Used 2016 FIAT 500X SUV Consumer Reviews
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Weeks of research led me to this great decision
Lars, 07/13/2016
updated 07/19/2022
2016 FIAT 500X Trekking Plus 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 9A)
77 of 78 people found this review helpful
After my wife and I (and eventually our two teenagers) shared a VW Beetle for 12 years, we wanted to get a new car. I researched the VW Beetle turbo, which I loved but my wife wanted a four door. Drove the VW GTI which I also loved but that's a cramped racer, we needed more room. Seriously considered a Nissan Juke AWD (turbo) -- the Nissan has excellent power but it's got small cargo capacity and most of all the Nissan has a loud cabin at highway speeds. Tried out a Subaru XV (good cargo capacity but lousy power) and a Subaru Forester (so ugly, and too large), and VW GTI. I kept coming back to the Fiat 500x, test drove one on three different occasions. Here's why I chose the Fiat, and what I think of the car after driving it for just three days. You get a quiet ride with the 500x, at 80 MPH the car just floats along like a luxury car. Quieter than the Subaru XV, the 500x also holds the road like a substantial vehicle whereas the XV seems more like a lightweight. The 500x is so much quieter than the Juke, you can hardly compare them (though the Juke has turbo and pulls with greater power). Styling of the 500x (Trekking) is superior, and it grows on you. Every time I look at the 500x I like it more! Seats are comfortable on long distance drives. I made one 500 mile trip the day after purchase, and I fit right in to the seats. My 500x has manual, non-heated, fabric seats. I like the brown leather upgraded seats offered, but didn't want to pay the high price for the options package that includes them. I have also tested the AWD function, as we had a freak rain storm yesterday. You turn the dial to traction mode and it really works. You can view the wheel spin percentages for each wheel on your dash, but choosing that option with the steering wheel controls. I don't know how this technology has been developed but it seems very sophisticated. All of this for a brand new car I bought for about $23,000. What a great value. Thank you Fiat. Update January 2018 — 32,000 miles on the car and it still looks and drIves great. Zero problems. Update January 2020 — 68,000 miles. I did have a mechanical issue with the coolant system. It required a new part. Other than that, no problems. Interior still looks good. I like the quality of the seats. Paint looks new. At idle in gear the car shakes a bit more than you’d think is normal. Very pleased with the purchase. January 2021: 84k mi. Car still looking great. Have used the AWD system in snow. Works well. Front driver seat showing a crack. Mysterious rattle. Runs great. The transmission shifts less smoothly. Very low maintenance. July 2022: 95k mi. Car runs like a champ. Did need to have motor mounts changed which sounds drastic but the local dealer did it under our extended warranty and it wouldn't have been that expensive anyway. I think the 2016 model year had poor motor mounts, so the car was making a noise at idle. New motor mounts fixed it. Other than that we have replaced the brakes and are on third set of tires. We are still happy with our 500X.
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I traded my Miata for this!
John, 10/26/2016
updated 12/01/2017
2016 FIAT 500X Trekking Plus 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 9A)
42 of 43 people found this review helpful
After owning my 500x Trekking Plus for over a year now I can say I love it even more. Its served us well , we’ve gone on several road trips and even started a new biz with her. ( Online Antiques and a booth in Vero Beach ) Fiat is a great value.. and gets a bad rap, its connection to Mopar doesnt help. In a year of owning the car the only thing to fail was a Chrysler sourced MOPAR design fan assembly that Fiat ( FCA ) took care of immediately. Mopar fans have a long history of failures in many Dodge- Chrysler vehicles. But FCA is great. They told me it was imperative I get the car back into the dealer and they had the car for three weeks ( parts delay ) but they rented another car for me and I paid nothing . My dealers customer service was above par. So see my experience with my Fiat is that it’s been 100% reliable except for the American part that failed. But she is back running better than ever and I have no complaints . My original review contnues now.. Due to an unknown injury I came down with severe sciatica in my left leg and hip. My doctor said it was probably exaserbated by twisting in and out of my low to the ground 2013 Mazda MX5. So I was on the hunt for something that was easy to get into. By far, and I have owned 25 cars now in my lifetime as a 55-year-old man, the Fiat 500 X is the most comfortable car I have ever driven. Plus after even after having Mercedes and BMWs I find it's electronics , infotainment system and build quality, superior. Fiat is right up there with Mazda in their top-of-the-line cars giving consumers the most bang for the buck you can possibly get for under 30,000. Even a stripper Fiat comes with creature comfort's that you don't see another cars like fully automatic headlamps. Such a minor thing but a nicety none the less . My Fiat 500 X Trekking Plus is top-of-the-line and is only missing one option , the all-wheel-drive feature and the only reason I don't have it is because it's next to impossible to get in Florida for some reason. None of the dealers are ordering it. But never mind, my car comforts me with the heated seats ,the leather, cornering lamps (by the way the cornering lambs are amazing, like personal luxury cars of yesteryear) the dual pane panoramic sunroof, Beats stereo , navigation, back up cam, crash sonar, ...omg the list goes on...it's gonna probably take me two weeks to figure out how to operate every single feature this car has. And with all the geegaws comes a glass smooth ride with none of that herky-jerky transmission stuff that other people talk about, and the solid feel that you get when you shut a BMW door..that wonderful muffled thunk. Plus, my dealer extends the warranty to 10 years 100'000 miles ! I think that Fiat is undervalued and this car is a game changer for the Fiat brand in America. I want to address some of the bad reviews this car gets. In reading them, I find the people who write negative comments about the cars transmission, hesitation, etc are probably bad drivers, or have expectations that could not be met by a crossover. In owning my car and having driven several others in its class , the Fiat 500x offers the best value. For instance , the 500x Trekking Plus has a power seat, the Mazda CX3 doesn't. It's not available. The CX3 gets praise from auto journalists, but it's based on the old Mazda 2 which was a dog and sold poorly. So much for objectivity, the Mazda 2 has been dropped. . Also ,to write a review based on simply driving a rental, should not be alllowed! Rental cars get beat to Hades and back. The 500x takes getting used to. I had to learn how the electric parking brake works, it's not the most intuitive thing. But the 500x truly is a fun, well built rig.
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E in Everett loves this baby SUV!
E in Everett, 05/28/2016
2016 FIAT 500X Trekking 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 9A)
21 of 21 people found this review helpful
After test driving everything in this class, and I mean everything, nothing compared to the 500X. Excellent quality, great value, and it fits like a glove. I read the reviews about it being crammed and the whining about the way it shifts. I'm 5' nothing so I have no issues with room. Power delivery is very smooth and more than enough for this class. Very comfortable both in town and on the freeway. I'm not worried about reliability. I also own a 500C and have never had any issues with it. Fiat may not be popular and that's fine with me. I get to drive something I love and not see 20 of them in the parking lot everywhere I go. I'm also getting great mileage to boot :)
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Beware...
Wm. Skelley, 11/08/2015
updated 05/16/2018
2016 FIAT 500X Trekking 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 9A)
86 of 91 people found this review helpful
Purchased this Fiat 500X Trek, several weeks ago. I experienced my first breakdown, halfway, during my one hour drive home from the dealer. It shut off at 40 mph, and was difficult to start afterwards. Was instructed by my salesperson to take it to the service department the very next day, which I did, with the engine light on for the entire trip. They read the onboard diagnostic. The service tech expained that the computer was reading fault codes and self correcting as it learns. This conclusion set uneasy with me, but I was inclined to take my service manager's advise. Was sent out the door with instructions to return if any further problems. This very same day, I made it half way home, when I stopped for a soda. Upon attempting to restart my vehicle, it would not start. After several attempts of starting the moter, I called the service dept back to report my problem, but was only able to leave a message. After waiting 20 minutes for thier call back, I again attempted to start the motor, and was successfull. Engine light was on however, and it seems to be running out of tune, with little power. The service department finally returned my call, and instructed me to return the vehicle again, which I did the very next day. And was awarded a rental car. After about 8 days, I was advised that my Fiat had a new onboard body computer module installed, and that it was fine and ready for pick up. I finally made my first successful trip home with this car. However, the very next day, The vehicle became difficult to start, and remained in 3rd gear at all times, with the engine light on. So, again, another call to the service department, and I was advised to have the vehicle towed, which I did with the assistance of the Fiat Roadside Assistance, and a local towing service, and was awarded another rental vehicle. After several days, I was advised that there was a loose/corroded ground wire on the side of my transmission, which was repared, and my vehicle was ready for pick up. Once again, I picked up my vehicle, and did make a successful trip home. However... the very next day, having driven about 30 miles, the vehicle shut off while driving at about 25 mph. I did finally restart, but stayed in 3rd gear at all times, and showed an engine light on. I pulled off the road again, and called the service department. There were several attempts at reaching them on this occassion. And my family and I found ourselves stranded for some significant period of time. After a long period of time, the vehicle restarted, engine light did stay on, however it was switching through the automatic gears successfully, so I limped the car back home. Once again, another rental vehicle and yet another tow sevice back to the service department, where my vehicle sits at this time. To summerize, my vehicle has been in service 4 times in as many weeks, remains there to date, has less than 500 miles, all of them being to the service department and back. I have serveral hundred dollars tied up in rental car deposits, and am very disappointed. The most distressing thing is shutting down while in motion. I find this to be very dangerous under some driving and traffic conditions. I will on Monday, ask this Fiat dealer to buy back my car. It is my hope that this car is the "lemon:, and not the entire model. As I do really like this line up of cars, I am sure my dealer could satifactory place me in another like and kind of Fiat, 500X AWD, and look forward to that discussion. Just saying...beware. Okay, 2 years later. After a very hard and lengthy bout with Chrysler Fiat, my Fiat was determined to be a "lemon", and was replaced. It's been a couple years in my new Fiat. At this time, this new 500x continues to run strong, with regular maintenance as oil changes, etc... Only complaint I have at this time, would be the trim of the vehicle. It's all glued from factory, and has been coming off all around the car. That would be the rubber and chrome strips and moldings. Leaving a very sticking substance underneath that seams to get on everything. Clothes, hands, the dog. Very annoying, and ugly looking. But hey, it starts and goes. Would not purchase another one though. Good Luck.
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Better than i thought
PS, 12/04/2016
updated 12/13/2017
2016 FIAT 500X Pop 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
32 of 33 people found this review helpful
After owning the 500X over a year I figured a review might help some people interested in the car. It's actually much better than most people give credit for. Fiat does indeed have some issues but most are for the 500 or 500L. The 500X is the only Fiat available in the US that's actually made in Italy, and shares the platform with the Jeep Renegade. I have the base model "POP" and actually very happy I got that one, the 6 speed manual gives a sporty feel and the little turbo 1.4L (same as in 500 Abarth) loves to rev, it sounds pretty cool too. The interior is much better even in the low end trim, the fabric is comfortable and it doesn't feel all cheap plastic inside like Honda,Hyundai etc. Make sure you Scothguard the fabric seats though they stain just from rain (but clean up well). I have had no problems yet at 10K miles, time will tell but all cars have problems at some point. If you're in the market for a small crossover it's worth a test drive and for the money the POP really has everything most people need in a daily driver (just get some nice aftermarket speakers/sub for the audio system) Update 12/12/17: Happy to report no issues at 22K miles. Still feels a solid buy and no rattles,squeaks or leaks. Fiat gets bashed a lot & maybe for good reason, but I’ve owned Toyota’s ,Honda’s, Fords and Mazda’s but never felt a connection to them like I do to my lil bambina! Those cars are good yes & so are many others, but they have no personality, no soul. You either want coffee or espresso.
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No not the tiny Fiat, the NEW Fiat with AWD!
Katrina Fernandez, 07/20/2015
2016 FIAT 500X Easy 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 9A)
45 of 48 people found this review helpful
Pro's: Very stylish! ( A cross between a Mini Cooper and a CRV) All Wheel Drive at a good starting price (around $24K) Easy to drive and easy to park Small, but not too small. Gas efficient Keyless entry and remote start Con's: Issues with the VIN#'s, resulted in me having a hard time insuring the Car. It would have been nice if the dealership told me about this known issue before I drove off the lot!!! I was only able to find one insurer for my new car, which means I didn't get the best rate. I went back to the dealership and they provided me with a VIN # verification form- hopefully that does the trick. They slipped a piece of paper in my car, with information about the issue when I bought the car. Again, it would have been nice if they addressed the issue up front. I leased the car and the dealer didn't really go over what maintenance is covered under the warranty/lease. Where as we just leased a Toyota for my husband and they scheduled the first oil change in 6 months before we even left the dealership. Back seat is just large enough for passengers, but I imagine somebody 6' tall would have issues back there. Overall, I'm very happy with the car so far.
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Fun and Luxury in the Same Package
GregC, 07/21/2016
2016 FIAT 500X Trekking 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 9A)
40 of 43 people found this review helpful
I have owned my FIAT 500X for almost 7000 miles, and I could not be happier with my decision. I had narrowed my choices down to the Honda CRV, Kia Sportage, and the 500X. Each vehicle had a nice ride and good acceleration, and also had its particular strong points. For instance, the CRV-EX had several cool features (sunroof, lane watch, etc.) and got the best gas mileage. The Sportage had a nice interior and the largest back seats and cargo area. The FIAT was the most comfortable and looked great inside and out; I would compare the interior to a luxury SUV, but for half the price. I briefly looked at the Mini Countryman S, but I did not want to pay for a turbo charger (just one more expensive item to break) to get an adequate amount of power. I read many reviews (Edmunds and elsewhere) that gave the FIAT negative marks for their transmission and their acceleration. I will say that I needed to get used to the gas pedal, it is different from any other car I have driven. Once I figured out how to press the pedal (I know it sounds crazy, but give it a week or so), my driving experience became much more enjoyable. That was when I no longer experienced the “jerkiness” that many of the reviews had mentioned. Instead, I found that the silky smooth transmission shifts quicker than other cars, and it is even more fun to drive in the “Sport” mode. The engine is really strong and quiet, and the ride is smooth and quiet at highway speeds. More importantly, passing at highway speeds is very easy. I have not experienced any of the hesitation that other reviewers have mentioned, and most of the time I am at or over the speed limit much quicker than I expect. Gas mileage has been good but not great at 28 MPG, but this is a very small price to pay for such a nice car. In addition to the engine and transmission, I cannot say enough good things about the interior and the technology. It has higher ground clearance, so I can get in and out of it very easily. The seats and the dash layout really feel like they came out of a much more expensive European luxury SUV. I did not get all of the “bells and whistles” on my model, but I did want the options that are made to keep me and my family safe. The one I use most often is the “Rear Cross Path Detection” that informs me about unseen vehicles approaching from the side when backing out of a parking space. Very nice. The FIAT 500X really has made my commute more fun and enjoyable, and I never thought I would say that about a vehicle.
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Almost 3 years with the Fiat 500x
Jeff Briggs, 02/29/2016
updated 03/24/2020
2016 FIAT 500X Lounge 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 9A)
13 of 13 people found this review helpful
We have owned the car for almost 3 years and have had no major problems with the car. We have gone through several dealerships in Dallas as one closed and a new one opened up. They have done a good job for the scheduled maintenance and have taken care of all of its needs. I upgraded with door sill covers and the spare tire kit. I highly recommend those items. Thanks FIAT! We love our European crossover. Sept-19: Entering the 4th year of ownership and we have had only minor issues. There was a recall notice regarding the radiator fan. Dealership took care of this in quick order. Everything else has held up well and the car still looks new and fresh. I will be needing new tires soon but that is just about the only thing that will need attention.
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So Far So Good
adam keziah, 09/11/2016
2016 FIAT 500X Easy 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 9A)
13 of 13 people found this review helpful
Only had our 500X AWD for a month, but it seems to handle the curves in the mountains of NC/TN very well. Also the AWD seems to handle the rain better than our FWD Corolla. Notice some reviews complain on the shifting, my experience switch to "sport" when you know you need more responsive shifting. Works for us. Not really comfortable front seats but for a compact SUV I can live with it. Only real complaint is the factory navigation and trying to find an update for it online. Google maps very up to date but would like NAV to be updated so I can leave phone alone totally and use factory hands free. Look forward to this fall/winter to see how the AWD holds up.
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Gets a lot of attention!
DJ, 08/11/2016
2016 FIAT 500X Easy 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 9A)
19 of 20 people found this review helpful
This car is actually fun to drive, and it gets a lot of attention, with people pointing at it! It's pretty roomy in the front. The back is so-so. Great for kids or smaller people. I bought the 2.4 AWD. It hugs the road nicely. The auto shifting is a bit rough. It takes some time getting used to. The stereo rocks, and there are USB ports. It was very easy to sync the phone. The middle screen on the dash has a lot of computer "stuff" that you can program. IE-Alerts you when you are going a certain speed that you have set, outside temp, miles to empty etc. Plus you can have it show digitally MPH (The speedometer to the left of that screen actually is the "old school" 20, 30, 40 etc with the lines for each 5MPH increment. All in all I give it a 4. I would give it a 5, but it's a bit slow pulling into traffic. It doesn't "lag", however. It slowly but steadily increases in speed. It's a quiet ride, and once you hit 70+ MPH it's very smooth. I like it! THUMBS UP.
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