 3 years and almost 40k miles and it’s been one of the best cars and nearly trouble free I’ve ever owned. It is definitely a little beast to barrel around town in yet it’s also really comfortable. I don’t truly understand how that is even possible, but I can drive several hundred miles on road trips and still have a good time and it’s relatively smooth and comfy all things considered! 🚙🚙🚙🚗🚗🚗
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Best car I ever owned
More fun than my Porsche, AC Cobras, Viper, S2000, Miatas, or Corvettes. It's like being in the Monaco Grand Prix, just driving to the grocery store. Mine is chipped for 200 hp and 235 ft lbs of torque. Only 2400 lbs. Runs even with a Porsche Boxster on highway pulls. And will stay with it on a country road too. Almost 3 feet shorter, 500 lbs lighter and twice as big inside. Sounds much better too. No muffler from the factory. Forged wheels, crank, connecting rods, pistons. It's tiny outside and huge inside. Like Alladins cave! Nothing else like it on the road. Had it nine years now. Prices are going up. It's becoming a sought after Classic.
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The little car that does.
In city traffic it is small enough to avoid obstacles, and handling on the sharp curves of country roads is notable. It is more than just a case of economy, it's actually sporty and fun. Sure the 100hp engine will need you to do a bit of shifting to keep up, but exercise is good for you. In the winter snow of upstate New York, the car got me to work sometimes even before the plows cleared the roads. It's no match for AWD vehicles, but an experienced driver can go far with the manual transmission. Now at over 55,000 miles, it still rides nice, the exhaust pipe needed repair, and occasionally the rear brake pads stick, which a bit of WD40 in a timely manner corrects. Reporting in at 57,500 miles, driver's door outside handle front hinge broke. Being that the back part is what opens the door, I'm not in a rush to get it fixed. Otherwise, in the New York snow, it handles good. On the winding country roads, the 500 makes the twist in the road swiftly and safely, like a more expensive sports car.
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Ciao Bella
Inexpensive fun transportation. Replaced a 92 Miata with this and it's as much fun to drive. Not a lot of pop in the pop but I smile every time I drive it. Lots of front seat room; rear seats comfortable for kids only. Good manual transmission. Short turning radius. Small for city driving and rides better than expected on the freeway. I like the styling, not a typical boring low end car. Only have 3000 miles so I can't speak about reliability. Update: 15000 miles. Reliable so far. Still makes me smile and lots of fun to drive. Resale value is poor but if it functions like this for 8-10 years it was a steal.
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Really love this little car!
I really love this little car! It is super fun to drive. Not in a super-car kind of way, in a goofy, balls to the wall, don't give a damn kind of way. It's always "on" meaning it's always ready to play, like a puppy dog. It is comfortable enough for long hauls and with the standard 16" wheels it tracks like a little freight train down the freeway, really! On highway trips I'm getting around 33-35 mpg which is exactly the EPA rating and around town probably more like 22-26 mpg (much more dependent on how you drive it). The only thing I'd change would be to redesign the center vertical tunnel stack thing because it does interfere a bit with my knees (I'm a big guy, weighing in at 300 lbs and 5'10").
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Great little car
I was looking at another car in the used car section of the Fiat dealer. I liked the way the Fiat looked so decided to give it a drive. Turned out I really liked this cute little car. So bought it that day. Red with automatic transmission. I can see where some of the interior parts will likely not hold up well, but for the money and styling, I think it's a great deal. I don't really drive a lot anymore and this is really perfect for me. Comfortable, peppy, and fun to look at. This is a follow up to the review I did last year. I have put about 7000 miles on her, like I said I don't drive much and she is still doing great. I really have no complaints at all about this car. We even traded in our Mini for the 500X and we love it as well.
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Great little car
I had my doubt of buying my fiat. It was a great buy I love my car. It drive beautiful and so easy to fit. Love it!!!!!!!
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Sufficient, efficient, and cute!
I drove a mini-SUV before this, and it seemed ridiculous to cart that much vehicle around just to and from work (7 mi. each way). I went "minimalist" with the Fiat Pop and I love it, so far! I get twice the gas mileage, I love the big windows and having such a great view of the parameters of my car. I'm 5'1" tall, with very short legs. This car fits me well, but there is a lot of leg room to work with for those who are taller. I have planned a couple of large events, and everything I needed, including two coolers worth of food, fit in the back, with room to spare. I love fitting into tight parking spots with ease, and I love the look of this little car! NO REGRETS, truly! I will offer these considerations for others, though: the ride is noisy compared to my SUV which offered a nearly-silent ride, I have to turn up my radio to hear it over my AC, the road, etc., and making phone calls on bluetooth is ok, unless I'm on a really noisy road and blasting the A/C, then I have to really turn up the phone volume and yell a bit, to have a clear conversation. The tools for tracking trip miles, setting the clock, etc. are not intuitive, and the owner's manual is only minimally helpful for these. I see what professional reviewers mean when they say this car isn't as "powerful" in it's normal mode as other cars, but I don't need a crazy amount of power. Mine drives fine on the freeway, and if there's heavy traffic and I feel like I might need to do some extra lane changing, passing, or maneuvering, the "Sport" mode gives me everything I need. I like getting great mpg, so I only use that when I'm in heavy freeway traffic. Otherwise, the car drives comfortably enough for me at 65 mph without Sport mode. When I shift from reverse to drive, after backing out of my driveway, I have to give the car a second before I accelerate or I will sometimes get a slight delay when I hit the gas. It's not bad, and I've adjusted to this, it's just something to note if you're a demanding driver who can't wait a second. I'm truly happy when driving this little car, I gladly choose it over the bigger gas hog I used to drive, I love the eco/minimalist values it fits with for me, and I'm happy to be seen with it, even at work where people are judged by such things. If you want a tiny car, you're a safe driver, and you like keeping things kind of simple, get one of these! I have no regrets!
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Perfec t little car
We have driven this little Italian car and we just love it very reliable no problems at all just gas and oil change, very good on gas confortable city car.
Seaside Perfection
I live close to a public beach and I can always parallel park this stylish ride with ease. Holds beach chairs, beach tent, cooler perfectly. Getting around town is a breeze. People always comment how cute it is and ask me how I like it. I’ve taken her on long highway trips and am amazed how comfortable it is. More spacious feel than I originally would have thought it to be. My husband enjoys it too. WE LOVE IT!!!
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2015 FIAT 500 Pop (1.4 l gas, 5 Speed Manual)
With a comfortable, well designed interior, excellent handling characteristics, and 40 MPG even without any hybrid technology, this is probably my favorite little car that I have ever owned. It fits myself, my wife, and my daughter’s car seat with ease, even being so small, and still has room for our stuff if we are reasonable about what we bring with us. It also has excellent technology for its low price. It is easy to stream my Apple Music subscription or my Google Maps directions to the stereo using Bluetooth. Unlike many other, even larger, vehicles, it is almost as if this car’s interior was designed with actual human occupants in mind, as it has plenty of drink holders in convenient locations, and all interior controls are easy and convenient to access while driving. In short, this car is an absolute pleasure to drive, whether on a short drive around town or a long multi-state freeway vacation. Unfortunately, it is not, and has never been a reliable vehicle, which really ruins a lot of the fun of owning it. The clutch pressure plate snapped and the car had to be towed to the dealership to have the clutch replaced within the first week of buying the vehicle new. The clutch is not sufficiently covered by warranty as a so-called “wear item,” but mine was replaced at no charge. The transmission developed a nasty grinding noise when shifting gears and the entire transmission had to be replaced before the first oil change. The car now has a problem with surging in speed when in first and second gear, that the dealership was unable to fix and says is “normal for this vehicle.” Trying to control something that surges in acceleration like a bucking bronco through parking lots is not fun.
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Fiat usa is not customer friendly!
I bought my 2015 fiat 500 pop six months ago from Car Pros Fiat of Renton, that's when my troubles started... at the first rain I found out that my car has a leak, car did not have even 500 miles when I took it to get serviced, in staid of giving me a new car they repaired it, and this is only the beginning.... stereo problem, done the software update no changes, had the engine check light that went on, the heater takes 20 MIN to defog at full power, driver seat latch sticks and now another leak. The car has only 3030 miles and it has been repaired 6 times. Till this moment Fiat USA and the dealership is still giving me the turn around. After a months of calling and sending emails, I finally got an answer from fiat acknowledging that there is problems with this car and they offer an extended warranty... really you think I will keep a car with so many problems. Now I found water again in the back of my car, it's three times now. THE WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE EVER .... DO NOT BUY FIAT
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My Fiat 500 Pop
I bought my Fiat new in 2014. I have had it ever since and it now has 30,200 miles. I have had no problems with the car. It has been wonderful for gas mileage, easy to drive and park.
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As good as my GTI Autobahn
Car is wonderful, as much fun as any car I've owned. Enjoy driving it as much as if not more that my GTI. Enough power for this light car. Manual tranny great. Ride and handling great. The Abarths extra power must ,(I have the non turbo) be a real treat in this Italian tomato on wheels. Mine is red,adorable. Highly recommend good quality throughout. On the highway on cruise control doing 60 mpg I’m getting between 42 and 55 mpg. Highly recommend this vehicle. I have the 5 speed manual as stated, not sure how the auto grant performs with this small engine.
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have owned 2 Abarths 2013 5spd and 2015 6spd auto
I have owned 2 Fiat 500 Abarth ( a 2013 white w/ red stripes/mirrors ,5 spd. manual- 160hp/170 ft/lbs. and then a 2015 Red w/black stripes/mirrors,6spd automatic- 157 hp/183 ft/lbs., optional extra cost 16 in. wheels) . Sold at 25k miles on red. >>No<< problems at all. Average MPG around town 28 -30mpg (on premium) but have been as high as 36 mpg on trip ( at about 65 mph). Quick with sport button on as it supposedly adds torque and you can feel the difference with sport button. All three dealerships ( Baltimore, MD, Tysons Corner, VA and Melbourne, FL have been very good overall. I came from a 2011 MINI Cooper S 6 spd. The MINI was more sophisticated but the ABARTH is a true hoot ,especially hearing the exhaust. FIAT has reduced price to now start at ~ 20 k which seems quite fair. If you are seeking a harder core and cheaper alternative to the MINI Cooper S then try this. The ABARTH is priced closer to a MINI Cooper than the Cooper S. I finally sold the 2015 Abarth with about 25 k miles and still not a single problem. Came to Florida and had it serviced ( oil changes) in Melbourne . I only sold it because I needed a bigger car but no regrets and no problems at all. The car does not get enough interest but have to say after owning two I would still buy a third Abarth ( maybe a cabrio) if I didn't need a bigger car. Do regular fluid changes ( oil/filter, radiator, transmission, and brake fluids) , use premium fuel, keep tires at high PSI ( 38 to 40 ) and wash and wax now and again and this car will treat you right. I really miss the 2015 version.
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My fourth Fiat 500...
I've owned four 500s since the model was introduced in 2012. Started with a Pop, went to an Abarth, then to a Sport, and am back in the fold with a new 2015 Sport. Subtle refinements to the 2015 are much appreciated, especially the new electronic instrument cluster. I have owned way too many cars but I think the Fiat may be my favorite all around vehicle. FUN to drive, wonderful design inside and out, frugal with fuel, easy to maneuver and park, great driving position and sight lines. Get the Sport model, engage the "sport" button, and enjoy one of the best kept secrets in the new car market.
It's a conspiracy
Fiat is very popular in Europe and that success enabled them to buy Chrysler motors. These days cars are mostly built well and if maintained properly will provide good service, why not drive a car that looks good doing it? I think people tend to abuse a small sporty car like the 500 and then give a bad review, NEWS FLASH! Even though it sounds like one, driving it like a Ferrari In Affordable Trim is a mistake. Driving this car feels like you're going faster than you actually are so you needn't abuse it to get the fun Italian sports car feel. That in itself is my daily reminder of why I bought a Fiat, but in all honesty I bought it for it's super cute looks, I think the bad reviews are unfounded and highly recommended Fiat despite them.
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Fiat USA is NOT customer friendly!
I bought my Fiat 1 year ago. I love the little car! But Fiat is not customer friendly. On 8/27/2015, my engine blew with 28,000 on the car. It took over a month to get it repaired and back to me. Three days later, I gave it back to the dealer, as it was not fixed. The 2nd engine blew. 3 months later, they gave me my car back. The upper management will not contact me. They continue to tell a CSR my options. 1/3 of my ownership has been in the shop, and they don't care. Buyers look elsewhere if you want support. My case number is 28015096.
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Get the Turbo if you want a little pep!
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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I enjoy having this car
This car is pretty reliable. The price for what you get is a good deal. If you want a nice car for two for general driving this is the car for you. You save gas and it’s easy to drive. Good first car for new drivers.
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Hot go cart
I bought it new has been awesome. Mostly me and my golf clubs all that’s in it 99% of the time. Nothing done except tires and 2 batteries and from brakes everything else has been sweet. White loving it The Who time just want something new
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Looks Cute but no quality
Check with dealer about service-it takes 4 weeks to get appointment to correct engine issue-car two month old have two warning lights-unreliable and poor quality built
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Traded in my SL 500 !
This is our 3rd fiat 500. One is electric. They have been the most reliable cars I’ve owned - ever. The last time my Mercedes left me stranded I got this as my daily racer. I own a 911, a Macan, and a wrangler. I really enjoy them all but this is in many ways the most fun
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Spunky little car with more character than HP!
I have the 500C Abarth, which isn't listed here. I drive this car like a bat out of hell and my fuel economy averages 26-30mpg. It's not the quickest car, but the aftermarket for this is thriving. You will always find someone who has done something with it crazier than you have. I'm just enjoying tunnels and parking garages. I have no intention of ever selling it. I even drove to Maryland to get the car with all the options I wanted.
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Above and beyond
I love this car! It drives so well and has exceeded my expectations. Retro vibe, awesome car!
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A Better Way to Start Your Day
FUN is the best way to describe this car, you will smile and have a good time. Own this car since April 2016 and its brought nothing but joy, it has a great car community, so many mods, the overall experience is pretty special. The Italians know how to strike the right emotions when creating a car. I took out the rear seats(about 50lbs) and added Speedlab Rear Diffuser, also added a Torque Arm Insert which really makes the car feel more premium and stout. Go test drive one and you'll see why its worth talking about.
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Exceeds Expectations with a smile
We have had our 2017 Fiat 500 for almost three years. We bought it to tow behind our motor home, it needed to be small and light and that's how we chose it. What we never expected, was to fall in love with this amazing little car with lots of room for us up front and even space for weekly grocery store trip. I remember as kid in the seventies that folks would joke that Fiat stood for fix it again tony. Well, bad news for Tony, like the Maytag guy he has nothing to repair. In almost three years we've changed the oil, air filter, cabin filter and rotated the tires, three times or once a year. Other than that no hiccups no issues with anything and we've had so much fun in this little Italian car that we smile everytime we get in and take off. We also smile at the infrequent fuel stops that we've had to make. We mostly drive in our rural area in town at 35 to 40 and we use cruise control as much as possible and get 40-55 mpg typically. Our highway speed limit in Idaho is 80, now at 80 we get 32-38 depending on grade and conditions. To sum up our experience, it has been excellent and we wish Fiat sold their full line up here as we certainly would buy a second Fiat in a heart beat. It has exceeded all expectations and feels like a small Ferrari, as I shift through those 5 gears. Only Italian car that I can afford and she's a real special one. They deserve a reputation that is much higher than the nay sayers whom never drove and certainly never owned one. Most reviews I've read by owners, share that nearly 90 plus percent would recommend and love their Fiat 500 and we do as well. Don't hesitate to buy one, you to will be amazed.
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Fun little bambino
The 500 Abarth is a cool little car. Starting it up always makes me smile. It sounds like exactly what it is, a fun-to-drive toy. Gas mileage is good, and the front seats are fairly comfortable. It's not as quiet and composed and 'grown up' as a Miata or other more-expensive 2-seater, but it is a hoot to drive. Switchgear is plain at best, 'crude' if you want to call it that, compared to a Toyota or Kia, but it works. FIAT has a reputation for poor quality, but there are thousands of these motors out there with 100k miles and few problems. Seating position is comfortable, upright but still close to the ground. Ingress and egress are easy. The leather seats feel great. The driver's side mirror has a second small pane to extend your vision and helps cover your blind spot. Steering wheel is very good. Climate control is good; the cabin is small and cools or warms quickly. Infotainment is so-so, but that doesn't worry me too much because I enjoy hearing that motor talk. The 500 Abarth is fun, it's cheap, it's eye-catching and it's comfortable for one or two. A great second- or third-car. (Update) A minor weakness of the vehicle is the infotainment system, but there is now an aftermarket head unit available to replace the OEM. The display is about 4 times larger and now includes Apple Play and other updated apps. It’s pretty much plug-and-play, and the steering wheel controls still work, so the vehicle is now even better than it was before. Still a great little runabout car for one or two people. Update: still love this little ride after a year or two. Great noise on startup and still surprisingly comfortable for a six+ foot tall driver. Other people seem to like it, too. I wouldn’t recommend it as a primary vehicle for an older person like myself, but if you’re single or an empty-nester with another primary vehicle, this car is a blast.
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MY LITTLE RED RACY ABARTH - STILL RACY 6 YRS LATER
You ge a lot of bang for the buck with Fiat. We obviously love them since this is our fourth one! We just keep upgrading! with my Abarth, I can smoke a Corvette off the line ~ then I'm toast! But, I'll still have gas when I get there! Well, I’ve now had the car for a little over five years and I still love it! It’s still a ball to drive, and it just hit 40,000 miles. I’ve driven it to Las Vegas many times with three adults and luggage init and it is a little crowded, but I can still get 40 mpg in it! I’ve had two knee replacements, and can still get in and out of it just fine. I’m five years older now, and have a purple streak in my hair, and still race around in my Little Red Racy Abarth!
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Love this FIat
Fun to drive, minimal maintenance, great for parking (small), affordable.
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Year two required monthly drop-offs at the dealer.
I loved FIAT. I loved FIAT so much that I worked for them and then bought a new 500 Abarth six years after working for them. I used to wonder why nobody raced these in any popular series in the states (there was one in PWC that suddenly disappeared after a race; why?) and now I know why. If you’re looking for a commuter car that has a louder personality, then there isn’t a better car for you. If you’re interested in a new car for daily driving plus autocross or track days (because it’s an Abarth, come on!) then do not buy this car. I was obsessed with the history of Abarth and his cars. I’m a member of FIAT Club America and got to meet Anneliese Abarth at our club’s 2018 FreakOut; it was amazing, but my car was off the road getting serviced for two whole months after the trip to Florida, which sums up my second year of new 500 Abarth ownership. Year one was amazing, minus a blown intercooler pipe, mysteriously cracked windshield, and peeling body panels, but the performance was excellent and made up for all that. Once I got a hang of the short wheel base and front wheel drive in monthly autocross meets it was beating MINIs, BMWs, Volkswagens, and WRXs regularly. It won me a 2nd in class trophy my first year competing in the sport. Year two was another story. Every time I went to autocross or a long drive something broke, including the Electronic Stability Control, the Anti-lock Braking System, the exhaust system sensors, the rear wheel bearings (at 18k miles), more peeling body panels, the infotainment system, and a few other minor things. The dealership service was second to none, never asking for anything when I brought it in to get fixed, but the two month service was too much for my daily driver. It’s for sale now and I’m even considering the 124 Spider Abarth. Will it be more reliable because it’s built in Japan instead of Mexico? Am I willing to roll those dice and find out? I just don’t know if I want to gamble like that.
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Horrible dont buy it
Please dont buy the fiat I brought a 2016 fiat last year and last month my car jump in neutral. Well on Friday my check engine light came on brought it to mechanic and and it was two codes U 0001 and U 0402 which is the wire harness and the ( tcm) transmission control module which they were both recalls in 2016 for the fiat 500x I have a fiat 500 it shouldn't matter what type of fiat a recall is a recall I wouldn't recommend this at all!!!
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Owning two Abarths
I have now owned two ABarths...a 2013 5spd basic car and a 2015 6spd automatic also basic . I have tended to like the automatic better and have just returned from a long trip getting 36.5 mpg at about 75mph average speed. 30mpg around town driving. The auto has 183ft lbs torque ( more than the 5spd cars) as well which adds to the ease in drivability and it is a 6spd auto ( vs the 5spd manual). The car needs an update at this point (IE direct injection, a dual scroll turbo for quicker spool up, an independent rear suspension and it should have had Koni shocks all around ( now since changed for 2016) right from the beginning. The sway bars should have been stiffer as well especially the rear sway bar ( which can be resolved through the aftermarket.- a wise choice which does help minimize understeer) . You will need to keep the tire pressure at 40psi all around to get best performance. Mine had the optional 16 in black wheels ( not the 17inchers ) so the higher pressure was not objectionable. The car is a fun ,raucous ,unique little runabout but is only "fast" when in sport mode ( worth 20ft lbs. more torque when sport button is pushed). After owning two I would not buy another unless there was a total top to bottom update as the original was released around 2008 in Europe. It is now overdue. Not many drive these so you will need to be dedicated.
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The latest Topolino
I would get this car as a second car or as an "only" if I lived in the city. I got it because I always wanted a Topolino since the "30's. And I love it! If you are over average height you had better check its fit.
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Fiat USA is NOT customer friendly!
I bought my Fiat 1 year ago. I love the little car! But Fiat is not customer friendly. On 8/27/2015, my engine blew with 28,000 on the car. It took over a month to get it repaired and back to me. Three days later, I gave it back to the dealer, as it was not fixed. The 2nd engine blew. 3 months later, they gave me my car back. The upper management will not contact me. They continue to tell a CSR my options. 1/3 of my ownership has been in the shop, and they don't care. Buyers look elsewhere if you want support. My case number is 28015096.
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